SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

Being a student is stressful enough, worrying about when and where your next meal comes shouldn't be one of those stresses. Most students don't know they are eligible for SNAP benefits, which may alleviate some of the financial burdens related to purchasing healthy, nutritious, foods. The average one-person household receives $132/month for groceries, which can be used at convenience stores, grocery stores, and other approved vendors.

SNAP Eligibility Assistance

Not sure if you're eligible?
- You can check using TN Dept. of Human Services Eligibility information
  OR
- Make an appointment for assistance with Pre-Screening
Think you might be eligible?
- Make an appointment to walk through the application
  OR
- Apply Online For SNAP

Still not Sure?

Many students may be eligible for SNAP without even realizing it! If you are a student ages 18-49, enrolled at least part time in school, you may qualify for SNAP if you meet the student eligibility criteria for SNAP:

Employment- an average of 20 hours per week or an average of 80 hours per month
Work-Study
Dependent Child under Age 6
Child Age 6 or Over, but under Age 12 and Child Care is Unavailable
Receipt of TANF Payments
Workforce Investment Act
Single Parents -- Child Under 12
Employment and Training Program
Trade Act of 1974

Common Questions

Q: I live with roommates, not my family. What counts as a "household?"

A: A "household" is made up of the people you purchase and prepare meals with. For example, if you live in a house with four other people, but each of you buys and cooks your own food, your household size would be one. If you live with four other people and you all contribute to buying and making food together, your household size would be five.

Q: I am not from the U.S. Are international students eligible for SNAP?

Q: My main concern is how getting SNAP benefits will affect how much financial aid I'm eligible for. Will getting benefits reduce my funds since it is more government help?

Q: How does SNAP impact my taxes or my parent's taxes if I'm still a dependent?

Q: Does getting SNAP now affect me in the future? Will I have to pay more taxes later on or will I get less benefits from other services like Social Security Benefits?

Q: Can I get SNAP benefits in Tennessee if I am an out-of-state student?

Additional SNAP FAQ

Contact Us
Office of the Dean of Students
359 University Center
Memphis TN, 38152
sos@memphis.edu
901.678.2187

Hours of Operation
Monday- Friday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm