NYS recently introduced a simplified SNAP-only application for people 60 and older or those with a disability. This new application is part of a larger effort, known as the Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP), to simplify the SNAP application/recertification process for these vulnerable populations.
What is ESAP?
The Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) is a demonstration project designed to dramatically simplify the SNAP application and verification process for eligible households, while also reducing the administrative burden on states. In approved states, SNAP applicants are eligible for ESAP if all household members are age 60 or older and have no earned income. States can also elect to include disabled households. Effective ESAPs have the potential to do three things:
- Increase SNAP participation among seniors and people with disabilities
- Improve the customer experience for these vulnerable households
- Achieve administrative efficiencies for state agencies
New SNAP Only Application/Recertification for Seniors/Disabled
The simplified application/recertification form (LDSS-5166: English or Spanish) has been created for use by households where all the member are 60 or older or disabled and have no earned income. The new application has been reduced to 2 pages of requested information. NYS is able to provide this simplification because the unearned income most often received by seniors and disabled people can be verified through data matching. Additionally, other eligibility factors that must be documented before a person can be determined eligible for SNAP can also be verified through data matching; making the process less time consuming and difficult for these vulnerable populations.
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