News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Upper Cumberland Development District is offering assistance to seniors applying for the SNAP program.
Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It helps those in need receive nutritional assistance benefits. UCDD SNAP Benefits Coordinator Miranda Malin said that she helps folks who are over the age of 60 or disabled in their application process.
“Sometimes it’s a technology issue,” Malin said. “Sometimes there are seniors who are unable to get to their mailboxes in order to get the applications, or even make it to some of the offices to get applications to fill them out. Some seniors just have a hard time getting their documents together.”
Malin said her work as an aid in the process has been around for three years. She said while she can’t formally approve applicants, she helps them with their screening process and applications.
“Basically we go through a screening process and if the client wants to continue with the application I can go ahead and fill that out,” Malin said. “If they prefer I go to their home, I can do that. With COVID it’s been a little different, but typically I can just mail it out as well. ”
Malin said that typical things that factor into SNAP qualifications include income requirements or asset requirements. For someone over the age of 60 or with a disability, the asset limit is at $3,500.
