Life as a college student is full of challenges – and often, money worries can affect everything else in your life. You have heard about food stamps but haven’t seen any other student use them.
Can a college student get food stamps?
College students are not always able to get food stamps (known as SNAP today), they can get SNAP but only if they meet certain criteria. You need to check your eligibility against a checklist and apply to see if you qualify.
Some students may not be eligible for food stamps, so if you need to learn more, keep reading.
What Are The Requirements To Apply For Food Stamps As A College Student?
The most important thing you need to know right away is whether you are eligible to get food stamps. There’s no point in applying if you don’t meet the criteria. So look at the following list to determine whether you can get food stamps as a college student.
A college student may be eligible for food stamps if you meet at least one of the following criteria (the more, the better your chances of success)
- You are younger than 18 or older than 50.
- You attend a community college at least half-time.
- You receive TAFDC benefits.
- You are a MASSgrant recipient.
- You are disabled.
- You work at least 20 hours each week (with low income).
- Care for a child under 12 (different criteria apply for children under 6, children between 6 and 11, and children under 12).
- You are a TANF recipient.
- You are enrolled in a JOBS program.
- You were placed in your college through one of the following:
- A SNAP E&T program
- Other E&T programs for low-income households
- A program under the WIOA act of 2014
- A Trade Adjustment Assistance Program
- You meet one of the temporary COVID-19 exemptions
You can only apply for food stamps in the state you attend college. For more details, visit the official SNAP website.
How Do I Apply For Food Stamps As A College Student?
The application process differs from state to state. So first, you need to find the agency responsible for food stamps in the state you attend college. The easiest way to do that is via this website.
You click on your state, and the necessary information pops up. The general steps are usually the same:
- Download an application form (or collect one from your local DFS office).
- Fill out the application form and send it to the local DFS office via email or postal mail or by dropping it off in person.
- Someone will then contact you to arrange a face-to-face interview.
Read Related: How Much Does the Average College Student Spend on Food?
Are College Students Eligible For SNAP?
You may be confused and wonder whether SNAP and food stamps are different. They are not – it’s just a different name. In the past, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) was known as the Food Stamp Program.
A student who used to be eligible for the Food Stamp Program will likely also have little issue with getting assistance via SNAP.
Little trivia fact: The name changed in October 2008 because the government wanted to get rid of the negative feelings connected to the words “food stamp”.
Can A College Student Living With Parents Get Food Stamps?
This depends on who does the shopping and cooking. If your parents cook for you and buy groceries, you aren’t likely to receive food stamps. After all, you’re not spending any money on food!
It’s a different story when you live in a self-contained flat within your parents’ house. If you do all your own shopping and cooking and meet the above criteria, you can apply for SNAP support (food stamps). There is no guarantee for success, though.
Can I Get Food Stamps If I Live With Roommates?
Roommates generally do not count as household members in the eyes of SNAP.
In theory, if four students share the same flat, all four can apply for SNAP and receive food stamps – as long as they meet the criteria!
Can I Apply For Food Stamps Online?
You can download the application form online, and some states allow the online transmission of your application.
The final step in the application will always be a face-to-face interview.
Can A College Student Get Food Stamps On A Meal Plan?
If more than half of your meals are provided through a meal plan, you will not be successful if you try to apply for food stamps.
After all, college meal plans are usually more expensive than doing your own cooking, and the government doesn’t want to pay for that (it’s a bit more complex than that when you look at official explanations, but it boils down to that simple fact).
What Food Can You Buy as a Student if Accepted into SNAP?
When you apply and get accepted into the SNAP program as a student, you are treated the same as other SNAP approved persons. With advanced technology today you are given a card, like a debit card, that can be used at various grocery stores, farmers markets, pharmacies, convivence stores, and much more.
You may even see “EBT Accepted Here” or “We Accept Food Stamps”, both mean they accept the EBT card. Sometimes they even have the SNAP logo on the same sign.
The locations are endless, many places accept EBT and it can make life as a student much easier if things are financially challenging.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot of paperwork involved when applying to SNAP food stamps, and it is not very straightforward for college students.
The best you can do is to look at the eligibility criteria, find your local DFS office and send in an application if you think you have a chance. Be honest and provide truthful information and you may get approved for the program.
