SNAP Work Requirements for College Students
College students face two different SNAP rules. If you can get SNAP as a student and go at least half-time, the time limit does not apply.
Short answer: If you are enrolled at least half-time and you qualify for SNAP under the student rules, you are exempt from the time limit. Students 18 to 49 in college at least half-time can only get SNAP if they meet a student exception, like working 20 hours a week or having work-study. Students 50 to 64 are not covered by the student rules. H.R. 1 did not change these student rules.
Rule 1: SNAP's student rules
If you are 18 to 49 and enrolled at least half-time in college or in a trade or technical school that needs a high school diploma, you can get SNAP only if you meet one exception (7 CFR 273.5), such as:
- Working at least 20 hours a week for pay
- Being approved for state or federal work-study
- Caring for a child under 6, or a child 6 to 11 when child care is not available
- Being a single parent in college full-time with a child under 12
- Being unfit for work, getting TANF, or being in certain job training programs
If you are 50 or older, these student rules do not apply to you.
Rule 2: the time limit
A student "enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education" is excused from SNAP's general work rules (7 CFR 273.7(b)(1)(viii)), and that also exempts you from the time limit. This stays in place during normal breaks and vacations. It ends if you graduate, drop below half-time, or do not plan to register for the next regular term (not counting summer).
If you go less than half-time
The time limit can apply. Class time alone does not count toward the 80 hours, unless the class is part of an approved work program, such as SNAP Employment and Training or a WIOA program. Paid jobs, including work-study, and volunteering do count.
What proof is usually needed
An enrollment verification showing half-time or more, plus proof of your student exception, such as pay stubs showing 20 hours a week or a work-study award letter.
What to do next
- Ask your school's financial aid office for an enrollment letter and, if you have it, your work-study award.
- Use the free checker to see if the time limit applies to you in your state.
- See what counts toward the 80 hours, including volunteering and training.
- Find your state page for start dates, waived areas, forms, and phone numbers.
- Already cut off? See how to get SNAP back or appeal.
Frequently asked questions
Do college students have to meet SNAP work requirements?
Students enrolled at least half-time are exempt from the time limit, but students 18 to 49 must first meet one of SNAP's student exceptions to get SNAP at all.
Did H.R. 1 change SNAP student rules?
No. Section 10102 changed the time limit exemptions, not the separate student rules in 7 CFR 273.5.
I am 52 and going back to school. Do student rules apply?
No. Student rules only cover ages 18 to 49. If you go at least half-time, you are also exempt from the time limit.
Does work-study count?
Yes. Being approved for work-study is a student exception, and the hours you work are paid work.
Am I exempt over summer break?
The exemption continues through normal vacations if you plan to register for the next regular term.