500 Applicability

Students Any person who is between the ages of 18 and 50, physically and mentally fit, and enrolled at least half time in an institution of higher education shall be ineligible to participate in the Food Assistance Program unless that person complies with the eligibility requirements of Section 501 of this chapter. 1. Physically and Mentally Fit. The criteria for determining physical and mental fitness are the same as that used for work registration. If an individual would be exempt from work registration because of a permanent disability, temporary disability or handicap, he is not physically and mentally fit and would not meet the definition of a student. If mental or physical unfitness is claimed and the unfitness is not evident to the worker, verification may be required. Appropriate verification may consist of receipt of temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources, or of a statement from a physician or licensed or certified psychologist. 2. Half Time The criteria for determining half time enrollment shall be whatever criteria the institution of higher education has established for half time enrollment. 3. Institution of Higher Education. A student shall be considered enrolled in an institution of higher education if the person is enrolled in a regular curriculum at a college or university that offers degree programs regardless of whether a high school diploma is required. A college includes junior, community, two-year, or four-year college or a university. Individuals that are enrolled in special programs such as courses for English as a second language or for courses which are not part of the regular curriculum shall not be considered as enrolled in an institution of higher education. In the case of trade schools and vocational technical schools, many persons take one or more courses at these schools to obtain practical skills that would enable them to obtain better jobs. Most of the various curricula in such schools do not require a diploma or the equivalent, to enroll. For example a secretarial school which offers courses in typing, stenography, etc. or a trade school which trains workers to obtain licenses as beauty technicians, bartenders, auto mechanics, etc. may not require a high school diploma. Therefore, persons in such courses would not be considered enrolled in an institution of higher education if a diploma or G.E.D. is not a prerequisite. However, certain curricula offered by trade and vocational-technical schools may require a diploma or equivalent for enrollment. These can include curricula such as licensed practical nursing and aircraft mechanics. Where the curriculum in such schools requires a diploma or equivalent, the students enrolled for completion of the required courses in that curriculum would be considered as enrolled in an institution of higher education. A student enrolled in a post-secondary educational program as defined in the Glossary Manual is entitled to the same income exclusions noted in Section 902, item 12. 4. Non-Students This chapter does not apply to persons age 17 or under, persons age 50 or over, persons physically or mentally unfit, persons attending high school, persons participating in on- the-job training programs, persons not attending school at least half time, or to persons enrolled full time in schools and training programs which are not institutions of higher education.