SNAP/Food Stamps

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Application

The SNAP (previously Food Stamps) application can be found here. Applicants can submit the application online or print a copy to complete and submit via mail. Applicants can also obtain and submit a paper application at their local resource center.

Barriers to SNAP Participation Faced by Older Adults

According to Missouri Foundation for Health Missouri SNAP Basics 2023, only 42% of eligible older adults (aged 60+) participate in SNAP in Missouri. 1 Some common barriers older adults face to participating in SNAP include difficulty completing the application, feeling stigma about receiving government benefits or not wanting to ask for help, lack of access to technology to complete the application, mobility and transportation barriers to applying or recertifying in person, not believing the amount of benefit is worth it, and not knowing they are eligible for SNAP. 2 Each of these barriers has unique solutions.

Difficulty Completing the Application

Assistance completing a SNAP application is available at area agencies on aging, food banks, and centers for independent living.
Find a printable application, online application, and location of a local resource center at https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/apply-for-snap.
Once an older adult has completed the initial application, they complete a mid-certification (much shorter, simpler process) after 12 months and re-certification after 24 months.

Feeling like they don't Need Help or others Need it More

SNAP benefits can increase an older adult’s access to nutritious food, which can improve health and decrease medical costs.
SNAP is available to anyone who qualifies. One person accepting benefits does not mean that another person who qualifies can’t receive benefits.

Feeling Stigma about Receiving Government Benefits or Not Wanting to Ask for Help

The SNAP EBT card is more discrete and widely accepted than previous food stamp methods. Many stores also accept SNAP payments online.
According to Food Research and Action Center, each dollar in federally funded SNAP benefits generates $1.79 in economic activity.
Building rapport with older adults can increase their willingness to apply for and use assistance.
Providing assistance with the application and talking about available assistance in private can also increase and older adult's willingness to use assistance.

Lack of Access to Technology to Complete the Application

Older adults can get a paper application for SNAP benefits at their local resource center.
Area agencies on aging can help older adults apply for SNAP benefits over the phone and through the mail.

Mobility and Transportation Barriers to Applying in Person

Area agencies on aging can provide transportation assistance to help older adults access their local resource center. Area agencies on aging can also work with the older adult to provide assistance over the phone and through the mail.
Older adults can complete an application online at https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance/apply-for-snap.

Not Believing the Amount of Benefit is Worth It

Many older adults underestimate the amount they will receive in SNAP benefits. Using a SNAP calculator can help them better estimate their benefit. This also allows older adults to better understand why specific information is asked about and how it impacts their possible benefit.
The minimum SNAP benefit for a 1-2 person household is now $23. When this is multiplied over 12 months, this is $276 for the year. Looking at the annual amount may help older adults see the value. NCOA also provides four examples of what a participant might be able to purchase with $23.
Double up Food Bucks allows SNAP participants to get additional money for fresh produce at participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores.
Receiving SNAP benefits can make it easier to qualify for additional assistance programs such as energy assistance and cellphone assistance.

Not knowing they are Eligible for SNAP

Because older adults have different requirements and additional deductions, an older adult who was not eligible for SNAP benefits before they were 60+ may be eligible for SNAP benefits as an older adult. Households with older adults (60+) do not need to meet a gross income test, can receive an excess medical deduction, have a higher asset limit, and may not need to recertify as often. A SNAP calculator can help older adults find out if they are eligible for SNAP benefits.

Senior & Disability Services

Contact

Division of Senior and Disability Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102

About DHSS

Office of the Director
Boards and Commissions
Employment Opportunities
Directory of Services
Department Brochure
ADA, FMLA and Civil Rights
HIPAA
Recent News and Public Notices
Contact Information
Nondiscrimination Notice (Translations Available)

Programs & Services
Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs
WIC Clinics
Food & Drug Recalls
Contractor Resources
Email the Department
Media Requests
Employee Email Web Access

Connect With Us

State of Missouri Navigation

Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Contact Us
Data Policy
State Agencies
Online Services
Proposed Rules

Google Translate Disclaimer

PLEASE READ THIS DISCLAIMER CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE SERVICE

Some State of Missouri websites can be translated into many different languages using Google™ Translate, a third party service (the "Service") that provides automated computer translations of web pages. The Google™ Translate Service is offered as a convenience and is subject to applicable Google Terms of Service. Providing the service as a convenience is not an endorsement of the product or the results generated and nothing herein should be construed as such an approval or endorsement.

The content of State of Missouri websites originate in English. If there are differences between the English content and its translation, the English content is always the most accurate. By selecting a language from the Google Translate menu, the user accepts the legal implications of any misinterpretations or differences in the translation.

As Google's translation is an automated service it may display interpretations that are an approximation of the website's original content. You should not rely on Google™ Translate to provide an exact translation of the website. There are circumstances where the service does not translate correctly and/or where translations may not be possible, such as with certain file types, video content, and images. In addition, some applications and/or services may not work as expected when translated.

The State of Missouri has no control over the nature, content, and availability of the service, and accordingly, cannot guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of the translation. Neither the State of Missouri nor its employees accept liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the translation or liability for any loss, damage, or other problem, including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage arising from or in connection with use of the Google™ Translate Service.

Google Translate will not translate all applications.

If assistance is needed, please call 1-573-751-6400.