For Older Americans, Healthful Eating Can Be A SNAP

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Updated: 7/3/2009 11:00:40 AM

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(HealthNewsDigest.com)-Today, an estimated 3.6 million Americans over age 65 are living in poverty. Many must make the choice between going to the grocery store and paying their bills.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government benefit that can help older Americans and those who care for them make ends meet, yet the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that only 34 percent of eligible older Americans participate.

Fortunately, more money is available to help: Congress recently authorized another $300 million for SNAP. Anyone who needs help paying for groceries should look into applying.

How It Works

Participants get a special debit card to use at most grocery stores, certain senior centers, farmers' markets and meal delivery services such as Meals on Wheels.

You swipe the card just like a credit card. The cost of the groceries is deducted from your account and new benefits are added automatically each month.

Who's Eligible?

Those 60 or older may qualify for the card if:

• Their net monthly income (after you subtract certain expenses such as housing and medical costs, child care and eldercare) is around $903 for a single person or around $1,214 for a married couple.

• They have no more than $3,000 in "countable resources," such as a bank account. Certain resources, such as a home or retirement accounts, are not counted.

• They get SSI (in most cases).

• They live in federally subsidized housing for the elderly even if they receive their meals at the facility.

How Does It Help?

SNAP pays part of your monthly grocery bill. The average benefit for an older American is $72 a month. This can help people get food to keep them healthy. The better your nutrition and health status, the more likely you'll be able to live independently with dignity and be in control of your life.

Get Started

You can get started by visiting www.aarp.org/snap. AARP is working with USDA to help older Americans connect with the SNAP benefit.

Everyone can eat right, even when money is tight, with help from a special government program.

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