A study conducted by National Council on Aging in cooperation with the Urban Institute estimated that seventy percent of nine million elderly citizens, eligible for SNAP benefits, are not participating in state-administered programs. There is a wide range of seniors not availing themselves of benefits ranging from 70 percent of the eligible elderly in California compared to 51 percent in Rhode Island.

It was also determined that only half of elderly Americans eligible for Supplemental Security Income are enrolled in this program despite financial stress.

The National Council on Aging considers that both education and assistance with enrollment are necessary to bring eligible low-income citizens into federal programs.