NAICU Washington Update

Guidance Issued on Temporary Expansion of SNAP Benefits for Students

February 26, 2021

The Department of Education announced this week that it is implementing provisions in H.R. 133, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, to temporarily expand the ability of students to benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

This bill expands SNAP eligibility by removing the restriction that only students who participate in the Federal Work-Study program can receive SNAP.  This temporary expansion means that students who are eligible for Federal Work-Study now also qualify for SNAP benefits. The bill also makes students with an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 in the current academic year eligible for the program provided they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria.

These temporary exemptions, which took effect on January 16, 2021, will last until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. Institutions of higher education with questions about student SNAP eligibility, including these temporary exemptions, should contact their State SNAP agency. State SNAP agencies administer the program, process applications, and determine eligibility. Contact information for State SNAP agencies and local offices can be found in the Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service’s SNAP State Directory.
 

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