Expanded COVID-19 SNAP and Other Benefits End May 11th
The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will end on May 11, 2023. The lifting of the PHE will begin to end flexibilities related to student eligibility for federal benefit programs including SNAP and Medicaid. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released guidance outlining the forthcoming changes to student SNAP eligibility and clarifying some of the rules around student SNAP exemptions that will continue to apply after the PHE ends.
Per guidance released by USDA on February 10, 2023, once the PHE declaration is lifted on May 11, 2023, the temporary student exemptions will remain in effect for initial SNAP applications for an additional 30 days. State SNAP agencies must continue to apply the temporary exemptions to initial applications filed on or before June 9, 2023. State SNAP agencies must also process SNAP recertification applications submitted through June 30, 2023, using the temporary exemptions.
Snap Benefits for Eligible Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
A change in federal law has made more students temporarily eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Under regular SNAP rules, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are ineligible for SNAP unless they meet one of the exemptions. However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to allow students who either:
- Are eligible to participate in State or Federally financed work-study during the regular academic year, as determined by the institution of higher education, or
- Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current academic year.
Beginning January 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted which is scheduled to occur on May 11, 2023.
Students should contact their local SNAP offices to find out how to apply, or for other questions about their SNAP eligibility.
State SNAP Directory: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory