How To Apply For SNAP Benefits - As A Student
Process Requirement Summary:
- Meet NC SNAP eligibility requirements.
- Meet one or more of the University/College Student Exemptions (See list below under “University/College Student Exemptions”).
- Generally, students attending an institution of higher education (i.e., college, university, trade/technical school) more than half-time are not eligible for SNAP unless they meet an exemption (these exemptions are outlined below). The institution of higher education determines what is considered ‘half-time’ enrollment (see UNCG’s definition under “Definitions and FAQs”).
Student Eligibility Requirements
Higher Education Student Exemptions
If you are more than a half-time student and you meet one or more exemptions, you are eligible to apply for SNAP benefits as a student.
- Are under age 18 or are age 50 or older.
- Have a physical or mental disability.
- Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
- *Participate in a state or federally financed work study program. (See “Additional COVID-19 Student Exemptions)
- Participate in an on-the-job training program.
- Care for a child under the age of 6.
- Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack the necessary child care enabling you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
- Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
- Are enrolled in a TANF Job Opportunities and Basic Skills (JOBS) program.
- Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through:
- A SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program;
Additional COVID-19 Student Exemptions
These exemptions will expire 30 days after CDC lifts official designation of the nationwide COVID-19 public health emergency.
These exemptions are in-addition-to standard Student Exemptions as a result of COVID-19.
- *Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year. The institution of higher education (i.e., the college or university) determines if a student is considered eligible for work study.
- Notice that you DO NOT need to HAVE a federally financed work study position, but that you only need to be eligible for one. This is different from the typical Student Eligibility Exemptions (fourth bullet) where you would need to have a work study position.
- Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year. Students receive an EFC after applying for financial aid.
Application Definitions and FAQs
- I live with roommates and we cook and purchase food separately. Do I include their information in the application?
No, this section does not apply to student living conditions. If you would like further confirmation about your situation, please contact a caseworker in your county (see “Who to Contact” in the section below).
Some individuals must participate in Food and Nutrition Services as one household with people you are living with.
Individuals who must participate as one household include:
- Individuals living together who purchase/prepare their food together
- Spouses living together or individuals representing themselves as a married couple
- Individuals under the age of 22 living with a parent
- Individuals under 18 under the parental control of an adult living in the home
- Two unmarried adults living in the same home who are parents of a mutual child
Examples of student living situations classified as “households”:
- I live with 3 roommates and we purchase and make meals together.
- I live with my partner and we purchase and make meals together.
- I am 18-21 years old living with my parent(s)/guardian(s), and I buy food and cook separately from my parent(s)/guardian(s)
Examples of student living situations that ARE NOT classified as “households”:
- I am 22, living with my parent(s)/guardian(s), and I purchase food and cook separately from my parent(s)/guardian(s).
- I am 18-21 living with roommates, and I buy food and cook separately from my roommates.
I am under the age of 22, living independently during the school year, but living at home with my parents over the summer. How do I apply?
If you apply while living independently during the school year, you will be eligible as a student applicant. Every 6 months, a caseworker will send you recertification papers so that you can update your papers. Contact a caseworker using the information below should you have more questions specific to your circumstance.
The state and county in which you currently reside.
Ex. I am an out-of-state student but live in Greensboro during the school year.
- You will apply for SNAP in NC
Ex. I am an out-of-state student living in Greensboro during the school year but return home during the summer.
- You will apply for SNAP in NC
Ex. Where should I apply if I plan to move states permanently?
- If moving states in 4 months or more, apply for benefits in the state you currently reside.
- If moving states in 3 months or less, apply for benefits in the state you are moving to.
*It takes about 30 days to process your application.
*You are expected to recertify your application every 6 months
Income and assets of parents who do not live with the student are not counted. But, if parents or others provide students with ongoing support, that support may need to be reported as income unless it is clearly a loan.
Half-Time student is defined by the institution you are enrolled.
UNCG Definition:
- Eligibility For Student Types –> Graduate and Undergraduate Students
- Undergraduate
- 6 credit hours per semester
- Graduate
- 4.5 credit hours per semester
- Undergraduate
Who To Contact:
Do you have questions about your application that we could not answer?
Please call the following numbers to speak with a caseworker.
1203 Maple Street
Greensboro NC 27405
(336) 641-3000
325 East Russell Avenue
High Point NC 27260
(336) 641-3000
North Carolina EBT Call Center
1-866-719-0141
-they will connect you with your NC county’s social service office.