International Students: Food Stamps Eligibility And Access

International students in the United States are generally not eligible for food stamps or other public benefits. Accepting such benefits could cause them to lose their legal status in the country and create a barrier to re-entry. However, there may be exceptions for students attending an institution of higher education (college, university, trade/technical school) part-time or meeting certain exemptions and other eligibility requirements. During the COVID-19 public health emergency, a law was passed that temporarily expanded eligibility for students, but this ended on July 1, 2023.

Are international students eligible for food stamps?

International students and food stamps

International students in the United States are generally not eligible for food stamps, as they are considered public benefits from federal, state, county, or local government agencies. Accepting such benefits can have serious consequences, including losing legal status in the US and creating a barrier to re-entry. This interpretation of accepting public benefits implies that the individual is unable to meet their financial obligations, which is a requirement for obtaining and maintaining legal status.

However, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, a law was passed that temporarily expanded SNAP eligibility to include more students. While these temporary exemptions are no longer available as of July 1, 2023, some students may still be eligible for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits if they meet certain requirements.

SNAP eligibility for students is complex and depends on various factors. Generally, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, such as a college, university, or trade school, are only eligible for SNAP if they meet specific exemptions and all other SNAP eligibility requirements. The definition of 'half-time' enrollment is determined by the educational institution. If enrolled less than half-time, the student restrictions on SNAP eligibility do not apply, and they may be eligible if they meet the other SNAP criteria.

Additionally, certain programs, such as remedial education, continuing education, or workforce development programs, do not count as enrolment in an institution of higher education for SNAP purposes. Therefore, students enrolled in these programs do not need to meet a student exemption to be eligible for SNAP, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

It is important to note that eligibility rules can vary by state, and students should refer to their specific state's guidelines to determine their eligibility for SNAP benefits accurately.

SNAP eligibility for students

Students enrolled at an institution of higher education are generally only eligible for SNAP benefits if they meet certain exemptions and all other SNAP eligibility requirements. The institution of higher education determines what is considered 'half-time' enrollment, which affects SNAP eligibility. If enrolled less than half-time, the student restrictions on SNAP eligibility do not apply, and you may be eligible if you meet the other requirements.

Students who are eligible for a state or federally-financed work study during the regular school year but are not actively participating are still eligible for SNAP. Students with an Expected Family Contribution of $0 in the current academic year are also eligible. Students who work an average of at least 20 hours per week are also eligible for SNAP.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, a law was passed that made more students temporarily eligible for SNAP. As of July 1, 2023, these temporary student exemptions are no longer available to students applying for or recertifying SNAP.

In New York State, students enrolled at least half-time in qualified career and technical education (CTE) programs at SUNY/CUNY community colleges or technology colleges are considered eligible for SNAP. Students attending any of the 10 EOCs in New York State and enrolled at least half-time in CTE programs, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language are also eligible.

International students are not eligible for SNAP benefits or other public benefits in the United States, as accepting such benefits may cause them to lose their legal status in the country.

SNAP eligibility requirements

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households expand their healthy food budget. It is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).

To be eligible for SNAP, your household must meet certain requirements. Firstly, you must apply for SNAP in the state where you currently live, as each state has a different application form and process. You can apply by visiting your local SNAP office, visiting your state agency's website, or calling your state's toll-free SNAP Information hotline.

Secondly, your household must meet specific income guidelines. The size of a family's SNAP benefit is based on its income and certain expenses. To calculate your household's SNAP eligibility and benefit amount, you must determine your household's net monthly income and then multiply it by 0.3. This result is subtracted from the maximum monthly allotment for your household size. It is important to note that the allotments are different in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Additionally, able-bodied adults without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week to receive SNAP benefits for more than three months in a 36-month period. However, some individuals, such as those with disabilities or who are pregnant, may not have to work to receive benefits. Furthermore, students aged 18 through 49 who are enrolled in college at least half-time are generally not eligible for SNAP unless they meet certain specific exemptions.

Finally, to qualify for SNAP, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully present non-citizen. Non-citizens must meet specific criteria, such as having lived in the United States for at least five years.

Losing legal status in the US

International students in the US are not eligible for food stamps. Accepting such benefits can cause them to lose their legal status in the country and create a bar to their re-entry. This is because the acceptance of public benefits is interpreted as a declaration that the individual is unable to meet their financial obligations, which is a requirement of obtaining and maintaining legal status.

International students in the US must maintain their non-immigrant status to continue staying in the country. This includes reporting to the university that issued their I-20, attending classes, and not taking unauthorized employment. If a student violates their status, they are immediately considered "out of status" and may be required to leave the US.

F and M students must take action to maintain their legal status or depart the US after completing their program of study. F students have 60 days after completion of their program to leave the US, while M students have 30 days. To properly maintain their status, F and M students must enter the US no more than 30 days before their program of study begins and immediately contact their Designated School Official (DSO) upon arrival.

Students who wish to remain in the US after completing their studies can explore options such as transferring to another school or participating in practical training employment with the recommendation of their DSO and authorization from USCIS. Working without authorization will result in immediate departure from the US and possible inability to re-enter.

It is important for international students to be aware of the regulations and maintain their legal status. They can seek guidance from their DSO or the Center for International Students to understand the requirements and avoid losing their status.

Temporary student exemptions

International students in the United States are generally not eligible for food stamps or other public benefits. Accepting such benefits can result in the loss of legal status in the US and create a barrier to re-entry. However, during the COVID-19 public health emergency, a law was passed that temporarily expanded SNAP eligibility to include more students.

Under these temporary exemptions, students attending an institution of higher education, such as a college, university, or technical school, who were enrolled more than half-time could be eligible for SNAP benefits if they met certain exemption criteria and all other SNAP eligibility requirements. The specific criteria for exemption vary and are determined by the individual institutions of higher education.

The temporary student exemptions were in effect until July 1, 2023. After this date, students applying or recertifying for SNAP are no longer eligible under the temporary exemptions. Students who were certified under the temporary exemptions before this date can continue to receive benefits without taking any additional action at this time. However, when they recertify, they will need to meet the regular student exemption criteria to maintain their benefits.

It is important to note that SNAP eligibility for students is complex, and each situation is unique. Students should refer to their specific institution's guidelines and eligibility criteria to understand their potential eligibility for SNAP benefits. Additionally, students can seek guidance from their college or university to determine their enrollment status and whether they meet the requirements for SNAP.

Frequently asked questions