Can People on Disability Get Help with Food Costs?

Disability can affect anyone, young or old, and it can make staying healthy and managing money harder. For instance, many adults with a disability may also face challenges getting enough good food to eat.

You might be asking yourself, "Can I still get food assistance if I'm receiving disability benefits?" The answer is often yes.
 

What Is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps lots of American families and individuals buy the food they need to eat healthily. You need to fit certain rules about money and what you own to get SNAP benefits, and these rules can be different depending on where you live.

Related Read: What is SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

There are special rules for people with disabilities that make it possible to get SNAP if you're also getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
 

Who Counts as Disabled for SNAP?

Under SNAP, you're seen as having a disability if any of these things are true for you:
 

• You get disability or blindness payments from the government, like SSI or Social Security payments.
• You get similar disability payments from your state.
• You retired on disability from a government job.
• You're a veteran with a total disability, can't leave your home, or need someone to help you regularly.
• You're the spouse or child of a veteran who has passed away who had a disability when they were alive.

 

SNAP Income Limits for People with Disabilities in 2024

If you want to apply for SNAP and have a disability, your family must meet two main requirements:
 

• Your net monthly income must be at or below 100% of the federal poverty line.
• You must have $4,250 or less in assets you can use.

For one person, this means you can make up to $1,215 per month. For two people, it's $1,644. But if everyone in your home gets SSI, you might automatically qualify for SNAP without needing to pass the income test.
 

Does SSDI Income Count?

When you apply for SNAP, money you earn from work and benefits you get without working, like SSDI, are all counted as income.

However, you can claim medical costs that you have to pay yourself to help you qualify for SNAP. This can possibly mean a bigger SNAP benefit for you, depending on your own situation.
 

Why Is SNAP Good for People on Disability?

Eating healthy can lower your risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health issues that are more common in people with disabilities. SNAP can help you afford nutritious food if you can't work much or have a limited income.

You can use SNAP benefits to buy fresh food like fruits, veggies, meat, fish, dairy products, and drinks that don't contain alcohol at many stores and even some farmers’ markets.
 

Ready to Apply for SNAP?

The way to apply for SNAP varies by state. Check with your local SNAP office to see if you can apply online, by mail, or over the phone. You'll need to know about your yearly income, family size, and countable assets to fill out the forms.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't worry. We have resources that can help guide you through the process.

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