SNAP for Older Adults: Eligibility, Application Assistance & FAQs

If you’re 60 or older or receiving SSI, you may qualify for SNAP benefits in Colorado, even if you’re already on Social Security. Many older adults assume they earn too much or don’t know about deductions that can lower their countable income. Community Food Share is here to help you find out what you’re entitled to, and make the application process as simple as possible.

Explore our other food resources and programs in the meantime.

Special SNAP Eligibility for Older Adults

If you are 60 or older or receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you may qualify as an older adult applicant under SNAP guidelines. This status comes with several important advantages:

Medical Expense Deduction

If your out-of-pocket medical expenses exceed $35 per month, you can deduct those costs from your countable income when calculating SNAP eligibility. This medical deduction is $165 or more, which can make a meaningful difference to your eligibility and monthly benefit amount. 

Qualifying expenses include:

•       Prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs prescribed by a doctor
•       Medicare and other health insurance premiums
•       Dental and vision care costs
•       Medical equipment, supplies, and transportation to medical appointments
•       In-home care or attendant costs

Even if your income seems slightly above the limit, your medical expenses may bring your countable income down enough to qualify. 

Can Seniors on Social Security Get Food Stamps?

Yes, receiving Social Security does not disqualify you from SNAP. Your Social Security income counts toward the gross monthly income limit, but the medical expense deduction described above can significantly reduce your countable income. SSI recipients are automatically categorized as older adult applicants under SNAP guidelines.

You may qualify for SNAP if you:

• Are age 60 or older, or receive SSI
• Have a gross monthly household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (see table below)
• Live alone, with a spouse, or in a multi-person household (each situation has its own income calculation)
• Have out-of-pocket medical expenses exceeding $35/month (which may lower your countable income significantly)

SNAP Income Limits by Household Size

The table below shows gross monthly income limits. Remember: if you have qualifying medical expenses over $35/month, your effective countable income will be lower than your gross income.

How to Apply for SNAP as an Older Adult in Colorado

SNAP is administered at the county level in Colorado. Your county human services department will process your application, conduct your interview, and determine your eligibility and benefit amount. Here’s how to apply:

• Schedule an appointment with Community Food Share: Our bilingual Enrollment Coordinators offer free one-on-one SNAP application assistance by phone or in person. We’ll help you gather documents, calculate whether your medical expenses may qualify for a deduction, complete your application accurately, and follow up on your case. Email SNAP@communityfoodshare.org or schedule an appointment online to get started.
• Apply online via Colorado PEAK: Visit peak.my.site.com to apply online, check your application status, upload documents, and manage your benefits.
• Submit a paper application: Applications are available in English, Spanish, and large-print format. Submit by mail, fax, or in person at your county human services office.

When applying, you’ll typically need to provide the following documents: proof of identity, proof of Colorado residency, proof of income (Social Security award letters, pay stubs, etc.), proof of monthly expenses (rent, utilities), and documentation of out-of-pocket medical expenses if you plan to claim the medical deduction.

Phone Interviews Available

Most SNAP applicants must complete an eligibility interview as part of the application process. For older adults, especially those who are homebound or have difficulty traveling, this interview can be completed by phone rather than in person. You don’t need to visit a county office to apply or be interviewed.

Longer Certification Periods for Older Adults

Once approved, older adult households typically receive longer certification periods than other applicants, sometimes up to 24 to 36 months, which means fewer renewals and less administrative burden. That said, you will still need to submit redetermination paperwork before your certification period ends to avoid a lapse in benefits.

Important: If your certification period is 12 months or longer, you must also submit a Periodic Change Report annually to remain active. Check your Colorado PEAK account or contact your county human services office to confirm your renewal date.

How Long Until I Find Out If I’m Eligible?

After submitting your application, your county human services office will process it and may schedule a phone or in-person eligibility interview. Standard processing takes up to 30 days from the date you submit a complete application.

Expedited SNAP (within 7 days)

You may qualify for faster processing if your household has less than $100 in cash and less than $150 in monthly earned income, OR if your housing expenses exceed your monthly income. If you believe you qualify, mention this when you apply or contact our team to flag it on your application.

Processing Time Notice: SNAP applications may take up to 30 days to be processed. If you’re applying and need food support in the meantime, Community Food Share’s Blue Spruce Neighbors program (Boulder and Broomfield County residents) provides free groceries to adults 60+ twice per month, no SNAP required.

Online Grocery Ordering and Delivery with SNAP EBT

For older adults who have difficulty getting to a store, SNAP EBT can now be used to order groceries online and have them delivered through several major retailers.

Where You Can Use EBT Online in Colorado

•  Amazon: Order groceries online at Amazon.com and pay with your EBT card at checkout. Amazon offers grocery delivery and pickup. A Prime membership is not required to use EBT for eligible food items.
•  Walmart: Walmart.com accepts EBT for online grocery orders, including both delivery and curbside pickup at participating Colorado locations.
• King Soopers: King Soopers accepts SNAP EBT for grocery pickup and delivery through their app and website. When placing your order, select “SNAP EBT at Pickup” under Payment Options. For delivery orders, enter your EBT card details at checkout. Note: WIC benefits cannot currently be used for online orders.

Important: Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT. You’ll need a secondary payment method for those charges. Contact the retailer directly or visit their website for the most current information on EBT online ordering availability.