Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

A survey conducted by the Hope Center for College, Community and Justice at Temple University at the beginning of the pandemic concluded that nearly 3 in 5 students were experiencing basic needs insecurity. Food insecurity affected 44 percent of students at two-year institutions and 38 percent of students at four-year institutions. 

In fact, college students are more vulnerable to food insecurity due to limited financial resources, decreased buying power of federal aid, and rising costs of tuition, housing and food. Food insecurity impacts academics, wellness, and behavior – all factors that have bearing on student retention and graduation rates. 

The information listed below provides the eligibility criteria for college students seeking to apply for SNAP benefits. Students enrolled at least half-time at a college or university may be eligible to receive SNAP benefits based on the following criteria. 

General Asset and Income Criteria:

• Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) is under $2,250
• Income at or below 130% of the poverty level (poverty level chart)  
• Work study, graduate stipends, and federal financial aid do not count as income

One of the Following Exemptions:

• Are 18 years old or 50 years old or older.
• Have a physical or mental disability. 
• Work at least 20 hours a week in paid employment.
• Participate in a state or federally financed work study program.
• Participate in an on-the-job training program.
• Care for a child under the age of 6. 
• Care for a child age 6 to 11 and do not have adequate child care enabling you to attend school and work 20 hours a week or participate in work study.
• Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12. 
• Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance. 
• Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through:
  • A SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program;
  • Certain other E&T programs for low-income households, which are operated by a state or local government and have an equivalent component to SNAP E&T;
• A program under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) (PL 113-128);
• A Trade Adjustment Assistance Program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974. 

Apply online or call Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (614) 466-4815. You can also contact the Jobs and Family Services office in your county of residence. 

Since each state has its own SNAP applications, individuals seeking to apply or with questions about SNAP eligibility should contact their local SNAP offices.

• Social Security number 
• Date of birth 
• Household income 
• Cost of your rent or mortgage, utilities, property taxes 
• Cost of daycare for a child or other dependent, if applicable 
• A copy of these documents will need to be submitted within 30 days of applying: 
• ID 
• Pay stubs for the last 30 days 
• Lease and utility bills 
• School schedule 
• Financial Aid offer letter or Email from the One Stop for Student Services confirming your eligibility for Federal Work Study or $0 EFC (if you qualify for expanded eligibility) 

SNAP benefits are issued through an Electronic Benefits Card (referred to as EBT) and are accepted by authorized retailers for food purchases only. You can find a list of retailers near you.

For Kent Campus students their Federal Work Study award will be listed on FlashLine. Students attending a regional campus will need to contact the financial aid representative at their campus. Students who would like their Federal Work Study eligibility reviewed can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.  

Half-time enrollment at Kent State is 6 or more credit hours for undergraduate students and 4 or more credit hours for graduates per semester (fall, spring, and summer). Individuals enrolled less than half-time may be SNAP-eligible if they meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. 

A one-person household can receive $281 per month to buy food.  

Students must apply with their entire SNAP household. A SNAP household consists of individuals who live together in the same residence and who purchase and prepare most meals together. It could include children, spouses, roommates, etc. For example, if you live in a house with four other people, but each of you buys and cooks your own food, your household size would be one. If you live with four other people and you all contribute to buying and making food together, your household size would be five. You will also need to submit documentation for each individual you identify as part of your household.  

Students who live in dormitories/residence halls and have campus meal plans that provide the majority of their meals are not eligible for SNAP.

In most cases, people with student visas cannot receive SNAP. There are some special conditions in which non-citizens can obtain SNAP benefits. 

What other resources are available to me? (header) 

• CARES Center Flashes Food Pantry 
• Flashes Fighting Hunger food pantry 
• Community food pantries and resources 

General information regarding SNAP Benefits should be directed to your county of residence Jobs & Family Services agency. 

Apply online, and you can also contact the Jobs and Family Services office in your county