SNAP is a federal nutrition program administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) for Massachusetts residents.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the SNAP program and determine if you are eligible.
General Eligibility Information
You may qualify for SNAP if you meet any of the following:
- Receive Federal Work Study, and you work or expect to work during the semester
- Receive financial aid from the state MASSGrant program (as of Sept 2017)
- Work (for pay) an average of 20 hours or more per week
- Care of a child under the age of 12, or you get TAFDC as a parent with children
- Are in school through a state-approved education or training program
- Are in college less than half-time (for example, less than 6 credit hours)
- Are under age 18 or are over age 49
- Have a temporary or permanent disability
Special Considerations
Roommates: If you buy and prepare more than half of your food separately from your roommates, you can apply for SNAP for just yourself. If you buy and prepare most of your food together (you share the food purchased), you must apply for SNAP with your roommates-and they must report their income and meet other rules.
Parents: If you are age 22 or older and live with your parents, but you buy and prepare more than half your food separate from your parents, you can apply for SNAP for just yourself to buy your own food.
If you are under age 22, you cannot get SNAP separately from your parents if you live with them. This is true even if you don’t share food. If your parents currently get SNAP, they should ask DTA to add you. If your family is low-income and does not get SNAP, your parents can apply for SNAP as a household.
On-campus: If you live on-campus and get more than half your meals from a school meal plan, you don’t qualify for SNAP benefits. If you have a limited meal plan – for example, 1 meal a day – then you may be SNAP eligible.