This legislative bill proposes the creation of a program called the Minnesota SNAP Step Up for Seniors Program. This initiative is designed to enhance the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits specifically for seniors aged 55 and older. The bill will ensure that if the federal SNAP benefits for seniors fall below a specified minimum monthly amount of $50, the state will provide an additional supplement to raise their total benefits to this minimum amount. The extra financial aid given under this program will not be counted as income in other programs that also disregard SNAP benefits as income. The administration of this new program will follow existing federal and state SNAP rules and procedures as closely as possible.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the commissioner responsible should use federal funds first, where available, before utilizing state money. It also includes a section directing the commissioner to seek all necessary federal waivers or approvals to implement the program properly. Lastly, specific funds for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 will be set aside in the state budget to support this initiative.