Temporary expansion of food stamp (SNAP) benefits for students

Under regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules, students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are ineligible for SNAP unless they meet one of the exemptions. However, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to allow students who either:

  1. Are eligible to participate in federal work study (FWS) during the regular academic year, as determined by the institution of higher education, or
  2. Have an expected family contribution (EFC) of zero in the current academic year.

Eligibility for FWS is included on the financial aid notifications that Drake sends to students. Additional, FWS eligibility can be viewed in a student’s Financial Aid Portal. The EFC is listed on the Student Aid Report (SAR), which can be accessed by logging in at www.studentaid.gov.

More information, including instructions to apply for benefits, can be found at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students.

— Ryan Zantingh, Director of Financial Aid