Oct 19, 2024 Current Resources

College Students And SNAP Benefits: Who Really Qualifies?

(TheDailyCurrents.com) – According to Washington Post, 40 percent of students reported food insecurity. College hunger is becoming a significant problem in the U.S. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been the nation’s first defense mechanism to fight hunger. However, when post-secondary education seemed like a luxury, Congress decided to narrow down eligibility criteria that left most students outside the food security grid. In this article, you will learn whether, as a student, you qualify for SNAP.

Does the Government Consider You a Student?

To be considered a student in the federal government SNAP policy, you must be enrolled for “half-time” in an “institution of higher learning.” Half-time is usually six credits, but each institution has its definition of half-time. The government considers you a student even between breaks in school years and semesters when you are enrolled for six credits.

Does the Government Recognize Your School?

The government allows students from an “institution of higher learning” to apply for SNAP. If your program didn’t require a high school diploma or GED during application, the government doesn’t consider you eligible for SNAP. Some community college students may be eligible for SNAP based on their programs.

Do You Have a Meal Plan?

Previously, any student who had 11 meals per week plan could not be a SNAP beneficiary. However, in a policy memo issued on June 2, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture clarified that if a student participates in a meal plan, the scope may be used to determine eligibility.

Are You Living with Your Parents?

You cannot apply for SNAP individually if you are below 22 and still living with your parents. Your parents must meet the eligibility criteria when you apply. You can apply individually after your 22nd birthday, or you move out. However, are a student and don’t qualify for SNAP, your parents will not receive benefits for you as a family member.

Do You Meet the Students’ Work Requirements?

The federal government requires students in institutions of higher learning to have a job to be eligible for SNAP. As a student, you are required to

Work 20 hours a week or be self-employed and make within the federal minimum wage (about $145) weekly.
Anticipate a work-study position
Participate in an on-the-job training

If you don’t meet the work requirement, you might be eligible if you are:

Under 18 or over 56
A recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance
A caregiver for a child under 6, or over 6 through 11 who has no access to childcare
Disabled or you are incapacitated. This is verified by a doctor’s statement or receipt of disability benefits.
A single parent in a full-time institution and caring for a child under 12

Do You Attend a Community College?

Students attending community colleges are eligible for SNAP. This is if they are studying a program among High Priority Occupation. To be eligible, the school administrator must confirm before the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is available to you.

Are You Connected to State-Funded Programs?

These are some state-funded programs that aim to improve employability. A student under these programs is eligible for SNAP.

Training Grant and Foster Care Tuition Waiver or Chafee Education
College readiness programs such as; ELECT, GEARUP, Adult Basic Education, CareerLinks, TRIO Upward Bound, TANF, or KEYS
Act 101 student support programs run by your current school
A SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program;

Not sure if you qualify for food stamps? Talk to your college advisors for additional help, or reach out to your state’s SNAP office for additional information.