NYS implemented ESAP to simplify access to and participation in SNAP for older adults and adults with disabilities.
ESAP-eligible households benefit from:
Households fitting the above criteria that include children and/or disabled children can participate in ESAP.
Paper: Applicants can use the new simplified paper app (LDSS-5166) with an easy to read pamphlet (to help senior/disabled households better understand medical deductions), or
New applications for SNAP are being reviewed and those meeting the ESAP criteria will be placed into ESAP. They will receive a notice that includes the benefits of ESAP and the extension of the certification period.
Households already receiving SNAP and meeting ESAP criteria will be placed into ESAP at their next recertification, as long as they continue to be eligible for SNAP.
Interviews at Application: ESAP-eligible households are required to have an initial application interview when applying for SNAP, like all other SNAP applicants.
Interviews at Recertification: ESAP-eligible households are not required to complete a recertification interview, but may request one. When is is time to recertify:
Note: ESAP-eligible households must submit a completed recertification application and any required documents to continue to receive SNAP benefits. ESAP-eligible households who do not return a recertification application will have their SNAP case closed for failure to recertify, like any other SNAP case.
SNAP Offices must offer ESAP-eligible households a recertification interview in the following situations:
SNAP offices will notify households of the following:
Upstate SNAP offices use the LDSS-5181 “ESAP Interview Notice Letter”. NYC SNAP offices use other means to notify households.
Participating ESAP households are still required to provide documentation of:
Unless questionable, participating ESAP households may self-declare:
SNAP offices are required to use computer matches and available systems to verify:
Non-mandatory Interim Report
Households participating in ESAP will receive a non-mandatory interim report (LDSS-3151 SNAP Change Report Form) at the midpoint (18 months) of their 36-month certification period. This form does not need to be returned and the SNAP office may not take a negative action against the ESAP household for not returning this form.
Other Reporting Requirements
Under ESAP’s simplified reporting requirements, households don’t have to report most changes until their next recertification (36 months). The following changes, however, must be reported within ten days of the beginning of the month following the month in which the change took place:
Households that no longer meet the criteria for ESAP will leave the project; these households are referred to as “leavers”.
Leavers who remain eligible for SNAP, but not ESAP:
Leavers are subject to the regular reporting requirements that apply to the household based on its circumstances.
ESAP Outreach by NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYSOTDA)
As part of this project, NYSOTDA will collaborate with community partners and the NYS Office of the Aging (NYSOFA) to inform and engage the ESAP-eligible population. This outreach is will provide ESAP applications, help with the initial certification and recertification processes, and help clients understand and verify allowable medical costs.
To support this outreach, a new brochure has been developed to assist ESAP households with understanding the role certain allowable medical expenses may have on their SNAP benefit amount. PUB-5176, “It’s Easy for Older and Disabled Adults to Get SNAP – Deducting Medical Expenses for SNAP” explains that certain verified out-of-pocket medical costs that total more than $35 can be deducted from countable income which could result in some recipients receiving additional SNAP benefits each month. The brochure contains examples of medical costs that can be deducted and also contains information about the simplified application process for ESAP and what information may be needed to complete the application.
OTDA ESAP Policy and attachments:
SNAP Medical Deduction Facts Plus Worksheet
Seniors and people with a disability who qualify for SNAP may be entitled to a larger monthly benefit by deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35. By reporting these expenses in the SNAP application process, seniors can get even more help paying for food each month.
SNAP and Seniors Professional Network
Join to learn more about ESAP and other programs that help seniors/disabled people access SNAP. We offer service providers tools to help low-income older adults apply for and maintain SNAP benefits. The Network is a one-stop shop for SNAP policy, best practices, outreach materials, and resources to increase provider knowledge about SNAP benefits. Join today!