H.R. 5055: Increasing Nutrition Access for Seniors Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Increasing Nutrition Access for Seniors Act of 2025, aims to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to make it easier for elderly and disabled individuals to access benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Key Provisions

• Extended Certification Periods: The bill proposes extending the certification period for households with elderly or disabled members to 36 months if they do not have any earned income. This means these individuals would not need to recertify their eligibility for benefits as frequently, which may reduce the burden of paperwork and the need to provide income verification frequently.
• Medical Expense Deductions: The bill allows state agencies to create a standard medical expense deduction for elderly or disabled individuals who report medical expenses over $35 per month, excluding special diets. This is intended to account for medical costs and could potentially increase the amount of benefits those individuals receive.
  • For fiscal year 2026, the standard deduction amount is set at $155.
  • This amount will adjust annually based on changes in medical care costs as measured by the Consumer Price Index.
  • States may establish a higher standard deduction if they can demonstrate that average medical costs in the state justify it.
• Income Verification Flexibility: The bill allows state agencies to use "data matches" instead of requiring complete income verification if households qualify for the extended 36-month certification period mentioned earlier. This aims to make the administration of benefits more efficient and less burdensome for qualifying households.

Effective Date

The provisions in this bill would take effect 180 days after it is enacted, although they would not apply to any certification periods that start before the effective date.

Relevant Companies

• None found