SNAP and food help for older adults in Montana

SNAP in Montana

Rules that help older adults

• Expanded categorical eligibility. Montana uses a state option called expanded categorical eligibility. Households that meet it have a higher gross income limit than other households, and their savings and other resources are not counted.
• Higher asset limit. If a household does not meet expanded categorical eligibility, a household with someone 60 or older or disabled has a higher resource limit than other households. Ask the Helpline for the current amount.
• SSI households. If everyone in your home gets SSI, there is no resource limit.
• Things that never count: the home you live in, vehicles, and tax-preferred retirement and education accounts.
• Medical deduction. If someone in your home is 60 or older or disabled, out-of-pocket medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted. This lowers your countable income and can raise your benefit.
• Work rules apply to adults 16 through 59, so they do not apply to you once you are 60.

DPHHS posts its income limits on its SNAP page each federal fiscal year (starting October 1). Check the current chart there or ask the Helpline.

How to apply for SNAP

1. Apply online at apply.mt.gov, by phone through the Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 (TTY 711), or at your local Office of Public Assistance. You can also ask for a paper (PDF) application, including one in Spanish.
2. Send papers the way DPHHS asks, or drop them off at your Office of Public Assistance. If you have medical costs, include receipts and bills.
3. Emergency help: If your household has very little money, you may get benefits within seven calendar days. This applies, for example, if your monthly gross income is under $150 and you have $100 or less in cash and bank accounts, or if your income and cash together are less than your rent or mortgage plus utilities.
4. Use your card. Benefits go on the Montana Access Card, used with a PIN. For your balance or a new PIN, call 1-866-850-1556. You can use the card for fresh produce at participating farmers markets.

After you are approved

• Renew when DPHHS asks. You can renew without email.
• Report changes the way your approval notice tells you.
• If you are denied or your benefits are cut, your notice explains how to ask for a fair hearing.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives older Montanans coupons to spend on fresh food from Montana growers.

• Who qualifies: People 60 and older with income up to 185% of the federal poverty level.
• What you get: Coupons for fresh fruits, vegetables and raw honey grown in Montana.
• When: Coupons can be used June 1 through October 31 at participating farmers markets. DPHHS lists 33 markets in 14 counties. Look for the SFMNP/SNAP vendor poster at the stand.
• How to apply: Applications open in early June each year through participating local agencies, listed on the Farm Connect Montana site (farmconnectmontana.org). For questions, call 406-926-1625 or 406-444-7788.

Senior meals

Montana's Area Agencies on Aging run group meals and home-delivered meals.

• Who can come: People 60 and older, plus a spouse of any age who lives with them. Some disabled people who live with an older adult, or live in senior housing with a meal site, can also take part.
• Group meals: More than 160 sites around the state, mostly senior centers, but also churches, halls, nursing homes and restaurants. Each site sets its own schedule.
• Home-delivered meals: For older adults who cannot get to a meal site. Meals are usually hot, but may be cold or frozen.
• Cost: Meals are paid for partly by donations. Others who are not eligible can eat but must pay the full cost.
• How to sign up: Call your Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-551-3191. They connect you to the site near you.

Things people miss

• Report medical costs to SNAP. Medical bills you pay over the threshold can raise your benefit. Keep receipts.
• Savings may not matter. Under expanded categorical eligibility, many households' resources are not counted at all.
• Farmers market coupons are seasonal. Apply in early June; they expire October 31.
• You can use SNAP at farmers markets too.

Free help

• Public Assistance Helpline (SNAP): 1-888-706-1535 (TTY 711).
• Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers: 1-800-551-3191.
• Senior and Long Term Care Division: 406-444-4077.

For other programs, see all benefits in Montana. If you get SSI, tell SNAP, because SSI households have no resource limit.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Montana agencies

Check what you may qualify for