Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series Part Two: Establishing ......Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series Part...

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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging

Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series Part Two: Establishing Eligibility and

Maximizing Benefits Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Online: www.readytalk.com, passcode:4796976 Audio: 866.740.1260, passcode:4796976

http://www.readytalk.com/

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Speakers

Ty Jones, Senior Policy Analyst, Center on Budget & Policy Priorities (CBPP)

Lura Barber, Senior Program Manager, Hunger Initiatives, National Council on Aging (NCOA)

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What We’ll Cover Today

Introductions Definitions Why deductions matter for SNAP eligibility and

benefit amount Overview of key deductions Case studies Resources Q&A

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NCOA - National Council on Aging

NCOA is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization representing older adults and the community organizations that serve them. Our mission is to improve the health and economic security of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.

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CBPP - Center on Budget & Policy Priorities

CBPP is one of the nation’s premier policy organizations working at the federal and state levels on fiscal policy and public programs that affect low- and moderate-income families and individuals.

One area of work for CBPP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. For example, we design and promote state options to simplify and streamline SNAP procedures and thereby boost participation among working poor families.

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Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series

Part One: Why SNAP is Important for Seniors (March 25, 2014) • Video: http://vimeo.com/90118389 • Handouts: http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-

benefits/March-2014-webinar.pdf

Part Two: Establishing Eligibility and Maximizing Benefits (May 27, 2014) Part Three: Troubleshooting the Application Process and Appeals

• July 2014

Part Four: Using SNAP Benefits and Recertification • September 2014

http://vimeo.com/90118389

http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/March-2014-webinar.pdf

http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/March-2014-webinar.pdf

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Definitions

Gross income • A household's total, non-excluded income, before any

deductions have been made

Net income • Gross income minus allowable deductions

Senior • USDA defines “senior” as age 60 and above

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Why Deductions Matter for SNAP Eligibility and Benefit Amount

Applicants age 60+ or adults with disabilities establish eligibility by passing the net income test

Net income also helps establish the SNAP benefit amount • Lower net income higher SNAP benefit amount • Maximizing deductions maximizing SNAP benefits

Many applicants fail to take all the deductions for which they are eligible, so lose benefits

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Financial Factors for Senior Eligibility and Benefit Amount

Household size Age (senior household) or disability status Net income (gross income minus deductions) Deductible expenses

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SNAP Deductions

Standard

Shelter Expenses

Earned Income

Medical Expenses

Dependent Care

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Earned Income & Standard Deductions

Earned Income Deduction 20% deduction from

household’s earned income

Given to all households that have earnings.

Standard Deduction Given to all SNAP

households Is 8.31% of the FPL Is based on household

size.

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Dependent Care Deduction

Eligibility 1. A household member is:

– employed, – looking for work, or – attending school or

training. 2. There is dependent in the home that needs care.

Types of Expenses Formal & informal child and

adult care Care by extended family,

neighbors, or others outside of household

Before- and after-school care Summer/vacation camp

programs Transportation Childcare expenses include

expenses for all children under 18 years of age

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The Medical Expense Deduction

Medical expenses incurred by an elderly and/or disabled household member. The medical expense must exceed $35 a

month. Medical expenses must be verified.

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What Types of Expenses May be Deducted?

Allowed Expenses Medical and dental services Hospital bills Prescriptions Medical equipment Transportation to & from medical

services/treatment Attendant or home health aide Medical insurance premiums or

Medicare supplemental insurance policies, even if the senior has LIS or MSP

Most Overlooked Expenses

Medical equipment Transportation Personal care items

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Excess Shelter Deduction

Applies to all SNAP households Deductions include:

• rent • mortgage • mobile home fees • fire insurance • property tax • utility expenses

Deducted from net income after all other allowed deductions are made

Is a more complicated calculation No cap for elderly and disabled households

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Framework for Calculating Net Income

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Gross Monthly Income Deductions Net Income

Gross Monthly Income Deductions $1000 $400

Net Income

$600

Example:

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Framework for Calculating SNAP Benefit Amount

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Maximum SNAP Benefit for Household Size

30% of net income

SNAP Amount

Household of 3 30% of net income of $600

$497 $180

SNAP Amount

$317

Example:

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Scenario – SSI Recipient living alone

Lizzie • 70 years old • Lives alone • $721 SSI monthly income • Receives Medicare and Medicaid • Owns her home in D.C.

