FOLEY – Many seniors who qualify for assistance with food and medical opportunities through state and federal agencies are not receiving these benefits because they have not signed up for the program.

A benefit fair will be held in Foley on June 24 to help people to both determine if they are eligible for food and medical assistance, and become enrolled.

The city of Foley is partnering with South Alabama Regional Planning Commission Area Agency on Aging (SARPC) in sponsoring a senior enrollment fair on Wednesday, June 24 at Foley City Hall from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers.  The purpose of the enrollment fair is to make it easier for area seniors to qualify for benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more familiarly known as SNAP.

The Alabama Elderly Simplified Application is an easy way for seniors age 60 and above to apply for assistance without having to go to the offices of the Department of Human Resources (DHR).  Representatives will complete the application for each senior wanting to apply for SNAP benefits. The income level for an individual to qualify is $1260 per month.

According to Jane Mize with SARPC/Area Agency on Aging, many seniors who might qualify often overlook documenting their medical expenses, such as Medicare premiums, co-pays at doctor offices, medication costs and hospital bills. Medical expenses can qualify many seniors with higher incomes for the SNAP benefits.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that only two out of every five seniors who are eligible for SNAP are enrolled in the program. This means that over 39,000 eligible Alabama seniors are not enrolled.

During the city of Foley’s enrollment fair, a senior may take part in a free health screening and talk with an elder law attorney about free powers of attorney and advance directives for health care. There also will be an optional free prescription medication program for seniors to join. Every senior may have a benefit checkup performed, which could tell them if they qualify for any additional benefits.  For more information please call 251-706-4688.