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S N A P M A N U A L

SNAP STUDENT ELIGIBILITY TOOL - 2025

STEP 1: MEAL PLAN If an individual has a meal plan that covers over 50% of his/her meals daily, he/she is an ineligible student. Therefore, STEP 2 (SNAP definition of a student) and STEP 3 (Student Exemptions) are irrelevant and do not need to be explored.

STEP 2: SNAP DEFINITION OF A STUDENT Q1 - How is it determined that an individual meets the SNAP definition of a student? If the individual is at least 18 years of age and under 50 years old and is enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, he/she meets the SNAP definition of a student. ➢NOTE: There is no need to verify student status if the individual meets an obvious student exemption in STEP 3. Q2 - How is it determined that an individual is enrolled in an institution of higher education? The individual is enrolled in a business, technical, trade or vocational school and is in a curriculum that normally requires a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) for enrollment. OR The individual is enrolled in a regular curriculum at a College or University that offers degrees, regardless of whether a high school diploma or equivalent is required. ➢NOTE: This includes web-based and on-line courses. If the individual does not meet the criteria of being enrolled in an institution of higher education, then STEP 3 (Student Exemptions) is irrelevant and does not need to be explored. Q3 - How is it verified that an individual is enrolled at least half-time? Each school has its own definition of half-time. Therefore, the school must verify whether or not the individual is enrolled at least half-time. If the individual does not meet the criteria of being enrolled at least half- time as defined by the institution, then STEP 3 (Student Exemptions) is irrelevant and does not need to be explored. CAUTION: If an individual meets the SNAP definition of a student and does not meet at least one of the student exemptions in STEP 3, then he/she is an ineligible student and should be excluded from the SNAP budget. STEP 3: STUDENT EXEMPTIONS If the individual meets the SNAP definition of student (See STEP2), then he/ she must meet at least one of the following student exemptions in order to be an eligible student and included in the SNAP budget. These must be explored (by the Economic Services Worker if applicable) and verified. AGE: Under age 18 or age 50 or older. DISABILITY: Physically or mentally unfit for work Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) BENEFITS: Receives cash benefits from the TANF program. EMPLOYMENT: 1. Employed – and paid for working an average of 20 hours a week OR 2. Self-Employed – and paid for working at least an average of 20 hours a week. After allowable expenses, self-employment income is equal to at least the Federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours a week ($7.25 X 20 hours = $145.00 per week).

WORK STUDY: Participating in a State or Federal funded work study program and must: 1. Be approved for work study at the time of application; 2. Be approved for work study for the school term; and 3. Anticipate actually working during that time. TRAINING: Enrolled as a result of participation in the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills program under Title IV of the Social Security Act or its successor program; placed in an institution of higher education through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) or an E &T component through SNAP or the equivalency from another entity; Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), Trade Readjustment Allowances(TRA) or an on-the- job training program which includes internships (paid or unpaid) where the student is being trained by an employer.

SNAP HOUSEHOLD (HH) MEMBER UNDER AGE 6: Is responsible for the care of a dependent SNAP HH member under age 6. NOTES: 1. Explore the HH situation to determine if the student is the individual who primary responsibility for the care of the dependent SNAP HH member. 2. If more than one individual in a SNAP HH is a student, only one individual can claim eligible student status based on this exemption for a particular dependent SNAP HH member. DEPENDENT SNAP HOUSEHOLD (HH) MEMBER: Is responsible for the care of a dependent SNAP HH member between the ages of 6-12 because of the unavailability of “adequate” child care. ➢ NOTE: “Adequate” child care would enable the student to go to school and work an average of 20 hours per week in a job or participate in work study. SINGLE PARENT: Is a full-time student who is the only parent in the SNAP HH and is responsible for the care of a dependent child(ren) under age 12. NOTES: 1. The parent (natural, adoptive or step-parent) and the child must be in the same SNAP HH.

2. If there is no parent in the SNAP HH, then another full-time student in the HH with parental control may qualify.