SNAP Benefit Amount is $83

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Calculating Lizzie’s Deductions – Step 1

Standard Deduction=$152

Medical Expense Deduction = $15 (after the $35 disregard)

Transportation for 2 trips to doctor = $20 Over-the-counter drugs = $30

Gross income = $721

Initial net income = $554

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Calculating Lizzie’s Deductions – Step 2

Excess Shelter Deduction = $202

Calculating the Shelter Deduction 1) Take 50% of household net income after standard and medical expense deductions are taken: $554 ÷ 2 = $277 2) Add home taxes and insurance and Standard Utility Allowance to find shelter expenses: Home taxes and insurance = $200 Standard Utility Allowance in DC = $279 Total actual shelter expenses = $479 3) Subtract 50% of initial net income from total shelter expenses to get excess: $479 - $277 = $202


Final net income = $352

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Calculating Lizzie’s Final Net Income

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Gross Monthly Income All deductions

$721 $369 Final Net Income

$352

Lizzie:

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Calculating Lizzie’s SNAP Benefit Amount

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30% of net income

SNAP Amount

Household of 1 30% of final net income of $352

$189 $105.60

SNAP Amount

$83

Lizzie:

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Scenario: Retired Couple/Disabled Senior

Tim and Tina • Both are 66 • Own their home and live in

Maryland • Monthly retirement income =

$1,000 • SSDI income = $1,100


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Calculating Tim & Tina’s Deductions - Step 1

Standard Deduction=$152

Medical Expense Deduction = $523 (after the $35 disregard)

Part B premium = $210 ($104.90 each deducted from SSA benefits, rounded) Part D Premium = $68 ($34 each) Prescriptions = $100 Co-pays = $100 Over-the-counter drugs = $40 Transportation = $40

Gross income = $2,100

Initial net income = $1,425

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Calculating Tim & Tina’s Deductions - Step 2

Shelter Deduction Calculation 1) Take 50% of household initial net income after

standard and medical expense deductions: $1,425 ÷2 = $712.50 2) Add mortgage and Standard Utility Allowance to find shelter expenses: Mortgage (includes taxes and insurance) = $1000 Standard Utility Allowance in MD = $388 Total shelter expenses = $1,388

3) Subtract 50% of net income from total shelter expenses from to get excess: $1,388 - $712.50 = $675.50

Excess Shelter Deduction = $675.50

Initial net income = $1,425

Final net income = $749.50

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Calculating Tim & Tina’s Net Income

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$2,100 $1,350.50

Net Income

$749.50

Tim & Tina:

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Calculating Tim & Tina’s SNAP Benefit Amount

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30% of net income

SNAP Amount

Household of 2 30% of $749.50

$347 $224.85

SNAP Amount

$122

Tim & Tina:

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Scenario: Grandparent with Grandchild

Cheryl and her granddaughter Jessica • Cheryl is 62 • Jessica is 8 • Live in Virginia and rent • Cheryl works part-time at a library • Earned income is $1,200 a month • They receive $200 in child support


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Calculating Cheryl & Jessica’s Deductions – Step 1

Standard Deduction = $152 Medical Expense Deduction = $457 (after the $35 disregard)

Insurance premium = $402 Prescriptions = $50 Over-the-counter drugs = $20 Transportation = $20

Dependent Care Deduction = $35

Gross income = $1,400


Earned Income Deduction = $240

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Calculating Cheryl & Jessica’s Deductions – Step 2

Shelter Deduction Calculation 1) Take 50% of household net income after standard and medical expense deductions: $516 ÷2 = $258

2) Add rent, insurance, and Standard Utility Allowance to find shelter expenses: Rent and insurance = $400 Standard Utility Allowance in VA = $277 Total shelter expenses = $677

3) Subtract total shelter expenses from 50% of net income to get excess: $677 - $258 = $ 419

Excess Shelter Deduction = $419


Final net income = $97

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Calculating Cheryl & Jessica’s Net Income

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$1,400 $1,303 Final Net Income

$97

Cheryl & Jessica:

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Calculating Cheryl & Jessica’s SNAP Benefit Amount

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30% of net income

SNAP Amount

Household of 2 30% of final net income of $97

$347 $29.10

SNAP Amount

$318

Cheryl & Jessica:

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Further Info: Dependent Care Deduction

National Resources CBPP’s “The Food Stamp Dependent Care Deduction: Help for Families with

