College students can get SNAP, but most full-time and half-time students have to meet one extra rule on top of the normal income test. If you are enrolled at least half-time in college, a university, or a trade or technical school, you must fit one of about ten student exemptions, such as working 20 hours a week, having federal or state work-study, or caring for a young child. If you fit one, you are treated like any other applicant.
This guide explains who the student rule covers, every exemption, what counts as income for a student, how the 2025 budget law affects students, and how to apply. It is part of our SNAP and EBT guides.
Who the student rule applies to
The rule is in federal regulation 7 CFR 273.5. It applies when both of these are true:
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 through 49 |
| Enrollment | At least half-time in an institution of higher education, as the school defines half-time |
“Institution of higher education” includes community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and trade, technical and vocational schools that normally require a high school diploma or GED. High school students, GED classes and adult basic education do not trigger the rule.
The rule does not apply to you if you are:
- Enrolled less than half-time
- Under 18 or 50 or older
- Done with school: graduated, dropped out, or not planning to enroll for the next regular term
Student status continues through winter break and summer vacation if you plan to return, so a summer break alone does not remove the rule.
The student exemptions
If the rule applies, you need one of these to be eligible. This list is from USDA’s student eligibility page:
| Exemption | What to show |
|---|---|
| Under 18 or 50+ | Proof of age |
| Physically or mentally unfit for work | Doctor’s statement, disability benefits letter |
| Working at least 20 hours a week for pay | Pay stubs or employer letter (self-employed: earnings at least federal minimum wage x 20 hours a week) |
| Approved for state or federal work-study | Award letter; you should expect to work during the term |
| On-the-job training program | Letter from the program |
| Caring for a child under 6 in your household | Birth certificate or household info |
| Caring for a child 6 to 11 and lacking child care to work and attend school | Statement explaining the lack of care |
| Single parent enrolled full-time caring for a child under 12 | Household info |
| Receiving TANF cash assistance | TANF approval |
| Placed in school through SNAP Employment and Training, a WIOA program, Trade Adjustment Assistance or a similar government program | Referral letter |
The temporary COVID-era exemptions (for students eligible for work-study or with a $0 expected family contribution) ended for new applications and renewals on July 1, 2023. If you read older articles that mention them, they are out of date.
Income: what counts for students
Once you meet an exemption, you must still pass the income tests in SNAP eligibility and income limits. A few student-specific points:
- Financial aid for tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation is usually not counted. Aid set aside for living expenses such as room and board may be counted.
- Work-study wages are generally excluded as income, even though work-study also qualifies you as exempt.
- Money from parents counts if it is paid to you as cash; bills your parents pay directly to a landlord are usually not counted.
- Living with parents: if you are under 22 and live with a parent, you must apply as part of the parent’s household, not on your own.
How the 2025 law affects students
The 2025 budget law (Public Law 119-21) did not rewrite the student rule, but two changes matter for students:
- Work time limit. Students who get SNAP through the 20-hours-a-week exemption already meet the 80-hours-a-month work rule. Students who qualify another way and are 18 to 64 with no child under 14 at home may also be covered by the time limit. See SNAP work requirements.
- Immigration. Many international students were never eligible, and the law narrowed noncitizen eligibility further to lawful permanent residents and a few other groups.
Examples
| Student | Eligible for SNAP? |
|---|---|
| 20-year-old full-time student, works 22 hours a week, lives in an apartment | Yes, exempt (20+ hours), if income is under the limit |
| 19-year-old full-time student with a work-study award, lives in a dorm with a meal plan providing most meals | Usually no; students getting most meals through a meal plan are generally not eligible |
| 24-year-old half-time student, single mother of a 4-year-old | Yes, exempt (child under 6) |
| 30-year-old taking one class (less than half-time) | Student rule does not apply; normal rules only |
| 21-year-old full-time student, no job, living alone | No, unless another exemption applies |
| 52-year-old returning to college full-time | Yes, age 50+ exemption |
How to apply as a student
- Check that you meet an exemption and gather proof (pay stubs, work-study award, child’s birth certificate).
- Apply in the state where you live while in school. Portals and phone numbers are in our how to apply for SNAP guide.
- Answer the student questions on the application: school name, enrollment status and hours.
- In the interview, explain your exemption clearly.
- If you have almost no money, ask for expedited SNAP to get benefits within 7 days.
Many campuses also have basic-needs offices or food pantries that help with the application. Ask your financial aid office.
Keeping SNAP while in school
- Report if your hours drop below 20 a week or your work-study ends, since your exemption may end.
- Renew on time; see SNAP recertification.
- Use your EBT card at grocery stores and many online retailers; see what EBT is.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get SNAP if I live in a dorm? Possibly, if you meet an exemption and do not receive most of your meals from a campus meal plan.
Does a Pell Grant disqualify me? No. A Pell Grant is not an exemption by itself, and aid for tuition and books generally does not count as income.
Is online school covered by the rule? Yes, if you are enrolled at least half-time in a college or trade program.
Can a student get a free phone too? SNAP approval qualifies you for Lifeline; see how to apply for Lifeline.
For how much you might receive, see SNAP benefit amounts. New to the program? Read what SNAP is.
Sources: USDA: SNAP students, eCFR: 7 CFR 273.5 (students), eCFR: 7 CFR 273.9 (income exclusions), USDA: OBBB implementation.