Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) affecting college and university students will take effect soon, with new eligibility requirements for those enrolled at institutions such as the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Beginning December 1, students who are registered more than half-time—defined by UIC as seven to eleven hours for undergraduates and five to eight hours for graduate and professional students—may be eligible for SNAP benefits if they also meet one student exemption and satisfy general SNAP eligibility rules.
Students with a UIC meal plan could become ineligible if they receive most of their meals through the plan, though simply having a meal plan does not automatically disqualify them.
Student exemptions include working at least 20 hours per week in paid employment, participating in a state- or federally financed work-study program, or being involved in an on-the-job training program. Additional exemptions exist for students caring for young children or parenting while attending classes full-time. A full list of exemptions can be found on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Student SNAP webpage.
To determine qualification for an exemption, students are advised to contact their local SNAP office.
UIC offers resources to help students find employment opportunities that may support their eligibility. Students can schedule appointments with UIC Student Employment staff through Handshake or attend weekly drop-in sessions for resume reviews and job search advice related to part-time positions both on and off campus. The Job Location and Development Program is also available for those seeking off-campus part-time work.
Campus community members are reminded about food assistance resources previously shared by UIC, which include information about locations offering free meals or food support on campus, within Chicago, and throughout Illinois.
Students experiencing food insecurity can request assistance via the basic needs form provided by the Office of the Dean of Students. For more details about student SNAP eligibility, individuals are encouraged to visit the USDA’s Student SNAP webpage.
Michael Ginsburg, Special Advisor to the Chancellor for Student Affairs, stated: "We encourage you to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the new requirements, as students currently enrolled in the program may be required to provide additional information to keep receiving benefits."
Annette Wright, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor/Dean of Students added: "As we continue to navigate these changing landscapes, we’d like to remind our community members about food assistance resources which we shared in a previous campus announcement."