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Older Illinoisans Struggling In Recession May Be Missing Out On Help Paying For Food

Recession Sees Many Cutting Back on Necessities - SNAP Benefit Provides Needed Assistance

CHICAGO, July 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP found that half of the 55 plus population was having difficulty paying for essentials, such as food, gas and medicine over the last year -- forced to balance rising costs just to pay for groceries. It's a struggle many can avoid but simply don't know there's help available. That's why AARP is reminding older Illinoisans who are struggling to make ends meet they may be eligible for help paying for groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

In Illinois, about 20 percent of people who are eligible don't take advantage of the SNAP benefit (approximately 320,000 people); nationally, only about 34 percent of eligible older Americans participate in the program. Almost 20% of older Illinoisans have to cut back on necessities such as groceries in order to afford their prescription dugs, according to a recent AARP survey.

"Many Americans are experiencing unprecedented hardships and are forced to cut back on the basics," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "The SNAP program provides needed assistance when it comes to paying for groceries - but many people who are eligible and need the help, aren't using the program."

How it works

Participants are given a special debit card to use at most grocery stores, certain senior centers, farmer's markets and meal delivery services - the card is similar to a debit card with the cost of groceries deducted from the account balance. New benefits are added automatically every month.

Who should apply?

People who are 60 or older may qualify for food assistance if:

    --  Their net monthly income (after subtracting certain expenses, i.e.,
        housing and medical costs, child care, and eldercare) is $867 for a
        single person or around $1,167 for a married couple.
    --  They have no more than $3,000 in countable resources, like a bank
        account.
    --  They receive Supplemental Security Income.

    --  They live in federally subsidized housing for the elderly even if they
        receive their meals at the facility.

How to get started

Older Illinoisans can find out more about the SNAP program by visiting AARP's Benefits QuickLINK Web site: www.aarp.org/snap, or by calling the Illinois Dept. of Human Services at 1-800-843-6154. AARP's SNAP Map is a one-stop resource to:

    --  Fill out a quick on-line survey to determine if people are eligible.
    --  Find the local office that provides food benefits.
    --  Find out what type of documentation is required.

    --  Print out the state application or apply on-line.

SOURCE AARP Illinois