98. What are the reporting rules for older adults and persons with disabilities without earned income (EDSAP)?

The Elder/Disabled Simplified Application Project (EDSAP) is intended to help eligible older adults and persons with disabilities more readily keep their SNAP benefits. There is less paperwork for you to fill out and less work for DTA to process your case. For example, your SNAP benefits are certified for 3 years (36 months) at a time, you do not need a Recertification interview or fill out any Interim Reports-- just certain changes listed below.

You are eligible for EDSAP even if you have children in the household under age 18 as long as every adult in your household is:

  • Age 60 or older, or
  • Receives a disability-based benefit, and
  • Does not have earned income.

Under EDSAP, you only need to tell DTA about 2 changes:

  • When someone joins or leaves your household, or
  • If you or anyone in the household starts to work.

You need to tell DTA about these changes by the 10th day of the month following the month of the change. If these changes apply to you, DTA will move your case from EDSAP to Simplified Reporting.  See Question 96.

Example: Edward, age 65, starts a new job in November and receives his first paycheck on November 28. He needs to report the earnings to DTA by December 10th. Edward's SNAP case will be moved out of EDSAP and onto Simplified Reporting. He is still certified for SNAP for the remainder of his 3 year certification period.

If you are on EDSAP, you are not required to tell DTA about any other changes. However, it is best to report increases in expenses if you are not getting the maximum SNAP benefit, such as an increase in rent or medical costs.

If you are eligible for EDSAP, DTA will send you a notice telling you about your reporting requirements and when your 36 month certification period ends, and your reporting requirements.

DTA Online Guide 

See Appendix G for links to the DTA’s BEACON Online Guide for this section.