Question: I have considered applying for food stamps, but I don’t know a lot about them. Can you tell me more about the food stamp program?

Answer: Certainly! I am and always have been a strong supporter of this program. The Food Stamp (FS) Program is known federally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

This is a perfectly timed question as April is Senior Hunger Awareness Month. This month, we are reminded that access to nutritious food can be a challenge for many older adults in our community. Food insecurity can have harmful effects on the health of older adults leading to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, poor cardiovascular health, and other chronic conditions.

In Chautauqua County, the Department of Social Services (DSS) has the responsibility of administering the program. To receive Food Stamps (an individual, couple, or family), must complete a written application provided by DSS or by obtaining one online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov. Another option you have is working through Feedmore WNY. Feedmore WNY Team Members are here to help. Feedmore WNY is a hunger-relief organization assisting community members of all ages in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Erie and Niagara counties. One of Feedmore WNY’s many services is to help determine SNAP eligibility and submit the SNAP application. The service is completely free and confidential. To learn more and to receive assistance with SNAP eligibility, call 716-208-8688 or email: snap@feedmorewny.org.

The criteria are the same whether you mail in your application or make an appointment or submit online. This criterion is primarily financial. Your income must be less than the cap for benefits and have proof of your income, assets and expenses. With SNAP many of your expenses are subtracted from your income. This means you could be over income for SNAP and still get the benefit. Your income minus your expenses, such as medical insurance, medical bills, heat, rent, etc., could be used to reduce your income and thereby increase the amount of SNAP benefits you are eligible for.

The asset test has been removed for those individuals over 60 years of age. This means that you can have money in the bank, and investments and still be eligible for SNAP. The income you receive from these investments still counts, but the amount in the investments/bank accounts is not considered.

The income rules include money you earn, like wages, interest income, dividends, and money you receive, like Social Security, Pensions, retirements, etc, The income cap for those over 60 years of age is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which is an income of $2608 monthly for a single individual and $3525 monthly for a family of two.

In evaluating these income levels, remember that some expenses are deducted from your monthly income, like Mmdical expenses, health insurance premiums, rent payments and some utilities.

SNAP is a helpful benefit, that can make your dollars stretch farther. We all know that the prices are going up in the store and everywhere else and this is a way to keep you healthy and well fed. If you are currently receiving food stamps you are also eligible for nutrition education. This can include nutrition, meal planning, healthy food shopping on a budget, cooking and food safety, weight control and physical activity, and much more. This can be provided in your home, in a classroom or local organization. This is provided free of charge to food stamp participants and individuals whose income is within food stamp limits.

The benefit amounts for Food Stamps range from $24 to $298 each month in benefits, for a single person. It is up to $546 for two people. This is a debit card that you are given with that amount on it each month. You do not need to spend the total amount each month. The dollar amount can accumulate for up to 3 months before it goes back to the USDA.

This benefit must be recertified at DSS every year. I have heard some say that this is a “hassle”. I disagree. I know that if I found $24 on my doorstep each month, I would pick it up. If you qualify and only get $24 each month, that is $288 yearly to help with your food cost. I strongly encourage all the seniors I talk with to apply for this benefit. This is money that can help you make ends meet. If your income is “close” I suggest you apply because there is that chance you could qualify!

I just want to put in another plug for Feedmore WNY. Feedmore WNY also provides nutritious food and support to nearly 50 food pantries and dining sites and other partner agencies in Chautauqua County, and operates a mobile farm truck that provides fresh, affordable produce. These food resources and more can be found at www.feedmorewny.org or by calling Feedmore WNY at 716-822-2002.

I have referred so many individuals and families to this resource and the process of applying for SNAP. It is good for you, but it is also good for our region. SNAP brings federal dollars into our region to spend at our area stores. SNAP works like Social Security or Medicare — everyone who is eligible and applies will receive their benefit without affecting benefits to others.

Please apply for SNAP if you are eligible or are close to eligibility. I know that money is tight and this will help you.

Janell Sluga is a Geriatric Care Manager helping seniors in our community access services and insurance. To reach her, please email editorial@post-journal.com.