SNAP and food help for older adults in Georgia

Senior SNAP

Senior SNAP is a simpler way for older households to apply for SNAP (food stamps). It is run by the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

Who can use it

You may be eligible for Senior SNAP if:

• Everyone in your household is 65 or older and buys and prepares food together.
• No one in your household is working.
• Your income is fixed, such as Social Security, a private, state or federal retirement pension, VA benefits or Railroad Retirement.
• Your household is under the SNAP income limits.

If someone in your home is younger than 65 or has a job, apply for regular SNAP instead. The same office handles both.

How to apply for Senior SNAP

1. Get the form. The Georgia Senior SNAP Application is Form 298. It comes in regular and large print, in English and Spanish.
2. Send it in. Mail it to Georgia Senior SNAP, P.O. Box 450149, Atlanta, GA 31145-0149, or fax it to 678-717-5585.
3. Or apply another way. Apply online at Georgia Gateway (gateway.ga.gov), Monday to Friday from 5 a.m. to midnight, except holidays. Or call the DFCS Customer Contact Center at (877) 423-4746 to apply by phone.
4. Do the phone interview. After you apply, DFCS calls for an interview. You, another adult in your home, or someone you name to act for you (an authorized representative) can do it. That person must know your household's situation.

You can file a short form first. Your application counts as filed once DFCS receives a form with the head of household's name, address, the date and a signature (or another household member's).

Medical costs: the deduction many seniors miss

If you are 65 or older or disabled, your medical costs over $35 a month can be subtracted from your income. This can raise your SNAP amount.

Costs that count include:

• Doctor, hospital and dental care
• Prescriptions
• Health insurance and Medicare premiums
• Rides to medical care

Bring proof of these costs, such as receipts, bills or a pharmacy printout, when you apply.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives older adults a benefit to buy fresh Georgia-grown fruits and vegetables at senior farmers markets. It is run by the Georgia Department of Public Health with local Area Agencies on Aging.

How to get it: Benefits are handed out by participating Area Agencies on Aging, once per season, first come, first served. Contact your Area Agency on Aging early in the spring. Find yours at aging.georgia.gov/locations or call 1-866-552-4464.

Questions: Call the program's customer service line at (866) 814-5468.

Meals and other food help

Your Area Agency on Aging, through Georgia's Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC), can tell you about home-delivered meals and group meal sites near you. Call 1-866-552-4464.

After you apply

• Be ready for the interview call. DFCS needs the phone interview to finish your application. Call (877) 423-4746 with questions.
• Report changes in income or who lives with you to DFCS.

Common mistakes

• Not listing medical costs. Medicare premiums alone are often over $35 a month.
• Using Senior SNAP when someone in the home is under 65 or works. Use the regular SNAP application instead.
• Waiting for the farmers market. Benefits are first come, first served, so ask your Area Agency on Aging before the season starts.

Free help

• Aging and Disability Resource Connection: 1-866-552-4464, or aging.georgia.gov/adrc.
• DFCS Customer Contact Center: (877) 423-4746 for SNAP questions.

See also all benefits in Georgia.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Georgia agencies

Check what you may qualify for