Purpose

• To create the Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors Program, which would add a supplemental payment to the federal SNAP benefits received by eligible seniors, ensuring a minimum total monthly benefit of $50.

Eligible beneficiaries

• Eligible senior: an individual age 55 or older.

How the supplement works

• If a household with an eligible senior receives a federal SNAP benefit that is less than $50, the state must provide a supplemental benefit to raise the total SNAP benefit to at least $50.
• The supplemental benefit must be provided in addition to the federal SNAP benefit.
• The supplemental amount is not counted as income for any program that does not count SNAP benefits as income.

Administration and funding

• Administration: The program would be run by the commissioner of children, youth and families, and would follow the same federal and state SNAP rules and procedures as much as possible, including distributing benefits through the SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system.
• Funding priority: If federal funds are available, they would be used as the primary source for the monthly supplemental benefit before using state funds.
• Program enhancements: The commissioner may increase the minimum monthly benefit amount as appropriations and federal funding allow.
• Definitions and law: The program is established under Minnesota Statutes section 142F.121.

Federal waivers and approvals

• The commissioner of human services must apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service for any necessary waivers or approvals to implement the Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors Program.

Appropriations

• The bill would appropriates funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 from the general fund to support the Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors Program under the referenced statute.

Significant changes from existing law

• Creates a new state supplement to SNAP specifically for seniors 55 and older, establishing a $50 minimum monthly benefit when federal SNAP benefits are below that amount.
• Requires coordination with federal SNAP rules, possible federal waivers, and dedicated general fund appropriations for a two-year period (FY2026 and FY2027).

Relevant terms - Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors Program - SNAP - eligible senior - age 55 or older - minimum monthly benefit amount - $50 - federal SNAP benefit - supplemental benefit - not counted as income - SNAP EBT - commissioner of children, youth and families - commissioner of human services - waivers - U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service - Minnesota Statutes section 142F.121 - general fund - appropriation - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027