Social Security Numbers:
You will have to provide or apply for a Social Security number for
yourself and those you are applying for who do not have a number. If you
do not provide or apply for a Social Security number for yourself or
other household members, those members cannot receive assistance.
Individuals who do not provide a Social Security number are ineligible;
however, their income and resources are still counted to any remaining
eligible members. Social Security numbers do not have to be provided if
prohibited by religious beliefs.
Students:
Most able-bodied students ages 18 through 49 enrolled in college or
other institutions of higher education at least half time are not
eligible for SNAP benefits. However, students may be able to get SNAP
benefits if they:
- Get public assistance benefits from a Title IV-A program;
- Take part in a State or federally financed work study program;
- Work at least 20 hours a week;
- Are caring for a dependent household member under the 6;
- Are caring for a dependent household member over 5 but
under 12 and do not have adequate child care to enable them to attend
school and work a minimum of 20 hours, or to take part in a State or
federally financed work study program; or;
- Are assigned to or placed in a college or certain other schools through:
- A program under the Work Investment Act (formerly JTPA);
- A program under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974;
- An employment and training program under the Food Stamp Act; or
- An employment and training program operated by a State or local government.
A single parent enrolled full time in college and taking care of a dependent household
member under the age of 12 can get SNAP benefits if otherwise eligible.
Work Rules:
With certain exceptions, able-bodied adults ages 16 through 59 must
register for work, accept an offer of suitable work, or take part in an
employment and training program to which they are referred by the
Employment and Training Program.
Generally, able-bodied adults aged 18 through 49 who do not
have or live with children and are not pregnant can only get SNAP
benefits for 3 months in a 3-year period unless they are working or
participating in a work or workfare program. There are a few exceptions.