Pennsylvania to expand SNAP benefits for qualifying college students

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania is set to expand eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Department of Human Services said Sunday night that certain college students who qualify based on their families’ income -- but normally would be ineligible for the program due to being a student -- will now be eligible temporarily.

Parents’ incomes will still be factored into determining if college students under 22 years old qualify for SNAP benefits. But for now, they will receive a benefit closely based off their household size.

Under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, the following will be eligible for SNAP benefits:

• College students who are eligible for a state or federal work study program, regardless of whether they are actually participating
• College students who have an estimated family contribution of $0 on their federal student aid determination

Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration will lay out more details during a press conference Monday at 1 p.m.

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