Can medical expenses increase my SNAP benefit?

What this means

• Countable costs include prescriptions, over-the-counter medicine your doctor recommends, doctor and dentist bills, hearing aids, eyeglasses, medical supplies, health insurance premiums including Medicare, and transportation to appointments.
• The cost has to be one you actually pay yourself and are not reimbursed for.
• Many states offer a standard medical deduction, where you claim a flat amount once you show you spend above a threshold, with no need to itemize every receipt.
• This deduction is easy to miss because the caseworker may not ask about it directly.

What to do first

1. Save receipts and pharmacy printouts for three months so you can show a typical month's spending.
2. Tell your caseworker in writing that you are claiming the medical expense deduction for a household member 60 or older.
3. Include mileage to and from medical appointments, and the cost of a paid ride if you use one.
4. Ask whether your state uses a standard medical deduction, which is much less paperwork.

What you'll need

• Proof of income
• Utility bills
• Rent or mortgage statement
• Photo identification
• Every medical receipt and pharmacy printout from the last twelve months

Where to go

• SNAP Food Benefits for Seniors: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory