If you are a student over 18 and enrolled in a higher education program less than half-time, you may be eligible for SNAP. You still have to meet SNAP program requirements. 

If you are enrolled in higher education half-time or more, the type of higher education program may impact your SNAP eligibility. 

Does your program or curriculum require a high school diploma or equivalent for enrollment? 

• If yes: You may be eligible for SNAP. If you are enrolled half-time or more, you are considered a student. You would need to qualify for one of the Student Policy Exceptions and meet SNAP program requirements. 
• If no: If you meet the general SNAP program requirements, you are eligible for SNAP. 

Are you enrolled in the regular curriculum? 

• If yes: If you are enrolled half-time or more, you are considered a student. You would need to qualify for one of the Student Policy Exceptions and meet SNAP program requirements. 
• If no: If you’re enrolled in a program outside of the regular curriculum, such as remedial courses, continuing or community education, professional development, or English as a Second Language then you are not considered a student. You still have to meet SNAP program requirements. 

If you live with your parents, they may be considered part of your household when applying for SNAP. If you are 21 or younger and live with your parents, you must include your parents and their income on your SNAP application. 

If you are 22 or older and live with your parents, it depends on whether or not you buy and share food with them. 

• If you buy and share food with your parents: Your parents are part of your household and you must include them and their income on your SNAP application. 
• If you buy your own food: Your parents are not part of your household and you only need to include yourself and your income on your SNAP application. 

No. A roommate who buys their own food is not considered part of your household for SNAP. You do not need to include them or their income on your application.

Yes. Married students need to include their spouse and their spouse’s income on their SNAP application. 

Students who live with, purchase, and prepare food together with a domestic partner must include their partner and their partner’s income on their SNAP application. 

If you have children under age 22 and they live with you, include them as part of your household on your SNAP application. 

You must be a U.S. citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. green card holder), Cuban or Haitian Entrant, or from the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands to receive SNAP benefits. Some Lawful Permanent Residents must observe a 5-year waiting period before being eligible. Check to see if you are eligible at the Maryland Benefits website. 

It depends on your meal plan. If your meal plan covers more than 10 meals per week, you are not eligible for SNAP. If your meal plan covers 10 meals or fewer per week, you may be eligible if you meet SNAP program requirements. 

You may be eligible. If any of the following situations apply to you and you meet SNAP program requirements, you are eligible for SNAP: 

• You are responsible for the care of a child under age 6;
• You are responsible for the care of a child aged 6 to 11, and you don’t have child care available for you to work and attend class; or
• You are a single parent enrolled full-time and responsible for the care of a child under age 12. 

You may be eligible for SNAP. Working while attending school can help you qualify for SNAP by exempting you from the general rule that students are not eligible for SNAP.

You must have worked an average of 20 hours or more per week in either the 30 days before applying for SNAP, or the most recent three full months before applying for SNAP. When you apply for SNAP, we will calculate your average weekly hours using both periods of time and use the one showing the highest average weekly hours worked.

For example, if you apply for SNAP in September, we will calculate your average weekly hours using both the hours you worked in June, July, and August, as well as just the hours you worked in the last 30 days before applying. If either average is 20 hours or more per week, you qualify for the exemption. If the average is less than 20 hours per week, you do not qualify for this exemption; however, you may still qualify for a different exemption.

Yes. If you are approved (accepted or awarded) for federal work-study, anticipate working, and have not refused a work study assignment, you are eligible for SNAP if you meet SNAP program requirements.

No. Simply participating in federal work study is enough to exempt you from the general rule that students are not eligible for SNAP. The number of hours worked in your work study assignment does not impact your eligibility for SNAP. 

Yes. Out-of-state students may be eligible for Maryland SNAP if they are living in Maryland for the school year. You must meet all other eligibility requirements, just like any other Maryland student. 

You can check your eligibility and apply for SNAP online at the Maryland Benefits website. You may need documents to verify your address, income, employment (including work study), financial aid, and class schedule. If you have questions or need help at any point when applying, contact us through your Local Department of Social Services. Find your nearest local Department of Human Services office. We will be happy to help you apply.

Once you submit your application, your Local Department of Social Services will reach out to you by phone, mail, or email to schedule a brief phone interview with a case manager. This interview is essential to determine if you’re eligible for SNAP. If you’re approved, we will mail you an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. This is a special debit card that can only be used for authorized purchases. Your SNAP benefits will be loaded monthly onto that card. 

Yes. You may be eligible for other programs like cash assistance, child care, child support, health insurance, and energy assistance. We encourage you to check your eligibility and apply for benefits at the Maryland Benefits website.