United States · SNAP · FY 2027
SNAP calculator for seniors and disabled.
Households with a member who is 60 or older or disabled are tested differently. This calculator applies those rules for October 2026 to September 2027.
With a member who is 60+ or disabled, SNAP skips the gross income test, lets you deduct medical costs over $35 a month, removes the shelter cap, and raises the resource limit to $4,750.
Your inputs
Estimate
What changes for elderly and disabled households
- No gross income test. Only net income must be at or below 100% of poverty ($1,330 for one person, $1,804 for two).
- Medical deduction. Out-of-pocket medical and dental costs for the 60+ or disabled member are deducted after the first $35 each month (7 CFR 273.9(d)(3)).
- No shelter cap. The full excess shelter cost is deducted, instead of stopping at $769.
- Resource limit. $4,750 instead of $3,000 for FY2027.
Worked example
One person receives $1,100 a month in Social Security, pays $135 in medical costs and $900 in rent and utilities. Medical deduction $100, standard deduction $217, leaving $783. Half is $391.50, so excess shelter is $508.50 and net income is $274.50. Thirty percent rounds up to $83, so the benefit is $306 - $83 = $223 a month. The form is preloaded with this example.
Where elderly or disabled people live with others but buy and prepare food separately, USDA publishes a separate 165% gross standard, shown on the income limits page.
Not modelled: state utility allowances, child support and other income exclusions, immigrant eligibility, student and work-requirement rules, prorated first months, and state broad-based categorical eligibility, which most states have adopted and which can change the income and resource limits that apply to you. Your state agency makes the real decision.
Sources, retrieved October 2026: USDA Food and Nutrition Administration, SNAP Fiscal Year 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustments (memo dated August 21, 2026), 7 CFR 273.9, income and deductions, 7 CFR 273.10, benefit levels, 7 U.S.C. 2017 and USDA SNAP eligibility.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an income limit for seniors on SNAP?
There is no gross income limit for a household with a member 60 or older or disabled, but net income must be at or below the poverty level: $1,330 a month for one person in the 48 states and D.C.
What medical expenses can seniors deduct for SNAP?
Out-of-pocket medical and dental costs for a member who is 60+ or disabled, above $35 a month. Your state lists the allowable items.
What is the SNAP asset limit for seniors?
$4,750 for FY2027 for households with a member 60 or older or disabled, versus $3,000 for others. Most states use broad-based categorical eligibility, which can change the limit.
Does Social Security count as income for SNAP?
Yes, it is counted as unearned income before deductions.
What is the minimum SNAP benefit for a senior living alone?
$25 a month in the 48 states and D.C. for FY2027, if the household is otherwise eligible.
Estimate, not an eligibility decision
This page applies published USDA figures in your browser and sends nothing anywhere. It is educational and does not replace an application with your state SNAP agency, which makes the actual determination.