A new report says that more than 100,000 eligible Virginians, mostly seniors, are missing out on SNAP benefits. The study calls for more outreach and help with applications.
Over 100,000 Virginians, mostly seniors, are not getting their SNAP benefits. ABC 8 News says that a new report shows that many Virginians who are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are not utilizing them.
There are more than 100,000 Virginians who could use this food aid but have not signed up. One big group affected by the problem is seniors ages 65 and up. In Virginia, only 37% of eligible seniors use SNAP benefits.
The study also says that this problem is different in each county. There are 4,773 seniors in Henrico County who are eligible but not registered.
In Richmond and Chesterfield counties, there are 3,274 and 3,247 seniors who are eligible but not using the benefits. Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, said that the fact that so many older people are not getting this important help is “shocking and unacceptable.”
Seniors Urged to Check Eligibility and Apply for SNAP Benefits Through Virginia Department of Social Services
You can check to see if you qualified for SNAP benefits or get help on the website of the Virginia Department of Social Services. There needs to be more outreach to make sure that people who need food aid can get it, says the report.