Child Care Costs” - http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3130 FRAC’s “Roadmap for Ending Hunger Use Child Care Deductions to Maximize

SNAP Benefits” -- http://www.frac.org/pdf/roadmap_snap_childcare_deductions.pdf

State examples Massachusetts - http://www.masslegalservices.org/content/food-stamps-

snap-and-dependent-care-child-care-deduction-overview-and-attachments Vermont -

http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/outreach_tools/Attention_Working_Families_Child_Care_Flyer.pdf

http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=3130

http://www.frac.org/pdf/roadmap_snap_childcare_deductions.pdf

http://www.masslegalservices.org/content/food-stamps-snap-and-dependent-care-child-care-deduction-overview-and-attachments



























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Further Info: Excess Medical Expense Deduction

Info sheet: “SNAPshot: Maximizing the Medical Expense Deduction”: http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/SNAPshots-medical-deduction.pdf

Webinar: “Maximizing SNAP Benefits with the Medical Expense Deduction”: http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/center-for-benefits/content-library/webinar-maximizing-snap.html

Calculations Sheet: Hunger Free Vermont’s “Income Worksheet for Households WITH a Senior (60 ±) or Person with a Disability” http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/outreach_tools/Calculating_Benefits_WITH_elderly_or_disabled.pdf

http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/SNAPshots-medical-deduction.pdf

http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/SNAPshots-medical-deduction.pdf

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/center-for-benefits/content-library/webinar-maximizing-snap.html



http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/outreach_tools/Calculating_Benefits_WITH_elderly_or_disabled.pdf

http://www.vermontfoodhelp.com/outreach_tools/Calculating_Benefits_WITH_elderly_or_disabled.pdf

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Further Info: Shelter Deduction

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Eligibility FNS Resource: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility#Deductions

State example: Massachusetts -

http://www.masslegalhelp.org/income-benefits/food-stamps/advocacy-guide/part3/q57-shelter-deduction

SNAP Homeless Shelter Deduction -

http://centeronbudget.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=3636

http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility#Deductions
















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NCOA’s Resources for Seniors and SNAP

BenefitsCheckUp® screening tool: www.benefitscheckup.org SNAP Map - https://www.benefitscheckup.org/snap

• Use the SNAP Map to find food programs in your state and download apps. Senior Hunger Webpage: www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger

• Data • Promising Practices • Client Stories • Funding opportunities • Webinars and trainings

Senior SNAP Enrollment Toolkit: http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/SeniorHunger/senior-snap-enrollment.html

Sign up to become part of the Senior SNAP movement! • Email [email protected] to join the SNAP Partners Listserv

http://www.benefitscheckup.org/

https://www.benefitscheckup.org/snap

http://www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/SeniorHunger/senior-snap-enrollment.html

http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/SeniorHunger/senior-snap-enrollment.html

mailto:[email protected]

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Research on Seniors, Hunger, and SNAP

National Foundation to End Senior Hunger – State of Senior Hunger in America 2012 http://www.nfesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/State-of-Senior-Hunger-in-America-2012.pdf

AARP - Food Insecurity Among Older Adults http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/aarp_foundation/pdf_2011/AARPFoundation_HungerReport_2011.pdf

“Food Stamps, Food Sufficiency, and Diet-Related Disease among the Elderly”: http://www.irp.wisc.edu/publications/dps/pdfs/dp140713.pdf

Fact sheets with quick stats on senior hunger: • Meals on Wheels: http://www.mowaa.org/about-senior-hunger • Feeding America: http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-

america/hunger-facts/senior-hunger.aspx • FRAC: http://frac.org/initiatives/addressing-senior-hunger/

http://www.nfesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/State-of-Senior-Hunger-in-America-2012.pdf

http://www.nfesh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/State-of-Senior-Hunger-in-America-2012.pdf

http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/aarp_foundation/pdf_2011/AARPFoundation_HungerReport_2011.pdf

http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/aarp_foundation/pdf_2011/AARPFoundation_HungerReport_2011.pdf

http://www.irp.wisc.edu/publications/dps/pdfs/dp140713.pdf

http://www.mowaa.org/about-senior-hunger

http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-facts/senior-hunger.aspx

http://feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/hunger-facts/senior-hunger.aspx

http://frac.org/initiatives/addressing-senior-hunger/

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Questions?

Next webinar: Troubleshooting the Application Process and Appeals

Date and time - TBD

Lura Barber, [email protected] Ty Jones, [email protected]



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