SNAP Eligibility for Students

New York State has expanded eligibility to students in qualified career and technical education (CTE) programs. The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) determined that CTE programs, as defined under the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, offered at a community college or a technology college within the SUNY or CUNY systems are considered comparable to a SNAP E&T program component. CTE programs at SUNY/CUNY enhance the employability of students or lead directly to employment.

New York State students can also enroll in CTE programs at Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC). These programs specifically target economically disadvantaged students.

As a result of this expanded eligibility, individuals attending a SUNY/CUNY community college or technology college and enrolled at least half-time in a qualified CTE program meet the criteria to be considered an “eligible student” for SNAP.

Additionally, individuals attending any of the 10 EOCs in New York State and enrolled at least half-time in CTE programs, remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language meet the criteria to be considered an “eligible student” for SNAP.

This rule does not apply to students in four-year degree programs at SUNY/CUNY universities or colleges. However, these students may be eligible for SNAP under other student exemptions. For the full list of student exemptions, see the student eligibility section of our SNAP Prescreening Guide.

Determining Eligibility for CTE Students

Students meeting the criteria below are to be considered an “eligible student” under SNAP rules.

• Attending a SUNY/CUNY community college or technology college and enrolled in a qualified certificate or degree CTE program.
• Attending an EOC and enrolled in a CTE program, or enrolled in remedial courses, basic adult education, literacy, or English as a second language program.

SNAP offices need to review and discuss the student exemption requirements during the eligibility interview.

Students must provide proof to the SNAP office that they meet one of the exemptions above. The following documents are acceptable:

• LDSS-5172 SUNY/CUNY/EOC Student Verification of Enrollment,
• Signed letter from a SUNY, CUNY, or EOC official,
  • Electronic signatures from the college or EOC on the above form are acceptable.
• Any documentation that reasonably provides proof that the student meets this exemption, and includes:
  • Enrollment status;
  • Course of study or major; and,
  • Whether or not the student is enrolled in a qualified CTE or EOC program.

Students who need assistance getting signed documentation from their college or EOC should contact the Office of the Registrar at their college or the Perkins Officer at their EOC.

Criteria to be Considered an “Eligible Student” Under SNAP Rules

When working with students who are applying for SNAP, you must first determine if they meet the criteria to be considered an “eligible student” under SNAP rules. Generally, students are only eligible for SNAP if they meet certain “exemptions” listed in SNAP eligibility rules.

Under these rules, students who are 18 to 49 years old and enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher learning cannot get SNAP unless they meet an exemption. Exemptions include: working at least 20 hours per week, caring for a child, and being unable to work, among others.

There are additional SNAP income and eligibility rules that all SNAP applicants, including students, must meet in order to qualify to receive SNAP benefits each month.

See the student eligibility section of our SNAP Prescreening Guide for full eligibility rules for students and for more information on the income and eligibility rules for all SNAP applicants.

Additionally, students determined to be an “eligible student” under SNAP rules are exempt from:

• SNAP Employment and Training (E&T) work requirements, and
• SNAP Time Limit Rules for Able Bodied Adults without Dependents (ABAWD) (currently suspended in New York until February 28, 2025)

More Resources

CUNY.edu/SNAP: CUNY launched this page to help CUNY students understand SNAP eligibility rules. It includes an FAQ for students, a list of eligible CTE classes offered at 10 CUNY colleges, an automated form to verify enrollment in a CTE Program, and much more.