PM 03-04-03-b
Follow the steps below to determine if a student meets the special student eligibility requirements:
STEP 1: Is student enrolled in a school of higher education halftime or more? PM 03-04-03-a "Definition of Student of Higher Education." |
If yes, go to Step 2. |
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If no, the person's status as a student does not affect their eligibility for SNAP. Determine eligibility using their income/assets and include them in the SNAP unit. |
STEP 2: Does the student meet one of the special student eligibility requirements? PM 03-04-03-b "Eligible Students of Higher Education." |
If yes, the person's status as a student does not affect their eligibility for SNAP. Determine eligibility using their income/assets and include them in the SNAP unit. |
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If no, the student is a non-SNAP unit member PM 04-05-06 "Non-SNAP Unit Members." Do not include them in the SNAP unit and do not count their income/assets. PM 05-04-01 "Income and Assets." |
The following information further clarifies the special student eligibility requirements:
The following 2 criteria require special verification:
- Physical or mental impairment
If physical or mental impairment is not evident, ask the person to provide a physician's statement verifying the condition, or proof of the receipt of permanent or temporary disability benefits.
- Lack of adequate child care for unit member age 6 - 11 (see PM 03-04-03-b).
Determine if there is a lack of adequate child care based on information provided by the unit. If the client claims that an adult living in the home is incapacitated and cannot provide care, ask for written proof of the incapacity.
- Example 1: The SNAP unit consists of Mr. J, his 21-year-old son T, and 8-year-old daughter K. Mr. J is a half-time student. He states he is unable to work because he is responsible for the care of his daughter. His son receives Social Security disability. Do not consider T as available in the home to provide child care. Mr. J meets the requirement.
- The requirement may also be allowed when another adult in the home is not incapacitated, but is not available to provide the care.
- Example 2: Mrs. D, her spouse and their 7 year old daughter are applying for SNAP. Mrs. D is a full-time student and attends classes during the day. Her spouse is employed full-time and attends classes 3 nights a week. Ms. D cannot go to school and meet the requirement of working an average of 20 hours per week because child care is not available in the home. Exempt Mrs. D for "responsible for the care of a dependent unit member age 6 through 11" since child care is not adequate to allow her to meet both requirements.