Can People on Disability Get Food Assistance Through SNAP?

Disabilities can impact anyone, affecting both health and finances significantly. Many American adults living with disabilities are more prone to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

They also often struggle more with getting enough food to eat. If you or someone in your home has a disability, you might be facing these challenges and wondering if you can receive food stamps, especially if you're receiving disability benefits like SSDI.
 

What You Need to Know About SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is designed to help millions of American families and individuals buy healthy food without spending a lot of money. To get SNAP benefits, there are certain income and resource guidelines set by each state that you'll need to meet.

Related Read: What is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Good news for people with disabilities: SNAP has special rules making it easier for you if you're on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to qualify.
 

Who is Considered Disabled by SNAP?

SNAP defines disability based on several criteria such as:
 

• Receive federal or state disability payments.
• Get disability retirement benefits from a government agency.
• Are a disabled veteran.
• Are the surviving spouse or child of a veteran receiving VA benefits because of disability.

 

Income Resource Limits for 2024

To qualify for SNAP, households with disabled members typically need to have a net monthly income at or below 100% of the federal poverty line and possess countable assets worth $4,250 or less. This means, for a single person, the net income limit is $1,215 per month, and for a two-person household, it's $1,644 per month. 

There's an exception: if everyone in your household gets SSI benefits, you might automatically qualify for SNAP.
 

Does Disability Income Affect SNAP?

Yes, when applying for SNAP, your SSDI benefits are counted as income. However, don’t let this discourage you. SNAP allows certain deductions for medical expenses that can help you qualify for benefits, sometimes even increasing the amount you might receive.
 

Why Consider SNAP If You're on Disability?

Eating healthy is crucial, especially for managing or preventing conditions common among people with disabilities. However, healthy food can be expensive, particularly on a limited income or fixed benefits. SNAP benefits increase your budget for food, allowing you to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, and more at many stores and even some farmers' markets.
 

How to Apply for SNAP

Applying for SNAP varies by state. Check with your local SNAP office to see if you can apply online, by mail, or over the phone. You'll need information about your income, household size, and assets ready. 

If it feels overwhelming, check more of our resources to help guide you through the SNAP process.

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