SB 224 simplifies the SNAP certification and recertification requirements for households comprised of senior citizens or individuals with disabilities.
Today, June 17th, SB 224 authored by Texas State Senator Charles Perry and sponsored by Rep. Armando Walle became law after being signed by Governor Greg Abbott.
The legislation creates a simplified certification and recertification process for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants who are senior citizens and/or people with disabilities living on fixed incomes. The simplified requirements include the waiving of the recertification interview, a shortened application form with simplified verification requirements, and a 36-month enrollment period after each certification and recertification. The bill also enacts a data-matching program to notify eligible Medicaid beneficiaries that they are eligible to enroll in SNAP.
Before the pandemic, Texas had the fifth-highest rate of senior food insecurity in the nation, with 11% of Texas seniors at risk for hunger. While the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still being felt, this figure is likely to have doubled. The state also has some of the lowest rates of senior participation in SNAP. Due to barriers in the application process, only half of the roughly 500,000 income-eligible Texas seniors are enrolled in SNAP.
“By passing this bill, we are ensuring that our most vulnerable Texans — seniors and people with disabilities who have no earned income — will receive the nutritional assistance they need in the most efficient manner possible,” said Senator Charles Perry (R-Lubbock), the bill’s author. “This bill will also ensure that we are making the best possible use of taxpayer dollars by establishing more efficient reverification procedures for factors like senior status and disability status, which do not change.”
“SNAP is a proven and effective tool for helping our seniors and people with disabilities fight hunger,” said Rep. Armando Walle (D-Houston), the House champion for the bill. “This bill is a critical step in ensuring the SNAP program is run accurately and efficiently, while getting necessary resources to vulnerable Texans.”
The new law will take effect on September 1, 2021.
“Difficulty applying online and complex documentation requirements have been barriers to SNAP for far too long,” said Celia Cole, Chief Executive Officer of Feeding Texas, the statewide network of food banks that was instrumental in the law’s passage. “Our state is grappling with one of the highest rates of senior food insecurity in the country, and this common-sense law will drive down those numbers. We applaud all supporters of this bill in the Texas Legislature who have taken action to make sure nutrition assistance is accessible for vulnerable Texans experiencing food insecurity.”
Tusk Philanthropies, the family foundation of venture capitalist and political strategist Bradley Tusk, supported Feeding Texas in this legislative effort. To date, Tusk Philanthropies has helped secure more than $326 million in federal funding to support regular school meals programs serving nearly 3.9 million food-insecure children in 14 states.
“Nutrition benefits programs historically leave seniors and those with disabilities at the frays, even though they’re among the most vulnerable. After a lifetime of hard work, everyone should be able to age with dignity,” said Tusk. “It’s critical to not only identify vulnerability among seniors but figure out ways to feed them efficiently and consistently. I applaud Texas legislators for stepping up to address the challenges of senior food insecurity. The passing of this bill marks an important moment in helping to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.”