Yes, you can get SNAP as a college student, but only if you meet specific work or school requirements

Most full-time college students cannot receive SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly called food stamps) because of a federal rule that limits benefits to students who work at least 20 hours per week. However, several categories of students are exempt from this rule entirely: you may may have access to if you are under 18, over 65, disabled, a parent, homeless, or enrolled in a work-study program. The rule exists because SNAP is designed for people with limited income, and the federal government assumes full-time students have other resources available to them.

Whether you can get SNAP depends on your specific situation, not just on being enrolled in college. A student working 15 hours per week at minimum wage will not meet the 20-hour threshold, but a student in a work-study job that counts toward the requirement might. A student who is also a parent of a dependent child is exempt from the work requirement entirely. The state you live in matters too, because some states have received waivers that change or remove the student work requirement during certain periods.

Key Takeaways

  • Full-time college students must work at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP, unless they fall into an exempt category like being under 18, disabled, a parent, or homeless.
  • Work-study jobs, on-campus employment, and off-campus work all count toward the 20-hour requirement if you are paid by your employer.
  • Some states have temporary waivers that suspend or modify the student work requirement; check your state's SNAP office to learn what applies where you live.
  • Your household income and assets are still evaluated the same way as for any other SNAP applicant, regardless of student status.
  • You will need to report your school enrollment status and work hours when you apply or recertify, so have your class schedule and pay stubs ready.

Who is exempt from the 20-hour work requirement

If you fall into one of these categories, you do not have to work 20 hours per week to receive SNAP:

  • You are under 18 years old.
  • You are 65 or older.
  • You have a disability (physical or mental) that prevents you from working, or you receive disability benefits.
  • You are the parent or caretaker of a child under 18 living with you.
  • You are pregnant or caring for an infant under one year old.
  • You are enrolled in a federal work-study program.
  • You are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • You are in a drug or alcohol treatment program.

If you are a parent receiving child support or alimony, that income counts toward your household total, but parental status itself removes the work requirement. If you are enrolled in work-study, the job itself does not have to be 20 hours per week — the exemption applies because of the program type, not the hours worked.

How the 20-hour work requirement actually works

The rule requires that you work (or be in school and work) an average of 20 hours per week. This is measured over a month, so if you work 25 hours one week and 15 the next, you may still meet the requirement. The hours must be paid work — volunteering does not count, and unpaid internships do not count. Work-study positions, on-campus jobs, off-campus employment, and self-employment all count as long as you receive payment.

You do not have to work 20 hours and attend school full-time. You can work 20 hours and attend school part-time, or work 20 hours and not attend school at all. The rule is specifically about students, so it only applies if you are enrolled in school at least half-time (usually 6 to 9 credit hours per term, depending on your school's definition). If you drop below half-time enrollment, the student work requirement no longer applies to you, but other SNAP rules about work still do.

When you apply or recertify for SNAP, you will need to provide proof of your work hours. This usually means recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer stating your average hours, or a work schedule. You will also need to report your school enrollment status — bring your class schedule or a letter from your school's registrar showing you are enrolled at least half-time.

State waivers and temporary changes to the student rule

Some states have received federal waivers that suspend, modify, or remove the 20-hour student work requirement. These waivers are temporary and change from year to year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many states suspended the requirement entirely. Some states have kept modified versions in place. A few states have permanent waivers that allow students to receive SNAP without meeting the work requirement under certain conditions.

To find out whether your state currently has a waiver in effect, contact your state's SNAP office directly — do not rely on a website that may not be current. You can find your state office through the USDA's SNAP locator or by calling 211 and asking for your state's SNAP program. Tell them you are a full-time student and ask whether the 20-hour work requirement applies in your state right now. The answer may change between certification periods, so check again when you recertify.

Income and asset limits for students are the same as for anyone else

Being a student does not change how your income and assets are counted for SNAP. Your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the federal poverty line (about $1,868 per month for a single person in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). Your household's net income — after deductions like housing costs, utilities, and dependent care — must be at or below 100 percent of the poverty line.

Your assets (cash, savings accounts, vehicles, and property you own) must be below $2,750 for most households, or $4,250 if anyone in your household is 60 or older or disabled. A car you use to get to work or school does not count against this limit. Money in a 529 college savings plan does not count as an asset for SNAP purposes.

If you receive financial aid, scholarships, or student loans, how they are counted depends on what they are used for. Money used for tuition, fees, books, and required equipment is not counted as income. Money used for room and board, living expenses, or anything else is counted as income in the month you receive it. If you have questions about a specific type of aid, ask your state SNAP office before you apply.

What to bring when you apply as a student

You will need the same documents as any other SNAP applicant, plus proof of your student status and work hours. Bring:

  • Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID).
  • Proof of citizenship or immigration status.
  • Proof of income (recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or your most recent tax return).
  • Proof of school enrollment (a class schedule, a letter from your registrar, or your student ID).
  • Proof of work hours (recent pay stubs, a work schedule, or a letter from your employer stating your average hours per week).
  • Proof of housing costs (a lease, a utility bill, or a letter from your landlord).
  • Social Security numbers for everyone in your household.

If you live in student housing and do not pay rent directly (your parents pay, or it is included in your fees), bring documentation of that arrangement. If you share an apartment with roommates, you will need to show that you are responsible for a portion of the rent and utilities. If you live with your parents and they support you, they may be considered part of your household for SNAP purposes, which will affect your income limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does work-study count toward the 20-hour requirement?

Yes, work-study hours count. If you work 20 hours per week in a work-study job, you meet the requirement. However, being enrolled in work-study also exempts you from the requirement entirely, so you do not have to work 20 hours if you are in the program — you just have to be enrolled.

What if I work 20 hours during the semester but not during breaks?

You must meet the 20-hour requirement during the months you are enrolled in school. During breaks when you are not enrolled, the student work requirement does not apply, but you may still need to meet other SNAP work requirements depending on your age and circumstances. Report your enrollment status changes to your SNAP office so they can adjust your case.

Does my student loan count as income for SNAP?

Student loans are not counted as income for SNAP. However, if you use loan money for living expenses like food or rent, that money may be counted as income in the month you receive it. Money used only for tuition, fees, books, and required school equipment is not counted.

Can I get SNAP if I am a graduate student?

Yes, if you meet the same requirements as an undergraduate student. You must be enrolled at least half-time and either work 20 hours per week or fall into an exempt category. Graduate students are subject to the same student work requirement as undergraduates.

What happens to my SNAP if I take a semester off?

If you are not enrolled in school, you are no longer a student for SNAP purposes, and the 20-hour student work requirement no longer applies. However, you may still be required to work or meet other SNAP work requirements depending on your age and situation. Report your enrollment change to your SNAP office immediately so they can update your case.