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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 One: Why SNAP is Important for Seniors
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Online: www.readytalk.com, passcode:4796976 Audio: 866.740.1260, passcode:4796976
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
What We’ll Cover Today
Why SNAP is important for seniors from an economic security perspective
The background, history, and current state of SNAP Challenges and opportunities Q&A
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
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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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
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 by: • Providing innovative services that significantly increase income and/or reduce
expenses for low-income seniors. • Promoting proven, cost-effective programs that improve that health of older
adults. • Serving as a national voice and advocate for public policies, business
practices, and societal attitudes that improve the lives of older adults. • Bringing together business, government, and nonprofits to collaborate
nationally and locally to achieve these goals.
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
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.
CBPP conducts research and analysis to shape public debates over proposed budget and tax policies and to ensure that policymakers consider the needs of low-income families and individuals in these debates.
One area of work for the center is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. • For example, by designing and promoting state options to simplify
and streamline food stamp procedures and thereby boost participation among working-poor families
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Seniors in Economic Distress One-third of seniors are economically insecure Consumers over age 50+ carried $8,278 in average credit card
debt Older adults are the most likely to be unemployed for 99 weeks or
longer Homeowners age 50+ represented 28% of all foreclosures and
delinquencies. More than half of seniors are very or somewhat concerned about
whether their savings and income will be sufficient to last the rest of their life. SNAP helps seniors make ends meet and buy the food they need
to stay healthy.
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Cost of Making Ends Meet
Wider Opportunities for Women: www.wowonline.org or www.basiceconomicsecurity.org
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Hunger, Health, and Economic Security
Hunger is a symptom of economic insecurity Senior hunger has doubled since 2001 as a result of increased
numbers of seniors living below the federal poverty line. Food insecurity impacts senior health and healthy aging:
• Lower nutrient intake • More likely to suffer from diabetes • Depression • Limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) • High Blood Pressure • Congestive Heart Failure • Heart attacks • Gum disease • Asthma
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP and Seniors
SNAP is the key anti-hunger program SNAP complements other senior nutrition programs:
• Commodity Supplemental Food Program • Home Delivered Meals
o For example, Meals on Wheels
• Congregate Dining • Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
What Does Senior SNAP Participation Look Like?
Participation • About 3.37 million older adults 60+ are enrolled in SNAP, around 39%
of the eligible older adult population. • About 5.2 million eligible older adults are missing out on SNAP.
Average Benefit: in FY 2012 the average older adult living alone received a monthly SNAP benefit of $119. • 81% of older adults participating in SNAP live alone.
Who’s missing out on SNAP? • 41% of Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy participants • 46% of Supplemental Security Income participants (should be income-
eligible for SNAP, except in CA) • 53% of Medicare Savings Program participants • 43% of Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program participants
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Why are Seniors Missing Out on SNAP?
Stigma of “welfare” programs Less likely to be aware of their eligibility, or how to apply Believe they are only eligible for minimum benefit of $15 Complicated application process Transportation
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Public & Private Support Can Close the Gap
For more on the Elder Index methodology, visit www.wowonline.org.
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
74.8 million Population 60+ living
in the community
60+ and < 250% FPL
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million
64.9 million Population 60+ living
in the community
60+ and < 250% FPL
24.7
million
59.5 million Population 60+ living in
the community
60+ and < 250% FPL
23.2
million
2015 2012 2020
Meeting Growing Needs of Elders in the Community
**Sources and Notes: NCOA analysis of the American Community Survey 2010, Public Use Microdata Files. NCOA analysis of U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, Interim State Population Projections, 2005, File 3. Interim State Projections of Population by Single Year of Age: July 1, 2004 to 2030 . The numbers in each circle are a subset of the numbers in the larger circles. Circles are not at scale.
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the food stamp program.
The nation’s most important anti-hunger program.
In 2012, it helped almost 47 million low-income Americans.
60+ is considered “elderly” for SNAP
What is SNAP?
SNAP Participants, U.S. 2012
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP is a federal entitlement, meaning if a person is eligible they receive benefits.
• Benefits come from the federal government. Benefit amounts are generally uniform across the nation.
