College Students Can Apply For SNAP

College students who wish to receive SNAP benefits must be in college at
least half time, meet the income eligibility for SNAP and meet one of the
following criteria:

• 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 during the regular
  school year.
• Participate in an on-the-job training program
• Care for a child under the age of 6, or care for a child between ages 6 to 11 and lack
  the necessary childcare to allow them to attend school and work 20 hours per week or
  participate in work study.
• Single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a child under age 12
  Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
• Attend a SUNY or CUNY comprehensive college, technology college, or community
  college and are enrolled in a qualified career and technical education program.
• Attend any of the 10 Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) in New York State and
  are enrolled in a career and technical education program, remedial course, basic adult
  education, literacy, or English as a second language.

For assistance and more information, New Yorkers can contact their local SNAP district office
or visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s website.

The Public Benefits Unit provides legal assistance to persons who experience problems with public benefits
programs that are administered by the local Departments of Social Services, including:

• Welfare (TANF and Safety Net)
• Medicaid
• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Child Care Assistance
• HEAP
• Emergency shelter for the homeless
• Unemployment insurance appeals and overpayments
• Other emergency assistance programs

We also assist low-income households in establishing Supplemental Needs Trusts to eliminate the Medicaid
spend-down and assist homeless families in obtaining rent supplements from DSS to enable families to leave
the shelters or retain permanent housing. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100, and Suffolk residents can
call 631-232-2400.