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Page | 105 7. Be assigned to or placed in an institution of higher learning through a program under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

8. Be assigned or placed in an institution of higher learning through a program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (Trade Adjustment Assistance - TAA - handled through the Department of Labor. The payments under TAA are labeled Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA). 9. Be assigned or placed in an institution of higher learning through an on-the-job training program. Eligibility only exists during the time the person is being trained by the employer.

B. Exceptions to special eligibility criteria – Individuals listed below in 1-4 are not required to meet the special student eligibility criteria, but they are still considered students. These individuals are treated for SNAP the same as other household members, meaning they do not have to meet the additional criteria for students:

1. Under age 17 or age 50 or over 2. Physically or mentally disabled 3. Attending high school 4. Enrolled less than half time, or enrolled full time, in schools or training programs which are not considered institutions of higher education

C. Meal Plans – Students who eat 50% or more of their meals through a meal plan are considered residents of an institution and are therefore not eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Benefits Specialists will need to discuss with the student what type of meal plan was purchased and determine whether or not the numbers of meals purchased is equal to 50% or more of three meals daily in any given month.

7312 VERIFICATION OF STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Verification of student eligibility status is required. The verification may be obtained from the student, another source, or school. Examples of verification are:

A. Student’s age: Birthdate listed on 301, unless questionable. If questionable, verification is required (examples; driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.)

B. Responsibility for child: Student’s statement he/she is responsible for the child if there is an age appropriate child in the household. His/her explanation about the availability of adequate childcare should be written and is acceptable, unless questionable. If questionable, further clarification is needed.

C. Physical or mental impairment: If the disability is evident to the Specialist, no further verification is required. If not, verification may consist of temporary or permanent disability payments (paid because the individual is unable to work) from governmental or private sources (SSA, SSI, etc.), or a statement from the individual’s physician or licensed or certified psychologist that the individual is unable to work.

D. School status: Statement from the student that he/she is enrolled at least half time is acceptable unless questionable. If questionable, verification is required (examples; awards letter, statement from school regarding number of credit hours student is attending and how many credit hours are needed for at least half-time, etc.)