Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Important changes to SNAP benefits

The COVID-19 public health emergency ended on May 11, and therefore flexibilities related to student eligibility for federal benefit programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) changed.  We want to make sure our students who are interested in accessing SNAP benefits have information and support to navigate this new landscape.

Student criteria

Meet income guidelines and:

Updated September 2023 from Partners for Hunger Free Oregon website:

• Be awarded work study. A student does not need to have a position secured when they apply, but a student needs to intend to find a position in the coming school term.
• Paid employee or self-employed working an average of 20 hours a week.
• Unable to work due to physical or physiological difficulties.
• Responsible for the care of a child (age requirements apply).
• Participating in a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) approved program.
• Receiving TANF
• Receiving Unemployment Compensation

Other factors affecting eligibility

• Students under the age of 22 who still live with their parents or guardians must apply with their parents.
• Financial aid received through the Veterans Administration or private scholarships count as income.
• Students on break from school must still meet the criteria for which they are eligible for SNAP (i.e. if you qualify by working 20 hours a week, you’d need to keep doing this over summer break).

Note: federal financial aid including Pell grants, Perkins loans, Stafford loans and most work-study is not counted as income against student eligibility. Students may defer federal student loan payments while receiving SNAP benefits without incurring interest charges.

If students are unsure if they qualify, please refer to the DHS SNAP for College Student Tool  and/or reach out to the FRC (food@ohsu.edu) or the Multnomah County SNAP Outreach Coordinators at snap@multco.us.

Students who currently receive SNAP benefits, and who have not already seen a decrease in their benefits, MAY see their benefits decreased after May 11, 2023 or denial upon recertification due to the end of the COVID pandemic expanded eligibility.

Apply for SNAP

• Apply for SNAP online.
• Get a downloadable paper application and more info from Oregon's Department of Human Resources benefits page.

Find out more about student eligibility?

View general SNAP eligibility criteria and specific eligibility criteria for students.  

You may be eligible if you meet the income guidelines found here, and any of the following are true.  You only need to meet one to move on to apply for benefits.

Reasons to apply

If you are eligible, the money you save could have a BIG impact on your family budget! As part of your SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for:

• Economic deferment to help pay back federal student loans.
• Double SNAP dollars at many local farmers' markets (including the OHSU Farmers Market).
• $5 tickets to some cultural events and art shows.
• Phone payment assistance programs can reduce your costs by as much as 50%.
• Assistance with internet payments.
• Free or reduced-cost school meals if you have children in K-12.
• Nutrition education with food vouchers for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

Funds you receive and spend locally also support Oregon's economy and local businesses such as farmers' markets.

Stuck or want help applying?

Online resources:

• Visit the Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon webpage.
• See the Multnomah County SNAP page, which has outreach specialists who can help plus useful general info and FAQ (including on eligibility for college students).  Also view the Washington County SNAP page, or this list to find your local office.
  

Personal support:

• If you live in Multnomah County, contact the MC SNAP Outreach Team.
• Contact 2-1-1, a nonprofit that connects people with health and social service resources.

Have more questions about SNAP?

Please reach out to food@ohsu.edu.