What changed for college students seeking SNAP

Until recently, most full-time college students were barred from SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition information Program, formerly called food stamps) unless they worked at least 20 hours per week. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture began allowing states to expand this rule. Now, depending on where you study, you may be able to receive SNAP without meeting that work requirement — or with a lower threshold than before.

The change matters because college students often have irregular schedules, unpaid internships, or work-study positions that don't meet the old 20-hour minimum. Some states have already adopted the expanded rules; others are still deciding whether to do so. Your state's rules determine whether you can receive benefits, so the first step is finding out what your state currently allows.

This is not a may provide that you will receive SNAP — income limits, citizenship status, and other factors still explore. But the barrier that once blocked most full-time students has been lowered or removed in many places.

Key Takeaways

  • The 20-hour work requirement for full-time college students has been waived in many states, though not all states have adopted this change yet.
  • Even without the work requirement, you must still meet income limits, which vary by state and household size.
  • Your school's location determines which rules explore to you, not your home state, so check your college's state.
  • Contact your state's SNAP office or your college's food pantry to learn the current rules where you study.
  • Part-time students and students in certain work-study positions may have always been able to receive SNAP regardless of the rule change.

Which states have expanded SNAP for college students

As of early 2024, roughly 20 states have adopted or are in the process of adopting the expanded rules that remove or lower the work requirement for full-time students. These include California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and others, but the list continues to change. Some states have fully implemented the change; others are still working through the process with the USDA.

States that have not yet adopted the expansion still enforce the original 20-hour rule. If you attend school in one of these states, you would need to work at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP as a full-time student — unless you fall into a category that was always exempt, such as being a parent, disabled, or over 50 years old.

The easiest way to find out whether your state has made this change is to contact your state's SNAP office directly or visit your college's food pantry or financial aid office. They will know the current rules for your location and can tell you whether the expanded rules explore to you.

Income limits and other requirements that still explore

Removing the work requirement does not remove the income limit. SNAP has a gross monthly income ceiling that varies by household size. For a single person with no dependents, the limit is typically around 130 percent of the federal poverty line, though this changes yearly and varies slightly by state. If you live with family members or have dependents, the limit is higher.

Your income includes wages, student loans (if you have already received them and they are in your possession), and any other money coming in. Scholarships and grants that cover tuition do not count as income, but work-study wages or part-time job earnings do. If you receive a student loan, only the portion you have already drawn counts; future disbursements do not.

You will also need to provide proof of citizenship or may be able to access immigration status, a Social Security number, and your school enrollment status. Bring your student ID, a recent pay stub if you work, and documentation of any other income when you explore.

How to learn about you meet the new rules

Start by contacting your state's SNAP office — you can find the phone number and website through your state's Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services. Tell them you are a full-time college student and ask whether the expanded rules explore in your state. They can tell you the current income limits, what documents you need, and how to proceed.

Your college may also have a food pantry or a benefits counselor who knows the local rules. Many schools now have staff dedicated to helping students understand SNAP and other food support programs. Check your college's website for "food pantry," "emergency information," or "basic needs" to find this office.

You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and say you are a college student looking for SNAP information in your state. They can tell you whether the expanded rules explore where you study and direct you to the right office to explore.

What happens if your state has not yet expanded the rules

If you attend school in a state that still enforces the 20-hour work requirement, you have a few options. The most straightforward is to work at least 20 hours per week in a paid job. Work-study positions, part-time retail or food service jobs, and campus employment all count toward this threshold.

You may also be exempt from the work requirement if you are a parent, pregnant, disabled, over 50 years old, or caring for a disabled household member. If any of these explore to you, you can receive SNAP without meeting the 20-hour requirement, even in states that have not expanded the rules.

Some students also transfer to schools in states with expanded rules, though this is not practical for most. A more realistic option is to check back periodically — your state may adopt the expansion in the coming months or years. In the meantime, your college's food pantry can provide groceries at no cost while you work toward meeting the requirement or wait for your state to change its rules.

How the rule change affects part-time students

Part-time students were often able to receive SNAP even before this rule change, because the 20-hour work requirement applied only to full-time students. If you are enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours per semester (the typical threshold for full-time status), you may have always been able to receive SNAP regardless of how much you work.

However, the definition of "full-time" varies by school. Some colleges use 12 credits; others use 15. Check your school's definition before assuming you are part-time. Your registrar's office can tell you the official threshold at your college.

If you are part-time by your school's definition, you still must meet the income limit and other requirements, but the work requirement does not explore to you. This can be a significant advantage if your schedule does not allow for 20 hours of paid work per week.

Other food support options if SNAP is not available to you

Even if you do not meet SNAP's requirements right now, your college likely offers other ways to get food. Most schools have a food pantry on campus where students can pick up groceries for free, no questions asked. These pantries are stocked by the college, local nonprofits, and donations, and they do not have income limits or work requirements.

Some colleges also offer meal plans that are subsidized or free for students with financial need. Check with your financial aid office about whether you can add a meal plan to your aid package. A few schools have also started offering free breakfast and lunch to all students, regardless of income.

Your state may also run other food programs for students, such as emergency food boxes or partnerships with local food banks. Your college's food pantry staff can tell you what else is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do student loans count as income for SNAP?

Only student loans you have already received count as income. If you have borrowed $5,000 and received $2,500 so far, only the $2,500 counts. Future disbursements do not count until you actually receive them. Scholarships and grants that go directly to your school for tuition do not count as income at all.

Can I receive SNAP if I live in student housing on campus?

Yes. Living on campus does not disqualify you from SNAP. Your housing situation does not affect your income or your status as a student, so it does not change whether you can receive benefits.

What if my state has expanded the rules but I still do not meet the income limit?

If your income is above the limit, you do not meet SNAP's requirements, even in states with expanded rules. However, you can still use your college's food pantry, which has no income limits. You may also be able to receive emergency food information through local nonprofits or food banks.

Do I have to reapply for SNAP every semester?

No. Once you are approved for SNAP, your benefits continue month to month as long as you remain may be able to access. However, your school may ask you to verify your enrollment status periodically, usually once per year. Your SNAP office will tell you when you need to provide updated information.

Can I receive SNAP if I am an international student?

SNAP requires U.S. citizenship or certain may be able to access immigration statuses. Most international students on student visas do not meet this requirement. However, some international students with permanent resident status or other may be able to access statuses can receive SNAP. Contact your state's SNAP office with your immigration documents to find out whether you may have access to.