Eat Right – Even When Money is Tight

Eat Right – Even When Money is Tight

Click Here: SNAP Myths and Misconceptions

Alabama is one of the states that has recognized it was harder for senior citizens to get the food assistance they needed, and so, began the new Alabama Elderly Simplified Application Project (AESAP) to make it easier for older adults to participate.  The application process is private and easy: no office visit is required; and the application can be mailed, faxed, emailed, or completed online.  Persons with no earned income (job or business) can self-declare their income.  Everyone in the household must be 60 years or older to use the AESAP application process.

The application is approved for three years, with only annual re-certifications, and seniors can submit actual medical expenses to increase their award amount.  Benefits are awarded on a debit card mailed to your home, allowing for privacy when shopping at grocery and convenience stores.  And, there are no taxes on SNAP purchases.  This innovation by Alabama has removed many barriers to participation, such as lengthy office visits, getting social security statements and privacy concerns.

To fight Senior Hunger, the Area Agency on Aging has partnered with the National Council on Aging, the Alabama Department of Human Resources and Alabama Department of Senior Services.  Our Senior SNAP Enrollment initiative assists older adults in applying for and enrolling in the Alabama Simplified Application Project (AESAP).