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Date of Last Review: 11/30/2023 Effective Date: 05/01/2019 Date of Next Review: 11/30/2026 RDA: SW22

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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Students in Higher Education Policy 24.27 Effective: May 1, 2019

Introduction All Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) staff must be able to determine SNAP eligibility for individuals enrolled in higher education. Scope To provide procedures and guidelines for staff to determine an individual’s student status and how it affects eligibility as a member of a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) household. Policy A. Students of Higher Education 1. A student of higher education is defined as an individual who meets the following criteria: a. at least age eighteen (18), but under age fifty (50); and b. physically and mentally fit; and c. enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education. 2. Refer to Section H defining enrollment. B. Institution of Higher Education An institution of higher education includes a permanent dwelling or fixed mailing address is not required. 1. a business, technical, trade or vocational school that normally requires a high school diploma or equivalency certificate for enrollment in the curriculum, or 2. if the individual is enrolled in a regular curriculum at a college or university that offers degree programs regardless of whether a high school diploma is required.