SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Need Help Paying for Groceries? You may be eligible for food assistance through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). SNAP helps eligible Ohioans stretch their food budgets and buy healthy food. 

Who is eligible for SNAP? College students? Work study students? International students?

Anyone can check SNAP eligibility at https://benefits.ohio.gov/. Contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance at foodpantry@ohio.edu.

 

GENERAL ASSET AND INCOME CRITERIA

  • Current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001
  • Income at or below 130% of the poverty level (poverty level chart)
    • Work study, graduate stipends, and federal financial aid do not count as income

 

GENERAL COLLEGE STUDENT ELIGIBILITY  

College students enrolled at least halftime can qualify for SNAP based on a broad list of exceptions, assuming they meet the SNAP income and asset criteria and one of the following criteria:

  • Work-study eligible according to their Financial Aid award letter
  • Have zero expected family contribution according to their Financial Aid Award letter

Students that do not have a FASFA on file still may qualify for SNAP if they are:

  • Working for pay at least 20 hours per week
  • Caring for a child under age 6
  • Caring for a child age 6-11 as a single-parent while enrolled full time or unable to obtain childcare
  • Receiving TANF benefits
  • Unable to work because of a disability
  • Under the age of 18 or older than 50

WORK STUDY STUDENT ELIGIBILITY 

While pandemic conditions persist, any student that qualifies for work study, may be eligible for SNAP and is encouraged to apply.

 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ELIGIBILITY 

Unfortunately, international students are not eligible for SNAP, but an international student's kids may be eligible. As an alternative, international students are eligible to participate in all of Ohio University’s Bobcats Helping Bobcats programs. 

Is there a work requirement for SNAP?
  • There is no work requirement for a student that is work-study eligible or has zero expected family contribution

For students that aren’t work study eligible or do not have a FASFA on file:

  • Yes, recipients must work 20-hours a week
How can I apply for SNAP if I am eligible?

Applicants can apply online at https://benefits.ohio.gov/ or call Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (614) 466-4815. Contact the Dean of Students Office for assistance at foodpantry@ohio.edu.

What documentation and information will I need to apply?

This information will be needed at the time of application:

  • Financial aid award letter
  • Social Security number
  • Date of birth
  • Household income
  • Cost of your rent or mortgage, utilities, property taxes
  • Cost of day care for a child or other dependent, if applicable

A copy of these documents will need to be submitted within 30 days of applying:

  • ID
  • Pay stubs for the last 30 days
  • Lease and utility bills
  • School schedule
  • Financial Aid award letter
How can SNAP be used?

Food assistance benefits are distributed electronically through the Ohio Direction Card, which is similar to a debit card. Benefits can be used to buy most food products. SNAP cannot be used to buy alcohol, tobacco, medicine, hot food products that are made to be eaten immediately (including prepared food from grocery stores and restaurants), and non-food items.

Where can SNAP be used on campus?

Jefferson Marketplace is a SNAP/EBT retailer and carries many eligible items.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have questions about the SNAP program or application process, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at deanofstudents@ohio.edu or 740.593.1800.