Do food stamps affect SSI payments?
No, getting food stamps (technically called SNAP) does not affect or reduce your SSI (Supplemental Security Income) payments.
- If you already get SSI and you apply for SNAP benefits, your SSI payments will stay the same if you get approved for SNAP.
- If you’re an older adult or have a disability, getting both SSI and SNAP can help you meet your basic needs.
Here’s how they work together and what to expect.
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What is SSI?#what-is-ssi
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a federal program that gives monthly cash payments to people who have low income and limited resources, and who are:
- Age 65 or older
- Blind
- Have another qualifying disability
SSI is different from other types of Social Security benefits:
- SSI is based on disability or age and financial need
- Social Security retirement is based on work history and age
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is based on work credits and disability
Do SNAP benefits reduce my SSI payment?#do-snap-benefits-reduce-my-ssi-payment
No, SNAP benefits do not reduce your SSI payment. Your monthly SSI payment amount is based on “countable” income only.
The Social Security Administration lists SNAP payments as income that does not count when it comes to your SSI.
This means:
- Your SSI check will stay the same no matter how much you get in SNAP benefits
- Your SNAP benefits won’t lower your SSI payment
Does SSI change how much SNAP I get?#does-ssi-change-how-much-snap-i-get
SSI can affect the amount of SNAP benefits you get each month, but for most people this is a good thing. Many SSI recipients qualify for higher SNAP amounts because of medical expense deductions.
If you get SSI, your state will subtract the cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 dollars per month from your countable income.
This means you can be approved for a higher monthly SNAP deposit amount since you have less available income.
Some common medical expenses that you can deduct include:
- Doctor visits or hospital bills
- Co-pays, deductibles, and insurance premiums
- Prescription costs
- Over-the-counter medicines (with doctor approval)
- Medical equipment
- Copays, deductibles, and premiums
- Transportation to medical appointments
How do I apply for SNAP if I get SSI?#how-do-i-apply-for-snap-if-i-get-ssi
If you get SSI benefits, you can apply for SNAP the same way as anyone else. You can apply for SNAP:
- Through your local state SNAP office
- Online
- In person
- By mail
- By phone
Your SSI benefits will be counted as part of your income for SNAP eligibility, but getting SNAP will not reduce your SSI payment. In many states, getting SSI automatically qualifies you for SNAP.
Ask about expedited processing when you apply for SNAP. Depending on your state, if everyone in your household gets SSI, or you have a very low household income and few resources, you may be able to get SNAP with expedited processing, also called emergency SNAP.
If you are eligible, your SNAP application process can speed up from the standard 30 days to seven days. Call and ask about this option when you start your application.
