Some college students temporarily eligible for SNAP benefits

Some college students will be eligible for SNAP food benefits based on their family’s income, a change that is temporary but will open up the program for a swath of students who otherwise did not qualify for the support, Pennsylvania officials announced Monday.

Under normal circumstances, federal rules dictate that students age 18 to 49 who are enrolled at least half-time in college aren’t eligible for SNAP benefits, also called food stamps, except for under certain circumstances: working 20 or more hours per week, involved in a work-study program, have certain disabilities or have a child under the age of 6.

“Our ways of life and routines have changed to keep ourselves and our communities safe from this virus,” Department of Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller said. “Jobs that students would normally work on campuses or around their schools may have reduced hours or are not an option anymore.”

Even students who live at home with a parent who qualifies for SNAP benefits normally aren’t eligible unless they meet one of the exemptions.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act changes that, at least temporarily. College students who are eligible for a state or federal work student program qualify for benefits, regardless of whether they’re participating in the program. Students who have an estimated family contribution of $0 on the federal student aid determination also are now eligible.

Miller pointed to the enormous expense that college can be for many, and she said that students sometimes might be forced to skip a meal in order to make ends meet.

“We know that not having food access has an overwhelming effect on a person’s health and overall quality of life,” she said. “When we’re hungry, we don’t live, learn and work to our full potential.”

The new, temporary standards will remain in place until 30 days after the covid-19 pandemic public health emergency is deemed over, Miller said. She noted that President Joe Biden has indicated the public health emergency declaration will likely be in place through at least the end of the year, and the federal government will give states a 60-day notice before it ends.

“I’m sure we’ve all experienced the headache, fatigue and brain fog that you can have if you skip a meal,” Miller said. “Imagine how those feelings can build up if that becomes a routine.”

For information on state and federal public assistance and how to apply, visit compass.state.pa.us