SNAP and food help for older adults in Rhode Island

SNAP rules that help older adults

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) puts money on an EBT card each month for food. Rhode Island DHS runs it. These rules make it easier for older adults to qualify:

• Higher gross income limit. If someone in your household is 60 or older or disabled, your gross income can be up to 200% of the federal poverty level, instead of 185%.
• Net income can be the real test. Households with an older or disabled member can have higher gross income as long as they pass the net income test (income after deductions).
• Medical costs count. If you are 60 or older or disabled, out-of-pocket medical costs above $35 a month can lower your counted income. Rhode Island also has a standard medical deduction, so you may not need to add up every bill if your costs are modest. Copays, prescriptions and mileage to medical visits can count.
• Housing and utility costs count. Rent and utility bills can raise your benefit. Bring proof.
• Work rules. Since July 2025, federal SNAP time limits can apply to adults without dependents up to age 64, unless an exception applies. People 65 and over are not affected.

ESAP: the short form and three-year approval

Rhode Island's Elderly and Disabled Simplified Application Project (ESAP) makes SNAP simpler.

Who can use ESAP

• Everyone in your household is 65 or older, or disabled at any age, or a mix of both.
• No one in the household has income from a job.

"Disabled" here means Social Security has found you disabled, and you most likely get a disability benefit such as SSI, Social Security disability, disability-based Medicaid, or 100% VA disability.

What ESAP changes

• A shorter application.
• Fewer papers. DHS may ask for less proof if it can check your information through data matches.
• Three years of benefits. You are approved for 3 years instead of 2.
• Usually no renewal interview. At the end of the 3 years, you send a renewal form. DHS usually does not need an interview unless your case may close, you ask for one, or something on the form needs to be cleared up.

If you already get SNAP and fit the rules, DHS moves you into ESAP on its own or at your next renewal.

How to apply for SNAP, step by step

1. Choose a way to apply.
   • Online: healthyrhode.ri.gov.
   • By phone: DHS Call Center, 1-855-697-4347 (1-855-MY-RIDHS). Deaf and hard of hearing callers dial 7-1-1.
   • By mail: Send the ESAP form (English, Spanish or Portuguese) or the regular application to RI Department of Human Services, P.O. Box 8709, Cranston, RI 02920-8787.
   • In person: At a DHS regional office.
2. Gather proof.
   • ID, and Social Security numbers for everyone applying (the cards are not required)
   • Social Security or pension award letters, or other proof of income
   • Your lease, rent receipt or a recent utility bill
   • Receipts for medical costs, if you are 60 or older or disabled
   • Bank statements only if DHS asks
3. Do the interview. For regular SNAP, DHS calls you or mails a notice to set up an interview. If you miss it and do not reschedule, you can be denied.
4. Wait for the decision. DHS has 30 days to decide. If you have very little money, it may decide within 7 days. If DHS asks for more papers, you have 10 days to send them.

Someone you trust can apply and do the interview for you if you name them in writing as your authorized representative.

After you are approved

• Report changes as your notice says. If you are a simplified reporter, report when your gross income goes over the limit for your household size.
• Report new medical costs. Costs you do not report and prove are not counted.
• Renew on time. Send your renewal form and papers by the due date, or your case closes.
• Appeals: If you disagree with a SNAP decision, you have 90 days from the date the notice was mailed to ask for a hearing. If you ask within 10 days, your benefits continue during the appeal.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Rhode Island gives older adults a $50 card to buy fresh local food each summer.

• Who: Rhode Island residents 60 or older, or people with disabilities who live in housing that serves group meals.
• What it buys: Local fruits and vegetables, herbs and honey at farmers markets and farm stands showing an "SFMNP accepted here" sign. The vendor scans a QR code on the card. You do not need a smartphone.
• When: Cards are handed out at senior centers starting in early June. The season runs through the end of November.
• How: Sign up at your local senior center or nutrition program. You confirm your age, income and address and can get the card the same day. One card per household per year.
• Can't go yourself? Someone else can sign up and shop for you.
• Questions: DEM, 401-222-4700. Lost card or QR code problems: 1-866-237-4814, or email [email protected].

Things people miss

• Many older adults think they earn too much. The higher gross limit and medical deductions mean many people over 60 qualify.
• Keep medical receipts. They can raise your benefit.
• Farmers market cards go fast. Ask your senior center in late spring.

Free help

• DHS Call Center: 1-855-697-4347.
• The POINT (Aging and Disability Resource Center): 401-462-4444, any time of day, for free help finding services for older adults.

If you get SSI or have Medicare, see all benefits in Rhode Island for more help.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Rhode Island agencies

Check what you may qualify for