The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recently raised its income limits and benefit amounts as of October 1. This update, part of the annual cost-of-living adjustment, aims to expand eligibility and help more individuals and families access food assistance amidst rising costs.
The new income threshold not only supports low-income households but also opens doors for eligible students seeking additional help with food expenses.
Higher Income Limits for SNAP Eligibility
The recent adjustment means single individuals can now qualify for SNAP with a monthly income up to $2,510, a significant increase from past years.
This change broadens access to SNAP, benefiting people whose earnings were previously just above the eligibility threshold. Julia Morrill, director of the Basic Needs Program at the University of Oregon, notes that this expanded limit allows more students to qualify, including those enrolled in at least six undergraduate credits or five graduate credits who meet an additional criterion.
How the Increased Income Limit Helps Students
For many students, balancing education with part-time work can make it challenging to meet both academic and financial needs. With the higher income limit, more students can qualify for SNAP, providing extra support to manage food expenses.
By reducing food-related financial stress, SNAP assistance can positively impact students’ focus and well-being, improving academic performance and quality of life.
What SNAP Benefits Cover
SNAP benefits are primarily for purchasing food and non-alcoholic beverages, covering items such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products, bread, and cereals
However, certain items are excluded. SNAP benefits cannot be used for:
- Tobacco, alcohol, medications, and dietary supplements
- Non-food products like cleaning supplies or toiletries
- Hot or prepared foods (such as deli hot items or restaurant meals)
With these limitations, SNAP helps individuals and families afford nutritious, unprocessed foods essential for maintaining a balanced diet.
How to Apply for SNAP as a Student
The SNAP application process may seem daunting due to documentation requirements, but students can apply easily by following these steps:
- Start Your Application: Begin the application on the Oregon Department of Human Services website or visit a local office for in-person assistance.
- Complete an Interview: After submitting your application, you’ll need to attend an interview with a social worker from the Department of Human Services, which can be conducted in person or over the phone.
- Seek Campus Support: Many universities, such as the University of Oregon, offer assistance programs to help students navigate the SNAP application process.
The Basic Needs Program team, led by Morrill, helps guide students through documentation requirements and the overall application, making it more manageable to apply and qualify for benefits.
Where SNAP Benefits Are Accepted
SNAP benefits can be used at most grocery stores and supermarkets. To ensure a store accepts SNAP, customers can check each store’s website or ask in-store.
For example, students at the University of Oregon can use SNAP benefits at Agate Street Market, which offers a range of packaged foods and deli items on campus.
This convenience enables students to shop where they spend much of their time, offering a practical option for food assistance within familiar settings.
SNAP Benefits and Healthy Eating
Beyond financial support, SNAP encourages healthier eating by providing access to a wider variety of fresh and nutritious foods. This assistance can have a profound impact on students’ well-being, supporting their physical health and mental focus. For individuals facing food insecurity, access to a balanced diet is essential, and SNAP’s increased income limits and benefit amounts help make this possible.
Restrictions for Students with Meal Plans
Students living in university housing with meal plans face specific restrictions on SNAP eligibility. If a meal plan covers over 51% of a student’s dietary needs, they generally cannot qualify for SNAP.
However, students with meal plans that cover less than 50% of their food needs may qualify for SNAP if they meet other income and eligibility requirements. This rule helps avoid overlap between SNAP and university-provided food benefits.
The SNAP program, with its increased income limits, remains a critical support tool for individuals and families facing rising living costs, providing a necessary safety net for students and low-income individuals alike.
