SNAP Benefits for Students in 2025: Eligibility Rules & Exemptions Explained

SNAP Benefits for Students in 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly financial aid through EBT cards to help individuals and families buy essential groceries. While traditionally aimed at low-income households, college and vocational students can also qualify under specific conditions in 2025.

Who Is Eligible for SNAP in General?

Before diving into student-specific rules, it’s important to understand the basic SNAP eligibility:

• Income must be below your state’s poverty threshold
• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Must meet resource limits (bank balance, assets)
• Must apply through the state SNAP office

Are Students Eligible for SNAP?

Generally, students enrolled at least half-time in a college, university, or vocational institution are not eligible for SNAP unless they qualify under specific exemptions.

Student Exemptions in 2025

If you’re a student, you may qualify for SNAP if you meet one or more of the following:

• Age-Based: You’re under 18 or over 50 years old
• Health Condition: You have a physical or mental limitation
• Working Students: You work 20+ hours/week at paid employment or are self-employed and earning at least 20 hours × federal minimum wage
• Study & Work Program: You participate in a federal/state work-study program or on-the-job training
• Parental Status:
  • You care for a child under 6
  • You care for a child aged 6–11 and don’t have access to child care that lets you work 20 hours or attend a work-study program
  • You’re a single parent enrolled full-time and caring for a child under age 12
• TANF Recipient: You receive benefits from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program
• Employment Training Placement:
  • SNAP Employment & Training (SNAP E&T) program
  • Title I WIOA programs (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act)
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAA, Trade Act of 1974)

Additional SNAP Requirements Still Apply

Meeting one of the student exemptions does not automatically qualify you for SNAP. You must still meet all other general SNAP eligibility rules:

• Household income limits
• Residency and citizenship status
• Asset/resource thresholds

How to Apply for SNAP as a Student

1. Check eligibility with your local SNAP office
2. Gather documents:
   • School enrollment proof
   • Employment details (if any)
   • Income records
   • Child care responsibilities (if applicable)
3. Apply online or in-person via your state’s SNAP portal

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies under the student exemptions, speak directly with a SNAP caseworker. Exemptions can be complex, and eligibility often varies by state program rules.

Final Thoughts

While SNAP rules can seem restrictive for students, many actually qualify under lesser-known exemptions. If you work part-time, care for a child, or are involved in a government-funded training program, you might be eligible.

Stay Informed, Stay Nourished

SNAP is more than just food support — it’s a pathway to health and academic success. Don’t overlook this resource. Apply today if you believe you qualify.

Summary Checklist: Student SNAP Eligibility in 2025

Criteria	Requirement
Age	Under 18 or over 50
Work	20+ hrs/week or equivalent earnings
Study Programs	Participating in work-study or E&T
Parenting	Child under 6, or single parent with child under 12
TANF	Currently receiving assistance
Health	Physical/mental limitation verified

• Read Also:
• New Stimulus Payment in California: FFESP Cash Assistance Duration and Eligibility
• Social Security Disability Insurance: New $4,018 Monthly Payout in 2025 — Check If You Qualify

FAQs: SNAP benefits for Students in 2025

1. Can college students receive SNAP benefits in 2025?
Yes, college students can qualify for SNAP in 2025 if they meet certain exemptions—such as working 20+ hours per week, participating in a federal/state work-study program, or caring for a dependent child.

2. What are the work requirements for students to get SNAP?
Students must work at least 20 hours per week in paid employment. Self-employed students must earn at least the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours weekly to meet the work requirement.

3. Are full-time students automatically disqualified from SNAP?
No, full-time students are not automatically disqualified. However, they must meet at least one exemption (e.g., work, child care, disability, or participation in a qualifying training program).

4. Do student SNAP applicants need to meet income limits?
Yes. Even if a student meets an exemption, they must still meet the general SNAP income and asset eligibility criteria set by their state.

5. How can a student apply for SNAP benefits?
Students can apply online or at their local SNAP office. They’ll need documents like proof of enrollment, income, and any applicable exemptions (e.g., work-study participation or child care responsibility).