INDIANA — The Indiana Senate recently approved a bill intended to make access to SNAP benefits easier for seniors and those on disability.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, which are considered critical in helping low-income individuals obtain food. Currently, seniors and those who receive disability benefits whose income is below a certain threshold, are eligible for those benefits. The bill would not increase benefits but would make it possible for seniors to renew their application only once every three years, rather than annually. Given that low-income seniors and the disabled may have limited access to transportation to welfare offices on a regular basis. Recipients would still be required to update income information every year, but could opt out of the annual interview.
According to the USDA, almost 10% of seniors living alone or with disabilities reported being somewhat or very food insecure in 2021. Eligible household members receive about $182 a month in benefits based on household size, income and resources. In Indiana. a single person who makes less than $1,473 gross income per month, or $1,133 net income, would be eligible for benefits.
To find out if you are eligible for SNAP benefits in Indiana, visit in.gov/fssa/dfr/snap-food-assistance/ or call 800-403-0864.