How does the low-income benefit interact with my food stamps?
The amount of food stamps you are eligible for is determined by your income. For seniors and people with disabilities, medical expenses over $35 per month are not counted toward your income. If receiving “extra help” reduces your medical expenses and increases your adjusted income, the amount of food stamps you receive may decline. Generally, every $1 increase in adjusted income results in a $0.30 decline in food stamps. In other words, your budget will only benefit $0.70 for each dollar that is saved through your participation in “extra help.” Most beneficiaries will save money overall by receiving Part D’s low income subsidy. However, i f you get the minimum food stamp benefit, your benefits may end. Changes in your medical expenses resulting from “extra help” will not need to be reported until your food stamp benefit is renewed.
