NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — A new report shows thousands of seniors over age 65 are missing out on a benefit that could put food on their tables.
According to a report from the National Council on Aging and the Urban Institute, more than 100,000 Virginians are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, but they’re not getting it.
In Hampton Roads, more than 15,500 are missing out on SNAP benefits that could get them groceries, according to the NCOA interactive map. There could be several reasons why.
“I don’t want this assistance, or I’m embarrassed to apply for the assistance, or the pride, or I’ve worked my whole life, you know, I shouldn’t need this assistance,” said Norfolk Department of Human Services Family Services Supervisor Larhonda Ross.
Ross added that others may assume they don’t qualify, or are overwhelmed by the application process.
“It does make a difference, and we want to let them know that you don’t have to suffer out there,” she said.
Something called the Elderly Simplified Application Project makes it easier for seniors to apply. Virginians can find out if they qualify and apply on the Common Help website.
You can also call or walk into your city’s human services department.
“We are here to walk them through that process,” Ross said. “I mean, we find so much joy and being able to do that for our seniors only because they are living on a very fixed income.”
When seniors eat healthier, they are less likely to end up in the hospital, emergency room or nursing home. And no one, Ross said, should have to put buying food on the backburner in order to pay a bill.