SNAP FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
IN Idaho
The Idaho Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Idaho Food Stamps program, can provide supplemental income for purchasing food for low-income households. An eligible person or family receives an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which is used like any other debit card at the grocery store. The card uses money from a SNAP account set up for the eligible person or family to pay for food items.
Are College Students Eligible for SNAP?
Students attending an institution of higher education, like a college, university, trade school, or technical school more than half-time are eligible for SNAP if they meet an exemption and meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements. SNAP eligibility for college students is complicated and confusing; use the screener below to see if you are eligible.
I QUALIFIED, How Do I Apply?
You don’t need to go to an office! You can apply online at the Department of Health and Welfare website, and receive your EBT card in the mail.
Idaho utilizes a single, comprehensive application for all social programs. When applying you can choose exactly which programs you’d like to be considered for, and which household members need assistance if you are assisting other household members apply for programs such as Medicaid, SNAP or TAFI.
Regardless of how you apply, once your application is submitted, you can follow the progress by logging into idalink, Idaho’s online self-service website for benefit programs.
If you need food assistance immediately, and are eligible, you can receive benefits within seven days. You must meet certain criteria in order to qualify for the expedited services.
Where/How to Use SNAP?
SNAP benefits can only be used to buy food and plants and seeds to grow food for your household to eat.
You can use your EBT card to purchase food at any grocery store, farmers’ market, or online website that accepts SNAP.
Visit the US Department of Agriculture website here to learn more about shopping for groceries online with your SNAP benefits and more.
Outreach Organizations
You can reach out to these organizations to get help with your application for SNAP benefits: