HR4967-119

What This Bill Does

The Keep Seniors Fed Act changes SNAP eligibility calculations by amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude income received under title II of the Social Security Act from household income. The change takes effect 90 days after enactment. For older adults and other Social Security beneficiaries, the key practical effect is that Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability income would not count against SNAP income eligibility or benefit calculation rules. State SNAP agencies and USDA Food and Nutrition Service would need to update eligibility systems, guidance, and caseworker training to remove title II income from the calculation.

Who Benefits and How

Social Security beneficiaries applying for SNAP benefit because title II income would no longer count as household income. Senior SNAP households benefit if Social Security retirement income no longer reduces eligibility or benefit amounts. Disabled Social Security beneficiaries benefit from the same SNAP income exclusion. Anti-hunger organizations benefit from a simpler argument that Social Security income should not reduce nutrition assistance.

Who Bears the Burden and How

State SNAP agencies must update eligibility systems, notices, and caseworker guidance within 90 days. USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff must issue implementation guidance and oversee state compliance. Federal taxpayers bear the cost if more households qualify for SNAP or receive higher benefits. Budget scorekeepers must estimate the nutrition assistance cost of disregarding title II income.

Key Provisions

• Adds title II Social Security income to the SNAP income exclusions.
• Provides that the amendment takes effect 90 days after enactment.
• Expands potential SNAP eligibility or benefit amounts for Social Security beneficiaries.
• Requires state and federal SNAP administrators to update income-counting rules.