Students attending an institution of higher education (like college, university, trade/technical school) are typically not eligible for SNAP unless they meet one of the exemptions below:
- Enrolled half-time or less
- Are under age 18 or are age 50 or older
- Unable to work for health reasons
- Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment
- Participate in a state or federally financed work study program
- Participate in an on-the-job training program
- Care for a child under the age of 6
- Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care enabling them to attend school and work
- Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance
- Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program
- Are in school through a state or federally approved employment and training program
Due to the current pandemic, two other exemptions allow students to be eligible:
- Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study
- Have an Expected Family Contribution of $0 when applying for financial aid
Non-eligible students should not be included on the application if the students are part of the household applying for SNAP. Read more.