Recent changes to SNAP
When it comes to eligibility for SNAP benefits, there are generally several caveats for college students. However, in light of Covid-19, certain changes were recently made to the SNAP eligibility requirements. Two recent exemptions in particular are good news:
- students who are eligible for work study are now eligible for SNAP benefits (before this change, students had to be participating in work study)
- students who have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 for the current academic semester are now eligible for SNAP benefits
You may find more information about these changes here.
These exemptions will remain in effect until 30 days after Covid-19 is no longer an official public health emergency. While these changes certainly (and temporarily) do expand the number of students who are eligible for SNAP, the additional criteria that college students must meet does still apply (for a brief overview of this criteria, refer to my previous blog).
If you would like to apply for SNAP benefits in the state of Montana, or determine your eligibility, visit apply.mt.gov. You will first need to create an account. You will also need information regarding your income and expenses (estimations = okay). Once your application is processed, you will receive communication from the Department of Public Health & Human Services. DPHHS will work with you to schedule a phone interview to verify the information in your application. When it comes time for your interview, be prepared to furnish copies of paystubs, electricity bills, etc.
Keep in mind that DPHHS is mostly concerned with your income-to-expense ratio. In an ideal world, individuals and families would have at least 30% of their income available to purchase food. The amount of SNAP benefits awarded by DPHHS will attempt to make up for whatever fraction of that percentage you are lacking.
Here are a few pro tips for the application process:
Pro tip #1: Your household includes anyone that you purchase & prepare food with. If you don’t shop for groceries or cook with your roommates, don’t count them as part of your household!
Pro tip #2: Don’t get hung up on answers that don’t have a red asterisk next to them (like your bank’s address)- if you can easily provide this information, great; however, if it’s going to cause you anguish, don’t worry about it!
Pro tip #3: Don’t use commas in your dollar amounts- the application doesn’t like it, and will bring you back to the same screen over & over again.
Pro tip #3: DPHHS does not consider auto/ health/ home insurance & internet necessary monthly expenses. It doesn’t hurt to report these expenses- just be aware that they won’t factor into your benefits.
Pro tip #4: Stimulus checks do not count as income! You do not need to report your stimulus check or tax refund on your application for SNAP benefits.
Pro tip #5: If you are awarded benefits, you may want to consider doubling your SNAP dollars at your local farmer’s market!
I know these applications can be frustrating- especially for folks experiencing complicated or transitional circumstances. I hope this clears away some of the confusion, but if it does not, please feel free to schedule a virtual appointment with us at umt.edu/foodpantry. And if you are ever in need of immediate food assistance, come on over to the UM Food Pantry!
