new text begin [256D.66] MINNESOTA SNAP STEP UP FOR SENIORS PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Program established. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall establish the Minnesota
SNAP step up for seniors program to supplement the minimum monthly benefit amount for
eligible seniors who receive federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
benefits.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined have the meanings
given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Eligible senior" means an individual age 55 or older.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Minimum monthly benefit amount" means $50.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Supplemental benefit. new text end

new text begin Under this program, if a household includes an eligible
senior and receives a federally funded SNAP benefit of less than the minimum monthly
benefit amount, the state shall provide a supplement to increase the total benefit to at least
the minimum monthly benefit amount. Households with an eligible senior must receive the
supplemental benefit under this section in addition to the federal SNAP benefit.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Prohibition on counting supplemental benefit as income. new text end

new text begin The benefit amount
received by an eligible senior or household under this section must not be counted as income
in any program that does not count SNAP benefits as income.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Program administration. new text end

new text begin (a) The program under this section shall be subject
to the same federal and state regulations, rules, and procedures for implementing the federal
SNAP as much as possible, including but not limited to distributing the program benefit
amount through the SNAP electronic benefit transfer system.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may increase the minimum monthly benefit amount established
herein as deemed appropriate and subject to state appropriations and federal funding.
new text end

new text begin (c) If federal funds become available for the purpose of this section, the commissioner
shall utilize the federal funds as the primary source for issuing the monthly supplemental
benefit before any state funds are used.
new text end