How do you apply for SNAP benefits?
First you must create a MYACCESS account on https://myaccess.myflfamilies.com/
You can learn more about how to do this on the Florida DCF Youtube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ySmd2HtDJI
Once you apply they will follow up with you to do an interview. During this interview they may ask for you to provide documentation (on things related to confirming your identity, your financial situation, your citizenship, your work status, etc). While waiting for your interview time it is important that you answer your phone and check your voicemail so you do not miss their outreach. Make sure your cell phone voicemail is set up!
What are the income and wealth requirements?
You must have gross income (amount earned before taxes) less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. The 2024 poverty guidelines for a household of 1 person is $15,060 (yearly). 200% of that would be $29,160 (yearly). You also cannot have a current bank account balance (any accounts in your name combined) of more than $2001.
SNAP has income and wealth requirements but if you are enrolled in AT LEAST 6 credits, you must also meet one of the student exemptions. What are the relevant student exemptions?
Current student exemptions as of February 2024 are:
- Participate in a work study program.
- Work at least 20 hours a week on average in paid employment.
- Are under age 18 or are age 50 or older.
- Have a physical or mental disability.
- Are a single parent enrolled full-time in college and taking care of a child under 12.
- Care for a child under the age of 6.
- Care for a child age 6 to 11 and lack child care
- Receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance.
- Are assigned to, placed in, or self-placed in a college or other institution of higher education through an Employment and Training (E&T) program
If you qualify under the “Work at least 20 hours a week on average in paid employment” exemption, how are those hours calculated?
The state of Florida calculates hours worked (for the 20 hours a week exemption specifically, which is distinct from the work study program exemption) on a monthly average basis. This means you need to work 80 hours a month to qualify under this exemption. You can, for example, have worked: Week A=10 hours, Week B=15 hours, Week C=40 hours, Week D=15 hours to total 80 hours.
Having a mental or physical disability is listed as a student exemption. How does the state of Florida determine this status?
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI you can present proof of that qualification. Other options include presenting documentation of participation in the Florida Vocational Rehabilitation program or documentation from your medical provider(s). If you have accommodations through the FSU Office of Accessibility Services (OAS) you can submit the same documentation you sent OAS during the interview stage of the process.
If you are applying federal work study participation exemption what kind of documentation suffices?
You can provide your COMPLETED (meaning it has been fully filled out and signed by your supervisor, not the blank version you were originally given) Work Authorization Form. If you do not have this ready you can ask your supervisor for the copy they submitted to HR. You can also go directly to the Office of Financial Aid and ask for a letter confirming your participation.
Applicants 21 and under they are asked to submit parental information. If you not have any contact with one or both of your parents and do not have a way of establishing said parent’s Social Security number, how should you fill out that portion of the application?
You can list “Unknown” in the slots given. You should expect that DCF may ask follow up questions about this in your interview.
If you have roommates are they considered part of your household for SNAP purposes?
You may be asked to list them on the application but as long as you do not share meals/purchase food together/cook together 50% of the time or more, you are not considered as the same “household” for SNAP purchases. If you do cook with your roommate(s) for at least 50% of your meals, you will have to report their income too.
What is the timeline for recertification (renewal)?
Barring special circumstances, as a student you should expect to undergo renewal every 6 months.
If approved, how much money should you expect?
It varies based on your personal characteristics so it is not easy to say. The absolute maximum possible per month for one person is $291 but your total can be significantly less depending on exact circumstances.
Are there limits on frequency of reapplying or a waiting period if you are rejected or fall out of eligibility?
No! You can reapply as needed if you begin to meet the eligibility requirements again.
If I have a meal plan am I eligible?
If your meal plan provides at least 50% of your meals in a week, you are not eligible. This is based on a calculation of 3 meals a day.
Date Updated: March 18, 2024
