1
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Seniors and SNAP Webinar Series Part Four:
Using SNAP Benefits and Recertification Thursday, November 13, 2014
Online: www.readytalk.com, passcode:4796976 Audio: 866.740.1260, passcode:4796976
2
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)
3
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
What We’ll Cover Today
Introductions
Using SNAP benefits
SNAP recertification • Recertification periods
• Recertification process
• What to expect
Case studies
Resources
Q&A
4
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.
5
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.
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.
6
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 (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) • Video: http://vimeo.com/96700540 • Handouts: http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/May-2014-webinar.pdf • Scenarios: http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/Scenarios-for-NCOA-webinar-
series.pdf
Part Three: Troubleshooting Applications and Handling Appeals (Aug. 27, 2014) • Video: http://vimeo.com/105025445 • Handouts: http://www.ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-benefits/August-2014-webinar.pdf
Part Four: Using SNAP Benefits and Recertification • November 13, 2014 • Video and handouts will be available online after the webinar
7
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Using SNAP benefits
SNAP benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The EBT card is swiped at the point of
sale and the cost of allowed foods is deducted from the monthly allotment.
SNAP participants may select Authorized
Representatives, who may use EBT on their behalf (must identify on application).
8
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP Allowable Purchases
Foods for the household to eat, including: • breads and cereals • fruits and vegetables • meats, fish, tofu and poultry • dairy products
Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat. In some areas, restaurants can be authorized to accept SNAP benefits from qualified homeless, elderly, or disabled people in exchange for low-cost meals.
• Check your state’s SNAP manual for details.
9
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP and Farmers Markets
Your local farmers market and/or the vendors there may be certified to accept SNAP benefits.
Many markets have “double dollars,”
programs that match SNAP benefits up to a certain amount for purchasing fruits and vegetables.
10
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
How do Double Dollar programs work?
An example: A senior on SNAP goes to the market every Saturday morning and swipes her EBT card at the market booth for $10 in SNAP tokens (Total = $40/month)
The market matches SNAP up to $10, so she receives $10 worth of “double dollar” tokens (Total = $40/month)
She can spend the SNAP tokens on any SNAP-allowable foods, but the “double bucks” tokens can usually only be spent on fruits and vegetables Some farmers markets have an electronic system, not tokens
11
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Recertification: Why Does it Matter?
Apply Application Process Participation Renewal
12
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
SNAP Certification periods
• Most SNAP households have certification periods that last between 6-12 months.
• Households with either seniors or individuals with disabilities usually have longer certification periods, typically 24-36 months.
• Households with 12-month or longer certification periods have an interim report due to the agency during their certification period.
13
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Participant’s Responsibilities During Certification Period
To report changes • Households must report certain changes to the SNAP agency during their
certification period, such as income increases or decreases. • Some changes that do not impact eligibility or benefit levels do not have to
be reported to the agency, such as deductions.
Interim contact with state agency • There is a requirement of contact with the agency during the certification
period. This is called different things in different states, but is usually called a periodic or interim review.
Respond to state agency requests • Households must respond to all correspondence from agency during
certification period.
14
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Participant Responsibility 1: Reporting Changes
Change Reporting
Many senior households.
Changes in earned income of more
than $100 monthly, unearned of more
than $50.
Simplified Reporting
Most SNAP households.
Report income changes over 130%
of poverty level. Report changes within 10 days.
Monthly Reporting
Very few states. (MA, MN)
15
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 in D.C.
SNAP Benefit Amount estimate: $83*
*see Webinar 2 for calculations
16
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Changes for Lizzie
• Lizzie has a 24-month certification period that started in August 1, 2014 and ends July 30, 2016.
• Annual report is due on July 30, 2015.
• Her minor granddaughter moves in on November 1, 2014.
What does Lizzie do?
17
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
What Does Lizzie Do?
18
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
What happens?
• Lizzie fills out the form and describes her new situation.
• She sends in this change on November 5. • The addition of Lizzie’s granddaughter results in an
increase in SNAP benefits for Lizzie, since her granddaughter is a minor with no income.
19
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Participant Responsibility 2: Interim Reports
First Month of Benefits
INTERIM REPORT
Last Month of Certification
Period
20
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 • Own their home and live in Maryland • Monthly retirement income = $1,000 • SSDI income = $1,100
SNAP Benefit Amount estimate: $122*
*see Webinar 2 for calculations
21
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Interim Review
Maryland recertification period: 24 months for Tim and Tina, beginning August 1, 2014, and ending July 31, 2016.
Receive notice on month 11 of certification period via mail.
Tim and Tina want to report the additional medical expense deductions because Tina has a new prescription.
They are not required to submit new deductions, but it will likely increase the benefit amount.
22
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Participant Responsibility 3: Recertification/Renewal
Notice
• Client receives notice.
Interview
• Interview usually by telephone.
Verification
• Client fills out form submits verification.
Eligibility determination
• Approval and continued eligibility.
Entire Process should finish before end of certification period.
23
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 • 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
SNAP Benefit Amount is $318
24
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Cheryl’s Recertification Process
11/1/2014 Agency sends
notice
11/10/2014 Cheryl
submits complete
application
11/20/2014 Interview and Request for Verification
11/27/2014 Cheryl
submits all requested
verification.
State makes a decision on
recertification.
12/31/2014 Cheryl’s
certification period ends.
1/1/2015 Continued benefits.
25
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Further Info
USDA SNAP Retailer Locator: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailerlocator
SNAP Monthly Benefit Issuance Schedule: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/snap-monthly-benefit-issuance-schedule
State SNAP Manuals: http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=618
“Understanding the Rates, Causes, and Costs of Churning in the
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Final Report,” November 2014: http://www.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/ops/SNAPChurning.pdf
26
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/getSNAP
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
27
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
CBPP’s Resources for Seniors and SNAP
“SNAP’s Excess Medical Expense Deduction: Targeting Food Assistance to Low-Income Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities.” http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=4189
“A Quick Guide to SNAP Eligibility and Benefits.” http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=1269
“Online Services for Key Low-Income Benefit Programs. What States Provide Online with Respect to SNAP, TANF, Child Care Assistance, Medicaid, and CHIP.” http://www.cbpp.org/cms/index.cfm?fa=view&id=1414
Upcoming Webinar Series: “SNAP Academy” register here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/478074623
28
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 – 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/
29
Improving the lives of 10 million older adults by 2020 © 2014 National Council on Aging
Questions?
Lura Barber, [email protected]
Ty Jones, [email protected]
