SNAP and food help for older adults in Indiana

Who qualifies

SNAP rules for people 60 and over

SNAP is run by FSSA's Division of Family Resources (DFR). If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled:

• No gross income test. You only have to meet the net income limit. Net income is what is left after allowed costs are taken off.
• Higher asset limit: $4,750, instead of $3,000 for other households.
• Medical costs: out-of-pocket medical costs not paid by Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance can be taken off your income. Costs over $35 a month count. You must show proof.
• Housing costs: there is no cap on the shelter deduction for your household.
• Work rules: under the federal law known as H.R. 1, DFR says the age exception to the SNAP work requirement now goes up to 65 and older.

What counts and what does not

• Not counted as assets: your home and lot, household goods, personal belongings, life insurance policies, and vehicles used to get around (whatever their value).
• Income that counts: Social Security, SSI, pensions and other income.
• Other benefits are safe. Getting SNAP does not lower your SSI, Medicaid or other disability benefits.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

This program helps older adults with low income buy locally grown fruits, vegetables and fresh herbs at approved farmers markets and stands.

• Who: people 60 and older, or 55 and older who live in housing mainly for older adults where group meals are served.
• Income: gross household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Where you live: you must live in an area served by a local agency. The Department of Health posts a coverage map.
• How benefits come: on a mobile wallet app on your smartphone or tablet. If you do not have one, you get a printed QR code instead.
• First come, first served: applications are handled in the order they arrive, so apply early in the season.

The Department of Health's page does not list the benefit amount or season dates. Ask when you apply.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

CSFP gives a monthly package of USDA foods to people 60 and older with low income.

• You must live in the local agency's CSFP service area and fill out an application.
• If all spots are full, you go on a waiting list.
• The Department of Health posts a CSFP map to find your local agency.

Other food help

• Food pantries and meal sites: The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) supplies food banks, pantries and soup kitchens. You do not sign up. Contact a local pantry, or use the Community Compass app (communitycompass.app), which the Department of Health links to.
• Your Area Agency on Aging gives information on services for older adults and caregivers in your area. Call 800-713-9023.

How to apply

SNAP

1. Apply online at the FSSA Benefits Portal, fssabenefits.in.gov. If you do not have a computer, apply at your local DFR office (weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time) or call 800-403-0864.
2. Do the interview. The worker asks about who lives with you, your income and your resources.
3. Send the papers on the list DFR gives you by the due date. Include proof of medical costs to get the deduction. Mail papers to FSSA Document Center, P.O. Box 1810, Marion, IN 46952.

Farmers' market benefits and CSFP

Contact the Indiana Department of Health's WIC Commodities Programs at 800-522-0874, or your local agency from the coverage maps on the Department of Health website.

After you apply

• Read every notice. Each one lists your appeal rights.
• Appeals: for SNAP, your appeal must reach DFR within 90 days of the date on the notice. You can call, write, fax or mail it to the FSSA Document Center, or go to a DFR office. For SNAP, asking by phone counts.
• Keep benefits during an appeal: your request must reach DFR within 13 days of the date the notice was mailed.

Things people miss

• Report medical costs. Medical costs you pay yourself, that insurance does not cover, can raise your SNAP benefit.
• The farmers' market program is digital. You will need a smartphone or tablet, or ask for a printed QR code.
• You can get more than one program. SNAP, the farmers' market program and CSFP are separate.

Free help

• DFR: 800-403-0864
• Indiana Department of Health, WIC Commodities Programs: 800-522-0874
• Area Agencies on Aging (INconnect Alliance): 800-713-9023

For other programs, see all benefits in Indiana.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Indiana agencies

Check what you may qualify for