Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in Montana. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for seniors in Montana
Montana's SNAP puts money for groceries on a Montana Access Card each month.
There is no savings limit if your household's gross income is at or under 200% of the poverty level, and if everyone in your home is 60 or older or disabled and no one works, approval lasts 24 months. Starting Nov. 1, 2026, SNAP can't be used for candy, sugary drinks or energy drinks in Montana.
How to apply in Montana
- By phone
- 1-888-706-1535
- In person
- Visit your local Office of Public Assistance.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify in Montana
| Savings limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled, gross income at or under 200% of poverty | No limit |
|---|---|
| Savings limit if gross income is over 200% of poverty (Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027) | $4,750 |
| Gross income limit for the no-savings-test rule (broad-based categorical eligibility) | 200% of the poverty level |
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 2)
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| How long approval lasts, households where everyone is 60+ or disabled with no earned income | 24 months |
|---|
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 3)
Good to know
- Starting Nov. 1, 2026, Montana SNAP can't be used to buy candy, high-sugar drinks, energy drinks or shelf-stable prepared desserts. Water, diet drinks, juice that is more than half fruit or vegetable, milk, coffee and tea are still allowed.
- Montana's manual says the three-month time limit for adults without dependents now applies up to age 64; the month you turn 65 counts as exempt. Before Oct. 1, 2025, people 55 and older were exempt.
- If everyone in your home gets SSI or TANF cash help, there is no savings limit at any income.
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (source 4)
Free help
Free help with this in Montana
Aging Services Bureau
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in Montana
SNAP food benefits in another state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, SNAP Program Overview (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, SNAP Manual 304-1: Categorical and Expanded Categorical Eligibility (effective Oct. 1, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, SNAP Manual 1502-1: Recertification (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Healthy SNAP Food Restrictions (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, SNAP Manual 800: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (effective Oct. 1, 2026) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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