SNAP and food help for older adults in Alabama

The short SNAP form for seniors (AESAP)

The Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project (AESAP) makes SNAP easier for older households.

Who can use it

• Everyone in your household is 65 or older on the day you apply, or you are 65 or older and buy and cook your food apart from others in the home.
• No one in your household has earnings from a job. Social Security, SSI, pensions and other unearned income are fine.

Income and asset limits are the same as for any other SNAP household. Your benefit is figured the same way too.

How it is easier

• A two-page form. Use Form DHR-FSD-2198, the SNAP Simplified Application for the Elderly.
• No interview unless you ask for one.
• You tell DHR your facts yourself. DHR takes your word unless something is unclear.
• Approved for three years at a time, instead of the usual shorter period.

What proof you still need

You only have to send proof of:

• Shelter costs, such as rent or mortgage,
• Utility costs,
• Medical costs, if you want them taken off your income,
• Non-citizen status, if it applies, and
• Anything DHR finds unclear.

Do not skip the medical proof. People 60 and over can have some medical costs taken off their income, which can raise the benefit. The form says plainly that if you do not include proof, you will not get the deduction. Proof can be receipts or bills for prescriptions, doctor visits, Medicare premiums and rides to medical care.

Back to the page menu

Regular SNAP for older adults

If someone in your home is under 65 or has a job, use the regular application (Form 2116/1942) or apply online at mydhr.alabama.gov. The SNAP rules for people 60 and over still help you, including the medical cost deduction.

The DHR Food Assistance page links to the current income limits chart (Form 1942). Check that chart, or ask your county DHR office, for the limits in effect now.

Back to the page menu

How to apply

1. Get the form. Download Form DHR-FSD-2198 (or the regular form) from dhr.alabama.gov, or get one at any county DHR office. You can also apply online at mydhr.alabama.gov.
2. Fill in what you can. You can turn in the form with just your name, address and signature. That sets your filing date. You can finish the rest later.
3. Turn it in at your county DHR office. For your county office's address and phone, call 1-833-822-2202. For help filling out the form, call 1-800-438-2958. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use Alabama Relay (711) or TTY 1-800-548-2546.
4. Answer your phone. DHR may call between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.
5. Get a decision. DHR must act on your application within 30 days. If you have little or no money, you may get food help within 7 days.

Benefits go on an EBT card. You can check your balance at connectebt.com.

Back to the page menu

After you apply

• Reviews. You must cooperate with reviews, including when you report a change and when your certification period ends.
• Appeals. If you disagree with a decision, you can ask for a conference or a fair hearing, by phone, in person or in writing. You can ask about any action in the past 90 days. If DHR sends a notice cutting or ending your benefits, ask within the time shown on that notice. If you do, your benefits usually stay the same until the hearing.
• You can bring anyone you choose to help you at a hearing.

Back to the page menu

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives a $50 benefit card for fresh, Alabama-grown food. The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Farmers Market Authority, runs it.

• Age: 60 or older on the day the card is issued.
• Apply online only at agi-app.alabama.gov/fma/seniorNutrition/. Applications are not taken by phone or mail. If you are not online, a family member or friend can help you apply.
• First come, first served. Cards usually go out May through July until money runs out. Apply early each year.
• Use it at approved farmers markets and roadside stands for fruits, vegetables, honey and fresh-cut herbs. Look for the "Farmers Market Nutrition Program" sign. You cannot use it at grocery stores, and you get no change back.
• It expires at the end of the season in late November. You must apply again each year.
• Questions: Farmers Market Authority, (800) 642-7761 or (334) 240-7100.

Back to the page menu

Free meals for people 60 and over

The Elderly Nutrition Program serves hot lunches Monday to Friday at more than 335 senior centers. Every county has at least one. In some areas, homebound seniors can get a hot meal each day or a weekly box of five frozen meals. There is no charge, though you may give a donation. A spouse of any age can come too. Your local Area Agency on Aging signs people up.

Back to the page menu

Things people miss

• Not applying because you think you would only get a little. Medical costs and housing costs can raise your benefit.
• Missing the farmers market window. Cards run out, so apply as soon as applications open.

Back to the page menu

Free help

• 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463): your Area Agency on Aging, for meals and help with forms.
• DHR county office information: 1-833-822-2202.

See all benefits in Alabama.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Alabama agencies

Check what you may qualify for