The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 temporarily expands benefits to students who either participate in work study or have an expected family contribution of $0 in the current academic year.
President Biden singed a Jan. 22 order directing all federal agencies to address the economic crisis resulting from the pandemic. In alignment with that order, the U.S. Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued guidance to post-secondary institutions, informing them of temporarily expanded eligibility requirements of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
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“The guidance encourages institutions of higher education to coordinate with campus stakeholders to notify eligible students,” according to a Feb. 23 press release.
Before the expansion, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education were typically ineligible for SNAP benefits unless they met certain exemptions.
Beginning Jan. 16, 2021, students who met one of the two criteria became eligible for SNAP benefits. The new exemptions remain in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. Students should contact their local SNAP offices to apply.
Shellie Smitley is a staff writer for The Augusta Press. Reach her at shellie@theaugustapress.com
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