The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) previously known as “food stamps“, can help you pay for food if you have a low income. Food insecurity affects millions of college students across the country. SNAP provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes.
One resource students can benefit from is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SNAP provides monthly funds that help low-income households buy food.
What is SNAP Scheme?
SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is the nation’s most important anti-hunger program. The program helps households who have limited income and resources. SNAP can be used to buy food from any store with the EBT/Quest sign. Each month, SNAP benefits are added to an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to use when you shop for food.
SNAP benefits include:
- Monthly funds on a debit-like EBT card to buy food
- An additional $40, $60, or $80 a month put back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local produce via the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
- SNAP Path to Work free education and training opportunities – families who participate may be able to get free child care
- Free nutrition education classes and resources
SNAP Eligibility
SNAP eligibility is based on who is in the household, income and certain expenses. To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet your state’s requirements. Check your eligibility in 30 seconds using our confidential screener or see the eligibility chart below.
Ineligibility: Individuals are ineligible for SNAP if they:
- are convicted of drug trafficking,
- are running away from a felony warrant,
- purposely break Food Assistance Program rules,
- are noncitizens without a qualified status, or
- are a student who attends an institution of higher education at least half time, in some circumstances.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Income (before taxes) | Maximum Monthly SNAP Amount* |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,608 | $298 |
| 2 | $3,525 | $546 |
| 3 | $4,442 | $785 |
| 4 | $5,358 | $994 |
| 5 | $6,275 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $7,192 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $8,108 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $9,025 | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | + $917 | + $218 |
Senior SNAP
You may qualify for Senior SNAP if you are over 60 years old and your family does not have a stable fixed income. To apply for SNAP, contact your state or local SNAP office. Households cannot use food assistance to buy nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, grooming items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, food to eat in the store, or hot foods.