SNAP and food help for older adults in Florida

In short: If you get SSI and buy and cook your food alone, Florida's SUNCAP program can give you food benefits with no extra application or interview. Other older adults apply for SNAP through ACCESS Florida, run by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). If you are 60 or older with income at or below 185% of the poverty level, you may also get free local produce in 17 counties. Call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 for meals and local food help.

SUNCAP: food help for people on SSI

SUNCAP is a special Florida food program for people who get SSI. It is run by DCF.

Who qualifies

You can get SUNCAP if you:

  • Receive SSI
  • Are 18 or older
  • Are not working
  • Buy and prepare your food alone

How it works

  • No application. You get it without any added application, paperwork or interview.
  • Automatic switch. If you already get food help and then start getting SSI, you may be moved into SUNCAP on your own.
  • Fewer renewals. You only renew every three years, and that happens through your SSI review.
  • Fewer reports. You only report the changes that Social Security asks you to report.

When the regular program may pay more

SUNCAP uses a simpler formula. You can choose to stay in the regular food program instead if:

  • SUNCAP would lower your benefit, or
  • You pay a lot out of pocket each month for medical costs, or for rent, a mortgage or property taxes.

Call the SUNCAP Unit to ask which gives you more.

SUNCAP Unit: 850-300-4323 (Florida Relay 711, or TTY 1-800-955-8771). Fax 866-886-4342. Mail: Florida Department of Children and Families, ACCESS Central Mail Center, Attention: SUNCAP Unit, P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, FL 34478-1770.

Regular SNAP for older adults

If SUNCAP does not fit you, apply for SNAP (also called food assistance) through ACCESS Florida.

Who qualifies

  • Income: Most households must have gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • Assets: Most households can have savings, a car or property and still qualify. An asset limit applies only in some cases, such as when someone in the home has been disqualified. Then the limit is $4,500 if someone in the home is elderly or disabled.

What can lower your countable income

DCF can subtract some costs, including:

  • Medical costs you pay yourself
  • Shelter costs, such as rent, mortgage and property taxes
  • Dependent care

Keep your receipts and bring them when you apply.

How to apply

  1. Online: Apply at myaccess.myflfamilies.com (ACCESS Florida).
  2. By phone: Call DCF at 850-300-4323.
  3. In person: Go to a DCF office.
  4. Get your card: Once you are approved, a reloadable EBT card is mailed to the address on file.

After you apply

  • Report changes: Tell DCF if your household income goes over 130% of the poverty level for your household size.
  • If you are denied or your benefits are cut: You can ask for a fair hearing within 90 days of the notice. Ask at a DCF office, through the DCF call center, or with the Appeal Hearings Section at (850) 488-1429.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

This program, run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, gives older adults fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Age 60 or older
Income At or below 185% of the federal poverty level
Benefit A bundle of produce worth $40 from a local farmer
Season Early April through November 30, or until funds run out

Where it runs: Bay, Citrus, Duval, Escambia, Gadsden, Hernando, Hillsborough, Leon, Marion, Nassau, Okaloosa, Pasco, St. Johns, Santa Rosa, Sumter, Walton and Washington counties.

How to apply: Fill out an application with the lead local agency for your county. Bundles are given out first come, first served, on set dates. Your local agency has the dates, times and places. For questions, call the program at 850-414-2397 or the Department of Elder Affairs at 850-414-2000.

Meals at home and in your community

  • Home-delivered meals: Ask your Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) through the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337. It can also find group meal sites near you.
  • If you get Medicaid long-term care: Home-delivered meals and nutrition checks are covered services in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program.

Common mistakes

  • Not checking if regular SNAP pays more. If you have high medical or housing costs, ask before staying in SUNCAP.
  • Not reporting medical costs. Medical bills you pay yourself can be subtracted from your income.
  • Missing the produce dates. Farmers' market bundles run out. Contact your county agency early in the season.

Free help

  • Elder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337 for meals, food programs and your local ADRC.
  • Department of Elder Affairs: 850-414-2000.

See also all benefits in Florida.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Florida agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18