SNAP

Get help with groceries

As a college student, you could qualify for food assistance through SNAP! SNAP, also known as food stamps, helps Minnesotans with low incomes get the food they need for nutritious and well-balanced meals. Students living in North Dakota can also apply for SNAP. 

SNAP is an entitlement program, which means every single person eligible for the program will get benefits. Many Minnesotans utilize SNAP as a supplemental way to purchase groceries for their household. Access to this benefit recently expanded because the federal government understands how critical food access is for college students.

The program provides support to help stretch your food budget. It is not intended to meet all of your food needs; it is a supplement.

Eligibility

If you're enrolled at least half-time and meet income guidelines, you may be eligible for food assistance if you:

• Work 20+ hours/week
• Are in a work-study program
• Care for a young child
• Have a disability
• Participate in SNAP E&T
• Or meet other exemptions

To be eligible for SNAP, you must have been a U.S. citizen or permanent resident for at least five years with a Social Security number, in addition to meeting SNAP rules and income eligibility criteria.

The federal government has expanded college students' access to SNAP benefits. Someone who purchases and prepares their food alone is now qualified for a SNAP benefit of up to $292 per month! 

You may need to apply for SNAP with other people you live with, including your parents if you are under 22 years old, your children if you are a parent of children who are under 22 years old, your spouse, and anyone else you live with and share meals with.

Check your eligibility at Bridge to Benefits or apply at Minnesota Benefits. 

How to use SNAP

Eligible students can use SNAP benefits to buy food through an EBT card (like a debit card). SNAP can be used to buy food at supermarkets, local grocery stores, corner stores, farmers markets, and online from Amazon, Walmart and ALDI (through Instacart).

What's the most money I can make to qualify?

Note: Income guidelines are updated each year. These guidelines are for Oct. 1, 2024, through Sept. 30, 2025.

The screening tool is also available in other languages:

• Hmong - screening tool (PDF)
• Russian - screening tool (PDF)
• Somali - screening tool (PDF)
• Spanish - screening tool (PDF)

How much of a benefit can I get?

This depends on your income, expenses and the number of people who live with you. The average monthly benefit amount per person in Minnesota is $109. The maximum possible amounts are listed below: