This information comes from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services at dhs.pa.gov, as of Sept. 4.

“SNAP, short for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps eligible individuals and families in Pennsylvania to increase purchasing power at the grocery store, giving them access to more nutritious foods. Benefits are provided monthly through an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, which recipients use to purchase foods at their local grocery stores and farmers markets. These benefits are not cash and can only be used on food purchases.

“Why get help? Older adults (age 60 and older) who are food insecure have diets that are less nutritious, worse health outcomes and higher risk for depression. In contrast, seniors enrolled in SNAP are healthier, hospitalized less and are less likely to go to a nursing home. Enroll today, then spend more time with the people who matter to you most.

“Do I qualify? Eligibility is based on factors such as household income, housing costs and medical expenses. An older adult can bring in more than $2,000 a month and still qualify. For a senior couple, that increases to more than $2,700. Income requirements change each year.

“Use the Simple SNAP application if everyone in the household is age 60 or older or has a disability, purchases and prepares food together and does not receive any earnings from work. (A household is a group of people who usually purchase and prepare meals together. People in the household are not required to be related.)

“It’s easier than ever before to apply for help! There is a two-page application for Pennsylvanians 60 or older and/or with disabilities with no earned income. Go to compass.state.pa.us to apply or visit your county assistance office.

“Ready to apply? Here is what to have on hand: dates of birth for all members of your household, Social Security numbers, household income information, household expense information, housing costs (such as rent or mortgage) and medical expenses.

“Access the full application and apply for other benefits — such as winter home-heating assistance, Medicaid and more — at compass.state.pa.us. For questions, please call 877-395-8930.”

For additional information and eligibility requirements for the programs and services available through the Lehigh County Department of Human Services, call Lehigh County’s information and referral unit at 610-782-3200.