The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a special exemption for eligible students who are enrolled in schools through or in compliance with a DHS-approved state or local program to increase future employability. To qualify, these students must be enrolled in a qualifying employment and training program.
Program Eligibility
Programs meeting the following conditions might qualify as programs enabling SNAP eligibility if the program:
- Primarily serves students from low-income households;
- Is operated by a state or local government or an instrumentality thereof; and
- Provides the equivalent of at least one allowable activity under SNAP E&T (7 CFR 273.7(e)(2)).
Participating Programs
The following programs are approved and students may be eligible for a student exemption if they enroll in school through or in compliance with one of the programs listed below:
- TRIO Upward Bound
- Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEARUP)
- Education Leading to Employment and Career Training (ELECT)
- Chafee Education and Training Grant (Chafee ETG)
- Act 101 Programs
- Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program (FosterEd)
- Title II Adult Basic Education
Participate in Student Outreach
DHS has developed a tool to help interested colleges perform targeted outreach to students who are potentially eligible for SNAP benefits. Institutions interested in participating in this project should email ra-pwsnapiheelig@pa.gov for more information.
- WATCH: Student Eligibility Letter (webinar) — DHS has developed a tool to help interested colleges perform targeted outreach to students who are potentially eligible for SNAP.
Looking for more SNAP information for Students?
Find how to apply, eligibility information, how to use your benefits, and more.
Resources for Institutions of Higher Learning
- Become a COMPASS Community Partner (DHS)
- PA Hunger-Free Campus (PA Department of Education)
- Closing the College SNAP Gap Opens In A New Window (Hope Center)