Strategies to Simplify SNAP for Seniors
Older adults are much less likely to participate in SNAP than other groups, with only 42% of eligible seniors receiving the
i
benefit, compared to 83% for all households. By leveraging federal policy options, including the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) and the Standard Medical Deduction (SMD), states can increase senior participation in SNAP.
Standard Medical Deduction (SMD)
SMD streamlines the medical deduction process by allowing seniors to receive a standard deduction (amount
varies by state) by verifying only the first $35 of unreimbursed medical expenses. FNS encourages ESAP states to
implement a SMD waiver in combination with ESAP, but has not made this a requirement.
Standard Medical Deductions by State ,
WA
ii, iii
ND
($165)
MT
ID
($144)
OR
MN
SD
($165)
WY
($103)
UT
CA
CO
($165)
IA
($210)
KS
($140)
OK
AZ
ME
WI
NE
NV
VT
($138)
NH
($115)
NM
TX
($102)
IL
($210)
LA
PA
OH
IN
WV
MO
($165)
AR
($103)
NY
MI
KY
TN
NC
SC
($175)
GA
MS AL
($165) ($150)
NJ CT
DE
MD
DC
VA
($140)
MA
($155)
RI
($141)
AK
FL
HI
Standard medical deduction (18 states)
State
AR, CO, IA, RI, SC, TX, VA
Offset Amount
$3-$5
AL, GA, IL, ID, KS, MA, NH, SD, WY
$6-$9
MO, ND, VT
$10+
No Standard medical deduction (33 states)
States are required to show that the SMD is cost neutral.
Most states offset the cost by reducing their Standard
Utility Allowance (SUA). This table, and associated
shading, shows SMD SUA offset ranges in each state.
Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)
ESAP simplifies the SNAP application and verification process for seniors, while reducing the administrative burden on
states. SNAP applications are eligible for ESAP if all household members are age 60 or older and have no earned income.
Some states also elect to include disabled households. Simplifications include; no interview at recertification, fewer
v
iv
vi
documentation requirements , extended certification period and a shortened SNAP application.
Table 1. Waiver information for States with Approved ESAP Demonstrations
State
ESAP
Both ESAP and Dedicated ESAP
Expiration Date
SMD
Unit
Recertification
Initial interview
interview
waived**
waived
36 month
certification
period
Simplified
verification





AL*
9/2016


FL
9/2017




GA
11/2017



MD
11/2021




MS
9/2017


PA
9/2020




SC
9/2017


WA
9/2020
*Alabama's ESAP renewal pending FNS approval as of November 2016. Initial interviews are waived in Alabama through December 2016.
**FNS had previously waived the initial interview. 2015 guidance reinstated the initial interview as required.








Conclusion
ESAP and SMD make it easier for vulnerable seniors to access and maximize their SNAP benefit Both create a more
streamlined application process that maximizes benefit amounts.. BDT and NCOA are available to assist state agencies
with the development of demonstration proposals for FNS, as well as support for implementation efforts post waiver
approval.
About Benefits Data Trust
Benefits Data Trust (BDT) is a not-for-profit social change organization committed to transforming how individuals in
need access public benefits and services. In its effort to increase financial stability among vulnerable populations, BDT
provides comprehensive application assistance to eligible individuals, as well as collaborates with diverse, cross-sector
partners to simplify the benefits access landscape and affect policy to ensure that benefits access is simple,
comprehensive and cost-effective. For more information contact Benefits Data Trust at [email protected] or visit
www.bdtrust.org.
About National Council on Aging
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet
the challenges of aging. Our mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are
struggling. Through innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy, NCOA is partnering with
nonprofit organizations, government, and business to improve the health and economic security of 10 million older
adults by 2020. For more information contact 571-527-3940 or visit www.ncoa.org.
i Cunnyngham, K., & Gray, K F. (2016). Trends in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates: Fiscal Year 2010 to Fiscal Year 2014. Retrieved from United
States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ops/Trends2010-2014.pdf
ii
Confirmed by Food and Nutrition Service Program Design Branch in August 2016.
iii
Jones, Ty. (2014) SNAP’s Excess Medical Expense Deduction: Targeting Food Assistance to Low-Income Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities. Retrieved from the
Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: http://www.cbpp.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/8-20-14fa.pdf
iv
FNS waives the requirement to verify unearned income, household size, residency, identity, and shelter expenses, unless questionable. Electronic matches are used to
verify this information whenever possible. Noncitizen status and medical expenses still need to be verified.
v
FNS permits the state agency to assign 36-month certification periods but still requires 12 month reporting. Alabama is the only ESAP state that waives the 12 month
reporting requirement due to a separately approved demonstration waiver.
vi
ESAP demonstration projects often make use of a simplified two-page application, though this does not require waiver authority.