What qualifying medical expenses can SNAP applicants aged 60+ or disabled deduct in 2025?

1. What the basic rule is — who qualifies and the $35 threshold

Federal SNAP rules permit a medical expense deduction only for households with an elderly (60+) or disabled member; only unreimbursed medical expenses above $35 per month are deductible ^{[1] [2]}. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Medicare/elderly and disabled rules explicitly say the excess over $35 that is not paid by insurance or another third party may reduce countable income for SNAP ^{[1] [2]}.

2. What kinds of expenses are typically allowed — the long list

Available federal guidance and advocacy groups list many deductible, unreimbursed costs: doctor and hospital bills, prescription drugs (and in some cases over‑the‑counter medications when approved by a provider), medical supplies, home health aides or personal care attendants, nursing home or community‑based care, transportation to medical care or pharmacy, service‑animal costs, home modifications for accessibility, and Medicaid “spend‑down” expenses — all provided they are out‑of‑pocket and not covered by insurance ^{[3] [7] [6] [8]}. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and AARP give similar examples and emphasize that many costs people overlook — like mileage or taxi fares to attend medical appointments — can qualify ^{[3] [7]}.

3. State practice: standard medical deductions vs. actual expenses

Some state agencies apply a fixed “standard” medical deduction once verified expenses meet the $35 floor; the dollar amount of that standard differs between states and programs. For example, one nonprofit guide cites a standard deduction of $183/month while a Massachusetts resource notes the Department of Transitional Assistance calculates SNAP with a standard $155/month if at least $35/month is claimed ^{[4] [5]}. Other state guidance (and FNS) allows households to claim actual verified unreimbursed expenses instead of accepting a state standard when the actual amount would be larger ^[6].

4. Verification and proof — the paperwork you’ll need

Federal rules require verification of medical expenses and of whether insurance or a third party paid them ^[2]. Typical acceptable proof includes bills, receipts, insurance statements showing unpaid balances, pay stubs for paid attendants, or documentation of transportation costs; specific forms and evidence vary by state ^{[1] [5] [6]}. The FNS medical‑expenses handbook and state SNAP offices describe verification procedures and encourage averaging a large one‑time bill across the certification period when appropriate ^{[1] [4]}.

5. Why this deduction matters — scope and underuse

Analysts say the excess medical deduction can materially increase benefits or establish eligibility for older or disabled households with high health costs; however, it is underutilized — one estimate is that only about 12% of eligible households claim it despite many having qualifying costs ^{[3] [9]}. There is no federal cap on the deduction other than that expenses must be unreimbursed and over $35; the deduction can thus be especially valuable for households with high monthly medical spending ^{[9] [3]}.

6. Areas of variation and things to watch for applicants

Exact lists of allowable items, the documentation required, and whether your state applies a standard deduction or lets you claim actual costs vary by state and can change with administrative guidance; for example, California’s materials note waivers and state memos that affect how service‑animal costs and medical marijuana are treated ^[6]. Applicants should consult their local SNAP office or the state SNAP handbook and submit detailed receipts or use state‑provided forms ^{[6] [1]}.

Limitations and gaps: available sources do not provide a single exhaustive 2025 federal checklist that enumerates every qualifying expense or the current set dollar amounts for every state’s standard deduction; applicants should verify state practice and provide documentation when applying (not found in current reporting).