• USDA is the federal agency that administers and creates policy for the program.
• States administer the program and pay ½ of administrative costs.
• The state policy manual governs your state’s SNAP program.
How Does it Work?
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP has an application process that includes 3 steps.
How Do Seniors Apply for SNAP?
Application
Verification
Interview
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
How to Use SNAP Benefits?
ELIGIBLE
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Different Groups of Seniors
SSI recipients: • Income below 75% of poverty • Almost always qualify for and get Medicaid
Over 65, no SSI: • Have Social Security and Medicare
Under 65 years old: • Often qualify for very little help other than SNAP
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
1) SSI Recipients
Very low-income, but typically better connected to SNAP and broader safety net (SSI + Medicaid) Combined Application Projects in 15 to 20
states appear to have raised participation. • CAP SSI SNAP
Average Benefit = $211
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Scenario – SSI Recipient Living Alone
Lizzie • 70 years old • Lives alone • $721 SSI monthly income • Receives Medicare and Medicaid • Owns her home
Benefit Amount is $83
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
2) Low-income 65+ Eligible for a package of benefits Still hard to connect them to SNAP In 2012, 2.8 million individuals 65+ received
SNAP Average benefit = $129
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
LIS $4,000.00
MSP min. $1,663.00
SNAP $1,464.00
SSI $5,525.00
LIHEAP $375.00
Total Estimated
Annual Value:
$12,947
SNAP and Other Benefits Boost Income
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Scenario: Retired Couple/Disabled Senior
Tim and Tina • Both are 66 • Monthly retirement income = $1,500 • Average benefit = $63
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
3) “Seniors” Under Age 65
Do not qualify for SSI, Social Security, or Medicare – few supports other than SNAP
Individuals 50-59: 4.1 million on SNAP in 2013 • Not considered a “senior” under SNAP rules
Individuals 60-64: 1.3 million on SNAP in 2013 Individuals 65+: 2.9 million on SNAP in 2013
• In 2012 there were almost twice as many SNAP participants age 50 to 64 as 65+
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Scenario: Grandparent with Grandchild
Cheryl and her granddaughter Jessica • Cheryl is 62 • Cheryl works part-time at a library • Earned income is $1,000 a month • Jessica is 8 • Average benefit = $278
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Challenge: The Missing Face of Senior Hunger in America
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Opportunity: SNAP Messaging Targeted to Seniors
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Promising Practices
Program promising practices • Comprehensive screening • Senior-specific messaging • Partnerships between aging and anti-hunger organizations • $15 shopping list with photos • Maximizing medical expense deductions
Policy promising practices – webinars available at www.centerforbenefits.org • Standard medical expense deduction • State SNAP outreach plan • Simplified applications for seniors
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Upcoming Webinars
Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series, Part Two: Eligibility and Deductions • Date and Time: TBD
Other upcoming webinars: • April 9th 2:00pm ET, NCOA’s Center for Benefits Access is
hosting a webinar with the Medicare Rights Center on Medicare and the Marketplace. For more information visit: http://www.ncoa.org/enhance-economic-security/center-for-benefits/.
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
NCOA’s Resources for Seniors and SNAP
BenefitsCheckUp® screening tool: www.benefitscheckup.org • SNAP enhancements underway.
SNAP Map - https://www.benefitscheckup.org/snap.cfm • Use the SNAP Map to find food programs in your state and download apps.
NCOA’s new Senior Hunger Webpage: www.ncoa.org/SeniorHunger • Data • Promising Practices • Client Stories • Research • Funding opportunities • Webinars on SNAP Medical Expense Deduction and other key issues
Sign up to become part of the Senior SNAP movement! • Email Erin.Kee@ncoa.org to join the SNAP Partners Listserv
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Research on Seniors, Hunger, and SNAP
National Foundation to End Senior Hunger: http://www.nfesh.org/research/
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/
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Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Questions & Contact Info
Please feel free to be in touch with any additional questions related to SNAP and seniors.
Lura Barber Lura.Barber@ncoa.org
Ty Jones
TJones@cbpp.org