08/22/2026
🎓 College, university, or trade/technical school students may qualify for SNAP, but usually only in certain circumstances.
🍴Students who have a meal plan at school are not eligible for SNAP.
Students who attend who attend school more than half-time generally must:
📚Not have a school meal plan, and
📚Meet at least one student exemption, and
📚Meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
Your school determines what counts as “half-time” enrollment. Students attending less than half time do not need to meet student rules.
You may qualify for a student exemption if you:
• Are 17 or younger or 50 or older
• Are physically or mentally unable to work 20 hours per week (must be verified)
• Care for a household member under age 6
• Care for a household member age 6–12 when childcare is not available, or you are a full-time student and the sole parent in your household
• Receive TANF/PaS
• Attend a community college in certain qualifying programs
• Participate in an on-the-job training program
• Are placed in a training or education program through a government program
• Work 20 or more hours per week for pay
• Participate in a state- or federally funded work-study program
📌 Meeting an exemption does not automatically mean you qualify for SNAP. You must still meet all other SNAP eligibility requirements.
If you’re a student and unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking with your local OFI office.
For additional information, visit our website: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement
