SNAP and food help for older adults in Washington, DC

SNAP for older adults

SNAP is run by the DC Department of Human Services (DHS), Economic Security Administration (ESA). Benefits come on an EBT card you use at grocery stores and many farmers' markets.

Rules that help older adults

• No asset test for most households. DC uses a higher gross income limit (200% of the poverty level) and does not count savings for most households.
• Net income test only. If someone in your household is 60 or older or disabled, you only need to pass the net income test (income after deductions).
• Medical costs count. Medical costs over $35 a month that you pay yourself can be deducted. This includes premiums, copays, prescriptions and transportation to medical care.
• No cap on the shelter deduction for older or disabled households. High rent and utility costs can lower your counted income a lot.

The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP)

DC is one of the places that runs an ESAP. ESAP is for households where everyone is an older adult with no earnings from work. It can mean:

• a simpler application,
• fewer papers to prove what you report,
• longer approval periods (up to 36 months) and no interview when you renew.

Ask about ESAP when you apply.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Online: apply through District Direct at https://dhs.dc.gov/districtdirect or the District Direct mobile app.
2. Paper: fill out the DC Integrated Application. Mail it, fax it, or bring it to a DHS Service Center. The same form covers SNAP and Medicaid.
3. Send proof of income, rent and utilities, and medical costs you pay.
4. Questions: Public Benefits Call Center, (202) 727-5355 (TTY 711).

After you are approved

• Renew on time. You can recertify through District Direct or at a Service Center.
• Report changes the way your approval letter tells you.
• If you are denied or your benefits are cut, your notice explains how to ask for a fair hearing and by when.

Grocery Plus monthly food box

Grocery Plus is a monthly food box program for DC residents 60 and over. DC Health sends people to the Capital Area Food Bank to enroll.

• Who qualifies: DC residents 60 and over with low income.
• What you get: a box of food at a distribution site each month.
• Why it matters: you must be enrolled in Grocery Plus, or on its waitlist, to get Senior Farmers' Market benefits (below).
• How to sign up: contact the Capital Area Food Bank through its Grocery Plus page, or ask DACL at (202) 724-5626 for help. Questions about the farmers' market part: DC Health Farmers' Market Hotline, (202) 299-3775.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

DC Health runs this program.

• Who qualifies: DC residents 60 and over who are enrolled in, or on the waitlist for, Grocery Plus, and who get SNAP, SSI, Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program, or meet the income rules.
• What you get: a Produce Pass card to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, cut herbs and honey from approved farmers at participating markets in DC and Maryland.
• When: use the card from June 1 to November 30. Cards are handed out April through September at Grocery Plus box sites. Bring your card each time. If you are new or lost your card, you get a new one there.
• How to apply: there is no separate application. You sign up through Grocery Plus.
• Check your balance at produceplus.fr2.farmersregister.com/balance-check or ask at the market's information booth.
• Questions: DC Health Farmers' Market Hotline, (202) 299-3775 (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm). Produce Plus Hotline, (202) 888-4834 (weekdays 9 am to 3 pm, April through November).

Meals

DACL is DC's aging agency and Aging and Disability Resource Center. Ask DACL about senior meal programs and home-delivered meals near you: (202) 724-5626.

Things people miss

• Savings do not block SNAP for most DC households.
• Keep medical receipts. Out-of-pocket medical costs can raise your SNAP benefit.
• Get on the Grocery Plus waitlist. Even if there is a wait, it makes you eligible for farmers' market benefits.
• If you get SSI, Extra Help or QMB, you already meet the income rules for Senior Farmers' Market benefits.

Free help

• DACL (DC's aging agency and Aging and Disability Resource Center) helps low-income seniors apply for SNAP and Medicaid. Call (202) 724-5626 (TTY 711) for an appointment, or visit 500 K Street NE.
• Public Benefits Call Center: (202) 727-5355.

See all benefits in Washington, DC for health care, energy and housing help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for District of Columbia agencies

Check what you may qualify for