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SNAP Support

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly called Food Stamps, is the largest federal program aimed at combating hunger and food insecurity. SNAP eligibility and benefits are based on household size, income and other factors. SNAP awards eligible students up to $250 per month for groceries.

How does SNAP work?

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card or credit card. If you are eligible, an EBT account is set up for you, and every month your benefits will be deposited right into your account. EBT cards can be used to purchase food at many grocery stores and farmers markets such as Anabel’s, Tops, Wegmans, Walmart, Target, and Greenstar.

Expanded SNAP Eligibility for College Students!

Following a federal expansion of SNAP policies, the following two groups of college students are eligible to apply for SNAP:

  • Students who are eligible to participate in federal work study (active participation in work study is not required)

  • Students who have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0.                        

This expansion follows a New York State October 2020 policy change that permits students enrolled half-time or more in Cornell University to apply for SNAP.

Apply for SNAP!

1

Check if you’re eligible to receive SNAP benefits using the checklist below.

You can also text "snapcornell" to 607-558- 2161 and answer a few questions to check your eligibility .

2

Follow the option below that describes you best.

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Image: Providers App

OPTION 1

I'm Eligible, I Want to Apply Myself

  • Apply online directly to the NY State website

  • Fill out and submit application in-person at any of these locations: 

    • Tompkins County DSS (Department of Social Services) 

      • 320 West State St, Ithaca NY 14850

      • Phone: (607)274-5680

    • Catholic Charities

      • 324 West Buffalo St. Ithaca NY 14850

      • Phone: (607)272-5062

OPTION 2

I’m Eligible, I Would Like Help Applying

  • Reach out to Amber Podolec with all inquiries regarding SNAP. Amber works for the Tompkins County Catholic Charities and has helped hundreds of Cornell students apply for SNAP!

  • Email: Amber.Podolec@dor.org

  • Phone Number: (607)272-5062 ext. 21

  • Sign up for SNAP Drop-in Hours to chat one-on-one with Amber!

  • Schedule office hours with the Office of Student Advocate to receive assistance.

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OPTION 3

I'm Not Eligible, Direct Me to Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a SNAP application to get approved?

It usually takes 30 days for SNAP applications to get approved. Caseworkers from the Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) will be reviewing and approving your application.

What if 30 days is too long of a wait for my situation?

Social workers can expedite the application process. This may take 7 days compared to 30 days. If you don’t have a current job, the process is expedited automatically. You can find out more about the expedite process in this link.

How will I be notified for the interview once I submit my application?

DSS will notify you of your interview date through mail. DSS mainly communicates through physical mail, we recommend you keep an eye-out in the mail to receive updates on your application.

My parents receive SNAP and count me as part of the household. Am I still eligible to receive SNAP?

If your family counts you as a member of the household in their SNAP application, you are not eligible to receive SNAP. You will have to update your family’s SNAP information and exclude yourself from the household in order to receive SNAP benefits on your own as a college student. You cannot be counted as part of two SNAP accounts.* 

 

SNAP can be used across the country. You can use your family’s SNAP information to make online purchases with retailers such as Walmart that accept electronic EBT payments.

How will I know that I have been approved for SNAP benefits?

If DSS determines that you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive your benefits within 30 days. All SNAP applicants who have been approved for benefits will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. An EBT card can be used in participating stores and farmers markets just like a debit card. You will need to follow the instructions on the EBT card to activate your card to start making purchases.

I’m an undocumented/DACA student. Can I receive SNAP?

Only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully-present non-citizens may receive SNAP benefits. Non-citizens who are eligible based on their immigration status must also meet other SNAP eligibility requirements such as income and resource limits. More information is available about non-citizen eligibility. 

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Regardless of your immigration status, there are other resources available that can support your needs. You can email sa-student-advoc@cornell.edu to get connected with more resources. 

Why is SNAP important for college students?

SNAP can alleviate food insecurity and provide students with healthy food options at the grocery store. Students are automatically provided $250 (the max amount of benefits) when approved for SNAP/EBT.

 

Over the last decade, multiple studies of food insecurity among college students have found rates from 20% to more than 50%, considerably higher than the 12% rate for the entire US population. Reasons for higher rates of food insecurity among college students include a growing population of low-income college students, high college costs and insufficient financial aid, more financial hardship among many low- and moderate-income families, a weak labor market for part-time workers, declining per capita college resources, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policies that specifically exclude many college students from participation.

How can I use SNAP benefits? What can I purchase?

You can purchase food for the household, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

 

You cannot use SNAP benefits to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco, vitamins, medicines, live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store), prepared foods fit for immediate consumption, hot foods, or any nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, and cosmetics.

Can I use SNAP benefits to shop online?

You can use your SNAP benefits at limited stores to shop online for fresh produce and groceries! Participating online stores now accept SNAP benefits for online orders and will deliver to you. Use your EBT card to shop securely for fresh produce and groceries at these participating stores in the area: Amazon, ShopRite, Walmart

 

Note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm an online store delivers to your home address.

How do you check your SNAP balance?

The best way to check your balance is to refer to your last receipt of your SNAP purchase. Your grocery store receipt should include your SNAP balance at the bottom. The app Providers also allows you to see your EBT balance on your phone. It's a great resource to keep track of how much balance you have on your SNAP account before you start shopping.

Can I still apply for SNAP for myself if my family counts me as a dependent for tax purposes?

Yes! As long as you are living independently and shopping and preparing meals separately from your family, you count as your own SNAP household. However, you can’t be counted as part of two SNAP households at once, so make sure if your family receives SNAP, they let their caseworker know to remove you from their household before applying on your own.

Do I need to meet one of the student eligibility exemptions (EFC of $0 or qualifying for federal work-study) AND income guidelines, or just one or the other?

To be eligible for SNAP, you will need to meet both an exemption criterion and income guidelines. Keep in mind that you only need to count your own individual income when applying for yourself, though, and loans do not count as income.

If I live with roommates, do they count as part of my household?

You can apply for just yourself even if you live with roommates–you only need to count others as members of your household if you do all your shopping and meal preparation together.

What factors impact a household’s eligibility for SNAP benefits?

There are several factors that impact a household’s eligibility for SNAP benefits such as: Monthly income (earned and unearned) and Loans (including educational) Do Not Count as Income, Household size (Roommates that do not share food are not to be counted in the household), Age of those applying, Disability status of household members, Shelter and utility expenses, Student eligibility rules, Immigration status.

ANYTHING ELSE?

If you have any questions regarding SNAP or need further assistance, please reach out to the Office of Student Advocate (OSA) with any inquiries at sa-student-advoc@cornell.edu. You can also schedule appointments with OSA’s office hours to get assistance. 

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Off-campus SNAP support resources are available as well. You may contact Julie Daum, SNAP Coordinator for Catholic Charities in Tompkins County, at Julie.Daum@dor.org. 

 

Check out the official NY state website’s FAQ page for more information on SNAP benefits: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/snap/qanda.asp 

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