Student SNAP Eligibility
COVID-19 Temporary Update from the USDA: SNAP has been expanded to MORE college students than ever before!
COVID-19 Temporary Update
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to include students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, who either:
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Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the institution of higher education, or
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Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year.
Beginning on Jan. 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. FNS will update this webpage when the COVID-19 public health emergency ends.
Under SNAP regular rules, only students who actually participate in state or federally funded work study are eligible. The new, temporary exemption, expands SNAP eligibility to students who are eligible to participate in work study during the regular school year, without the requirement that they actually participate.
The new, temporary exemptions do not impact any other student exemptions (see “What are the student exemptions?” below). All current student eligibility exemptions remain in effect.