Many SNAP-Recipient Seniors Live Alone and Face Financial Fragility

Isolation and fixed incomes are common among older adult SNAP participants. Approximately 85% of older adults receiving SNAP benefits live alone. Many of these individuals have very limited income, depending largely on Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other modest sources.

For these individuals, even a modest monthly SNAP benefit—say around $188 on average for older adults (a figure sometimes cited)—can make the difference between having enough food or not.

Because they live alone, older adults often lack the economies of scale of two-person households (e.g., shared rent, shared food costs) and thus face higher per-person cost burdens.