Virginia food banks in the Feeding America network are working together to eliminate hunger in the Commonwealth, improve the health of the people we serve, and promote household financial stability. As part of this work, we aim to support eligible households in connecting to SNAP benefits. Monica Kelley, Public Benefits Outreach Program Manager is here to help individuals overcome these hurdles and get the SNAP benefits they are eligible for.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as “food stamps,” helps millions of low-income Americans put food on the table, providing benefits that are timely, targeted and temporary. The nutrition assistance program reaches people who need it most, predominantly serving working households with children, elderly and disabled members.
You could miss opportunities to reduce your net income through qualified deductions! Many older adults don’t apply for SNAP because they believe they will only receive the minimum benefit of $23 per month. The SNAP medical deduction offers a way for adults age 60+ and people with disabilities to apply for a higher benefit.
By deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $35/month, older adults can reduce their net income and receive a greater benefit. According to the National Council on Aging, it is estimated that fewer than 1 in 5 older adults enrolled in SNAP take the medical deduction, but many more SNAP-eligible seniors could qualify to use it. Even seniors enrolled in the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (Extra Help) and Medicare Savings Program (MSP) may have unreimbursed out-of-pocket costs in excess of $35 that would be eligible.
For elderly and disabled individuals, medical costs that are more than $35 a month may be deducted, unless an insurance company or someone who is not a household member pays for them. Only the amount over $35 each month may be deducted. Allowable costs include:
After other deductions are taken, shelter costs that are more than half of the household’s income can be deducted. Allowable shelter costs include the costs of:
For most households, there is a limit on the amount of the deduction that can be allowed.
Meet With Monica
In her role for the Food Bank, Monica helps us to ensure that everyone has enough to eat by helping guests access SNAP benefits. Her background is in social work, and that has prepared her well for the work she is doing for the Food Bank.
“I stand by the values that I have always upheld being a social worker. That means I treat people with respect and dignity and I’m a true believer that the people I serve are the experts of their own experiences.”
Monica loves working with people one-on-one and finding ways to connect those who are eligible to the benefits they deserve.
