SNAP Older Adults | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Source: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/resources/snap/snap-older-adults
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
SNAP Older Adults | Department of Human Services | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP for Older Adults
Studies have shown that older adults who are food insecure have diets that are less nutritious, worse health outcomes, and a higher risk of depression.
In contrast, seniors enrolled in SNAP have better health and need less acute and long-term care.
Do I qualify?
Eligibility for SNAP is based on factors such as household income and available resources. The COMPASS website has a
"Do I Qualify?" tool
, or visit your
county assistance office
to learn more.
Check If You Qualify for SNAP Benefits
How to apply
Applying is easier than ever!
Have the following ready:
Dates of birth for all members of your household
Social Security numbers for all members of your household
Household income information
Household expense information
Housing costs (such as rent or mortgage)
Medical expenses
1
Apply Online Using COMPASS
You can apply online using the
COMPASS website
. When you input your information, the system will provide you with a simplified application. If you run into problems, call the COMPASS Helpline at
1-800-692-7462
. Hearing-impaired? Call
1-800-451-5886
. The helpline is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2
Apply In Person
You can download a paper application, complete it, and deliver it in person to
your county assistance office
. Experts staff can help you through the process.
3
Apply by Mail
You can also choose to apply by mail by downloading a paper application, completing it, and sending it to
your county assistance office
.
Simple SNAP application
Use the Simple SNAP application if everyone in the household is age 60 or older or has a disability, purchases and prepares food together, and does not receive any earnings from work. (A household is a group of people who usually purchase and prepare meals together. People in the household are not required to be related.)
Simple Application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(English)
Solicitud simple para el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria
(Spanish)
SNAP for Older Adults Brochure
When meeting with older adults and stakeholders, they told us that they would like to have a brochure they could hand out among peers and people they serve. There is a version with an open panel for partners to include their branding. Please feel free to download, print, and distribute. We appreciate your help in informing older Pennsylvanians about SNAP!
Color version
Color version with open space for logo
Black and white version
Black and white version with open space for logo
Additional SNAP Resources
SNAP Policy Handbook
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Web site
OIM Recent Operations Memoranda and Policy Clarifications
Museums for All
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP for Older Adults
Studies have shown that older adults who are food insecure have diets that are less nutritious, worse health outcomes, and a higher risk of depression.
In contrast, seniors enrolled in SNAP have better health and need less acute and long-term care.
Do I qualify?
Eligibility for SNAP is based on factors such as household income and available resources. The COMPASS website has a
"Do I Qualify?" tool
, or visit your
county assistance office
to learn more.
Check If You Qualify for SNAP Benefits
How to apply
Applying is easier than ever!
Have the following ready:
Dates of birth for all members of your household
Social Security numbers for all members of your household
Household income information
Household expense information
Housing costs (such as rent or mortgage)
Medical expenses
1
Apply Online Using COMPASS
You can apply online using the
COMPASS website
. When you input your information, the system will provide you with a simplified application. If you run into problems, call the COMPASS Helpline at
1-800-692-7462
. Hearing-impaired? Call
1-800-451-5886
. The helpline is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday.
2
Apply In Person
You can download a paper application, complete it, and deliver it in person to
your county assistance office
. Experts staff can help you through the process.
3
Apply by Mail
You can also choose to apply by mail by downloading a paper application, completing it, and sending it to
your county assistance office
.
Simple SNAP application
Use the Simple SNAP application if everyone in the household is age 60 or older or has a disability, purchases and prepares food together, and does not receive any earnings from work. (A household is a group of people who usually purchase and prepare meals together. People in the household are not required to be related.)
Simple Application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(English)
Solicitud simple para el Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria
(Spanish)
SNAP for Older Adults Brochure
When meeting with older adults and stakeholders, they told us that they would like to have a brochure they could hand out among peers and people they serve. There is a version with an open panel for partners to include their branding. Please feel free to download, print, and distribute. We appreciate your help in informing older Pennsylvanians about SNAP!
Color version
Color version with open space for logo
Black and white version
Black and white version with open space for logo
Additional SNAP Resources
SNAP Policy Handbook
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Web site
OIM Recent Operations Memoranda and Policy Clarifications
Museums for All