College can sometimes be stressful or expensive. Don’t let food be another financial worry.
Food for Thought Campus Food Pantry
Food for Thought, MWCC’s on-campus food pantry, gives out snacks, prepackaged meals, and other food items to students in need. Learn more about the food pantry, where it’s located and how to make use of it’s services on the food pantry webpage.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or “SNAP” (formerly called Food Stamps) helps eligible low-income households buy food. Many low-income college students also qualify. Students are encouraged to stop by the Students Serving Our Students (SOS) program office so that a mentor can help you. Learn more about the SOS program, their hours and location on the SOS webpage.
Can I get SNAP if I am a community college student?
In Massachusetts, most low-income students attending a community college are eligible for SNAP. The SNAP rules allow community college students in certificate programs or associate degree programs to qualify. The course of study must be a “career or technical education” program OR a program likely to lead to employment. Most community college programs qualify.
NOTE: Low-income students must also meet the financial household composition and U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status rules of the SNAP program.
If your course of study is not career-focused or you are not a community college student, there are other special SNAP rules for low-income college students. You may qualify for SNAP if you meet any of the following:
- Get 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
How do I apply for SNAP benefits?
Students are encouraged to stop by the Students Serving Our Students (SOS) program office so that a mentor can help you. Learn more about the SOS program, its hours and location on the SOS webpage. You can file an application for SNAP through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA):
- Apply online: mass.gov/snap
- Fax a paper application to DTA at 617-887-8765
- Mail a paper application to DTA Document Processing Center, PO Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780
- Go in-person to a local DTA office
- If you live with other people who get SNAP, they may need to contact DTA to add you. See below.
After you apply, call the DTA Assistance Line for an interview at 1-877-382-2363. Then send DTA the proofs they ask for. DTA has 30 days to approve or deny your application unless you qualify for emergency SNAP. If you are approved, SNAP benefits are put on an EBT card (like a debit card).
What proofs do I need to give DTA?
DTA will send you a list asking for proof of your identity, address, and possibly other items. DTA will also send you forms to get filled out by your college registrar or financial aid office:
- The Community College Verification Form proves you meet the community college eligibility rules
- The Educational Income and Expense Form gives DTA information about your financial aid
How much SNAP will I get?
It depends! The monthly SNAP benefit amount is calculated based on your countable income and your expenses, such as rent or childcare. The maximum for one person is $192/month (as of October 2017).
What income does DTA count?
- Earned income from a job or self-employment
- Unearned income such as Social Security, child support or unemployment insurance
Work-Study and other federal education aid do not count as income. State and private educational loans and grants also do not count unless the money is earmarked for living expenses (room and board).
What if I live with other people?
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.
What are my rights if I am denied SNAP?
- Download the DTA Connect mobile app to send DTA proofs, look at your case information, and see DTA notices
- Call the DTA Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363 to talk with a SNAP worker and about why you were denied. If you disagree with what the SNAP worker says, you can also ask to speak to a Supervisor or the Office Director
- Call the DTA Ombudsman’s offices at 617-348-5354 and ask them to review the case
- Request a hearing if you disagree with DTA’s decision. There is an appeal form on the back of the DTA denial notices. Fill this out and fax or mail it back to DTA. You can have the hearing by phone or in person.
- Contact your local Legal Services offices for more information: www.masslegalhelp.org.
For more information, visit masslegalservices.org/food4students.