Can I qualify for SNAP if I am a student?

Q) Can I qualify for SNAP if I am a student?

A) Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college or other institutions of higher education at least half time are not eligible for SNAP benefits unless they meet certain criteria such as participating in work-study, working at least twenty hours a week, or taking care of a dependent household member.

Students may be able to get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible and they:

• Get public assistance benefits under a Title IV-A program;
• Take part in a State or federally financed work study program;
• Work at least 20 hours a week;
• Are taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 6;
• Are taking care of a dependent household member over the age of 5 but under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a State or federally financed work study program; or
• Are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
• A program under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
• A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974,
• An employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act, or
• An employment and training program operated by a State or local government.
• Also, a single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a dependent household member under the age of 12 can get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible.