SNAP Information: 

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The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal government program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people to help them maintain adequate nutrition and health. SNAP is the leading solution to help reduce food insecurity in America. 

Approximately 1 in 3 college students are food insecure. While SNAP is a great source of support for food-insecure college students, various barriers make it difficult for them to access assistance from the program. Around 69% of students meeting SNAP income levels do not receive the benefit. This wide gap between those eligible for SNAP and those accessing the benefit is known as the College Student SNAP Gap.

Students are usually eligible for SNAP if they meet any of the following requirements and are enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education

• Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
• Participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
• Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12

Students are often ineligible for SNAP if they meet the following requirements: 

• If you receive the majority of your meals through either a mandatory or optional meal plan, you are ineligible for SNAP

Documents needed to apply for SNAP: 

• Proof of identity such as a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, or state-issued identification.
• The following verification when it applies to your household:
  • Proof of earned income received this month and last month for all applicants who are working.
  • Proof of unearned income received this month and last month such as social security, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, gifts, loans, child support, or Veterans Administration benefits.
  • For applicants who are not U.S. Citizens: Proof of Lawful Permanent Residency such as your alien registration card.

Providing proof of expenses is not mandatory, but it may help you receive more benefits.

• Proof of rent or mortgage expense.
• Bank or credit union (savings or checking) complete statement for the most recent month.
• Proof of utility expenses such as electricity, garbage, gas, telephone, coal, or water.
• Proof of childcare cost when you have someone else care for your child while you go to work. Provide a statement when you take your child to or from the provider’s location.
• Proof of legal obligation and payment of court-ordered child support.
• Proof of all medical expenses for those applying for benefits who are age 60 or older or receive disability benefits when the total amount for the household is more than $35.00.
• Proof of legal obligation and payments of court-ordered child support paid this month and last month.