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Basic page Students

Most SNAP eligibility rules apply to all households, but there are some special rules for students attending an institution of higher education described here.

07/01/2023
Basic page SNAP Store Type Definitions

The following store type definitions include the store type name, two letter code, and a general description of how the store operates its business.  

05/09/2023
Resource | Research and Data | Assessing/Improving Operations How States Safeguard USDA's SNAP Participants' Personally Identifiable Information

All applicants and participants in SNAP are required to submit personally identifiable information for verification before receiving benefits. To better understand the evolving landscape of data security, USDA conducted this study to evaluate how state agencies protect PII of SNAP recipients and compiled best practices for maintaining data security of program.

04/04/2023
Resource | Policy SNAP Institutions of Higher Education and Student Eligibility Rules

FNS is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals receive SNAP benefits. One policy area that impacts eligibility is the statutory and regulatory restrictions that apply to students enrolled in institutions of higher education (IHE). This memo serves to clarify two elements of longstanding SNAP policy: which individuals are considered enrolled in an IHE and, therefore, subject to the student eligibility rules, and which students are exempt from the SNAP work requirements. 

02/07/2023
Resource | Presentations SNAP E&T 2022 National Forum: Student Eligibility Listening Session

During this listening session, FNS invites SNAP E&T stakeholders to share input on how to improve access to SNAP for students. 

01/23/2023
Resource | Presentations SNAP E&T 2022 National Forum: Lessons Learned- How to Harness SNAP E&T to Build and Scale Career Pathways through Community College and Human Service Partnerships

Hear how states and community colleges are leveraging SNAP E&T and other federal, state, and philanthropic funding streams to transform partnerships between community colleges and human service agencies—increasing educational attainment, connection to quality jobs, and elevating student and worker voice. 

01/23/2023
Resource | Policy SNAP- Clarification on Treatment of Meal Plans at Institutions of Higher Education

Clarification on SNAP eligibility for residents of institutions of higher education with meal plans.

06/07/2022
Resource | Training and Outreach USDA Designation to Use FAFSA data

The U.S. Department of Education has designated USDA, under the Higher Education Act of 1965, as an entity that may use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid data.

03/17/2021
Resource | Guidance Documents Student Eligibility for the SNAP

This memo is in response to questions raised through Quality Control reviews related to student eligibility for SNAP benefits. Section 6(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 and federal regulations at 7 CFR 273.5(a) prohibit students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education from receiving SNAP benefits unless specific exemptions are met.

08/19/2010
Resource | Guidance Documents Students - Physically or Mentally Unfit Exemption

Memo on physical or mental disability qualification for SNAP student eligibility policy.

07/24/1986
Page updated: June 02, 2026