What you should know
- New York’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will now be easier to apply for food-insecure seniors and disabled people, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday.
- The changes include, starting in December, simplifying the SNAP application, extending the time these households can receive benefits before having to recertify, and eliminating the need for them to complete an interview during the recertification process.
- Households only need to complete a single sheet, front and back application, greatly reducing the amount of time and effort required to apply for or recertify benefits.
—
New York’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will now be easier to apply for food-insecure seniors and disabled people, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday.
The changes begin in December and include simplifying the SNAP application, extending the time these households can receive benefits before having to recertify, and eliminating the need for them to complete an interview during the recertification process.
This means older New Yorkers who meet the requirement can also recertify their benefits for 36 months, 12 months longer than the previous time frame for recertification. Additionally, applicants will no longer be required to complete an interview to recertify their benefits, often one of the biggest impediments to successful recertification.
The New York Office of Temporary Assistance and Disability Assistance administers SNAP in New York and can now offer the simplified application after approval by the US Department of Agriculture. The abbreviated application form can be used to both apply for and recertify SNAP, making the process easier and easier for qualifying seniors and disabled adults. Households only need to complete a single sheet, front and back application, greatly reducing the amount of time and effort required to apply for or recertify benefits.
Why were changes made to the application to help older adults and people with disabilities?
Although New York leads the nation in SNAP participation among adults 60 and older, the rate is still lower than the statewide average. Approximately 70 percent of eligible seniors and disabled individuals are enrolled for benefits, which is significantly lower than the estimated state participation rate of approximately 89 percent.
One of the main reasons they are not enrolled is the length and complexity of the SNAP application form. The regular application included nine pages of questions and information aimed at determining whether they qualified. Because many elderly and disabled people live on a fixed income, and generally experience far fewer changes at home, much less information is required to verify and calculate benefits.
How does SNAP help seniors?
Additionally, studies show that providing SNAP benefits to people 65 and older results in better health outcomes. There is a direct link between SNAP and decreased long-term care placement, health care costs, and emergency visits. Receiving SNAP benefits also allows people age 65 and older to focus their limited resources on paying for other basic needs, like prescriptions and rent.
“New York’s elderly and disabled communities were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing food insecurity in some cases and exacerbating it in others,” Governor Hochul said. “Allowing easier access to SNAP benefits for these groups will help alleviate this stress. No one should have to wonder when their next meal will be and I am proud to take these steps to remove the barriers that prevented seniors and people with disabilities from with fixed incomes access food benefits that can help them put food on the table. “
For information and to make the request go to this website.
– .
