2022 SNAP benefits: Can college students collect Food Stamps?

The SNAP program was once called Food Stamps.

After recent changes, some college students may be eligible.

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Are students now eligible for SNAP benefits?

SNAP benefits used to known as Food Stamps. Regardless of what you call it, the program provides financial support to pay for healthy foods. Usually, students enrolled in higher education unless they meet an exemption:

• are under 18 or over 50
• have a physical or mental disability
• be paid to work at least 20 hours a week
• participate in a state or federally funded work study
• participate in an on-the-job training program
• care for a child less than 6 years old
• care for a child 6-11 and don’t have adequate child care to attend school and work 20 hours a week
• are a single parent in school full-time and care for a child under 12
• receive TANF assistance
• are enrolled in a TANF JOBS program

In January 2021, two more student exemptions have been granted to receive SNAP benefits:

• are eligible for participation in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year
• have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year

If one of these exemptions applies to you, then you may be eligible for SNAP benefits. However, you will need to provide proof to your local SNAP office.

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