SNAP

SNAP Student Provisions
in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

Summary:

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 temporarily expands the student eligibility exemptions at Section 6(e) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, as amended. This website provides questions and answers related to the temporary exemptions to support States in implementation of the new standards.

Who qualifies to apply for the temporary changes in SNAP benefits?

The Federal government has temporarily expanded SNAP benefit eligibility to college students who are attending at least half-time, who do not get most of their meals through a campus meal plan, and meet one of the following criteria to apply for these benefits:

Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 on your current 2021–22 FAFSA AND/OR
Eligible for federal work study for the current academic year (2021–22)

Each state aid office may have other qualifications to meet as well as income requirements and other criteria. Your eligibility does not guarantee these benefits. There is no shame in applying for these benefits as they are intended for individuals and families to use during financial hardships.

Where do students apply for SNAP benefits?

You will apply at the state aid office in the county of your residence.

Residents of Ohio –
Students should contact their county office of Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS).

For example, a student from Franklin county will contact the Franklin County ODJFS Office. Only students who are residents of Greene County (dependent students – this means your parents reside in Greene County) should apply to the local Greene County ODJFS Office.

Residential Students who are residents of states other than Ohio –
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated you should apply with the local Greene County OJDFS office.

ODJFS application information:

Go to Ohio Benefits to submit an application online.
A paper application can also be printed and mailed to your local county JFS office.
Upload a copy of your CU award letter with your application as proof of your temporary eligibility for Ohio EBT.

To learn more about Ohio EBT, including income and eligibility requirements, visit the Office of Communications at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

Online students who are residents of states other than Ohio –
SNAP Benefits are reviewed by state aid offices at the county of your residence. The national directory for states will provide details for students outside of Ohio regarding their state aid/benefit office. this means a student from Kentucky for example would contact their state aid office in their county of residence in Kentucky.

How long must States implement the new, temporary exemptions?

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, the new, temporary student exemptions shall be in effect for initial SNAP applications 30 days after COVID-19 Federal public health emergency is lifted.

How should states verify a student's eligibility for the new, temporary exemptions?

States must verify, prior to certification of the household, any household statement that is questionable and would impact eligibility and/or benefit amounts. States must support households in obtaining verification, provided the household is cooperating, and must accept any reasonable documentary evidence provided by the household.

Acceptable documents for verification include:

Eligibility to participate in a work study program for the current academic year (2021–22) may be found on the financial aid award letter provided to the student by the student's institution of higher education (Cedarville University).
Expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 for the current academic year (2021–22) may be found on a financial aid award letter from Cedarville University or by obtaining your Student Aid Report (SAR) from Federal Student Aid. Students are emailed a copy of their SAR from Federal Student Aid once they successfully complete the FAFSA.

Important Information

Cedarville University will provide an award letter providing the work study eligibility and/or $0 EFC information upon the student's request. Please complete a financial aid award letter request.

If you are interested in applying for these benefits, we recommend taking the following actions:

Request the Cedarville University financial aid award letter from the CU Financial Aid Office.
Find your local county office for your State Aid/Benefits Office for your residence.
Apply with your county aid office for SNAP benefits.