Thousands of seniors over 65 are losing out on a subsidy that could put food on their tables, according to a recent report.
A report published by the Urban Institute and the National Council on Aging claims that over 100,000 Virginians are eligible for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, but are not receiving them.
The NCOA interactive map shows that more than 15,500 people in Hampton Roads are not receiving SNAP payments that could be used to buy groceries. There might be a number of causes.
Norfolk Department of Human Services Family Services Supervisor Larhonda Ross stated, “I don’t want this assistance, or I’m embarrassed to apply for the assistance, or the pride, or I’ve worked my whole life, you know, I shouldn’t need this assistance.”
Others might believe they are ineligible or become overwhelmed by the application procedure, according to Ross.
“It does make a difference, and we want to let them know that you don’t have to suffer out there,” she stated.
Seniors find it simpler to apply thanks to a project called the Elderly Simplified Application Project. Virginians can visit the Common Help website to see if they qualify and to apply. The human services office in your city can also be reached via phone or in person.
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“We are here to walk them through that process,” Ross stated. “I mean, we find so much joy and being able to do that for our seniors only because they are living on a very fixed income.”
Seniors who consume a better diet are less likely to visit the ER, hospital, or assisted living facility. Furthermore, according to Ross, nobody should have to put off buying food in order to pay a bill.
