Figuring out how to manage your money can be tricky, and it gets even more complicated when things change, like when your kid goes off to college! If you’re getting SNAP benefits (that’s food stamps, by the way), you probably have some questions about how this move will affect things. Let’s break down what happens if you’re on SNAP and your son heads to college in another state.
Will My SNAP Benefits Change?
Yes, the fact that your son is going to college and moving to another state could definitely change your SNAP benefits. The rules depend on where he’s going to school, and how he fits into your household according to the SNAP rules. It’s important to remember that SNAP is designed to help low-income families afford food. If your son is no longer considered part of your “household” for SNAP purposes, it could mean a change in the amount of benefits you receive.
Determining Household Status for SNAP
For SNAP, the idea of a “household” is super important. A household is usually defined as the people who live together and buy and prepare food together. Because of that, you and your son might be considered a single SNAP household, if he’s still dependent on you.
- **Dependent Child:** If your son is under 22 and considered a dependent (meaning he relies on you for more than half of his financial support) and still living at home when he goes off to college in another state, he *might* be considered part of your household for SNAP.
- **Age and Financial Support:** Even if he is over 22, he can still be a part of your household, as long as he is a dependent.
It gets a little complicated when a child goes to college, because he may be living in another state.
To summarize, here are some of the guidelines that determine your household status:
- **Living Situation:** Is he living on campus? Off campus? Is he coming home regularly?
- **Financial Support:** Are you providing the majority of his financial support?
- **Food Preparation:** Does he still eat many of his meals with you, even when he’s home on breaks?
Reporting Changes to SNAP
It is essential to notify your state’s SNAP office about changes in your household, including a college student moving. They will want to know where he’s living, whether he still relies on you for support, and how often he comes home. You usually have a limited time to report changes, or you could face penalties.
You can find this information on your state’s official website. This will look different depending on what state you live in, but usually, you have a couple of options when it comes to reporting.
- Online portal
- Phone
Reporting changes on time is super important to make sure you keep getting the SNAP benefits you’re supposed to get and helps them keep everything accurate.
SNAP Rules for College Students
The rules for college students and SNAP are a bit different. Generally, students who are enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education are NOT eligible for SNAP. But, there are some exceptions. The college student may be considered an exception if they meet one of the following criteria:
- The student is under 18 or over 50.
- The student is physically or mentally unfit.
- The student is employed for at least 20 hours per week.
- The student is participating in a state or federal work-study program.
Here is a table with different scenarios.
Scenario SNAP Eligibility College Student, no income, living on campus Usually Ineligible College Student, working part-time, living off campus Potentially Eligible (depends on income and work hours) College Student, over 50, living on campus Potentially Eligible If Your Son Becomes Ineligible for SNAP
If your son is determined to be ineligible for SNAP, this means he will no longer be counted as part of your SNAP household. This can lead to a reduction in your SNAP benefits, because the amount you receive is based on your household size and income.
- **Reduced Benefits:** You will likely receive fewer SNAP benefits, because the total income calculation will not include your son’s.
- **Budgeting:** You may need to adjust your budget to accommodate the change in benefits and the expenses that your son may now be responsible for.
It is important to consider that if your son is not eligible for SNAP in his new state, and you are not providing a lot of financial support for him, he may need to apply for SNAP benefits in the state he attends college.
Applying for SNAP in a New State
If your son attends college in another state and meets the eligibility requirements, he might be able to apply for SNAP benefits in that state. This is an entirely separate process from your SNAP benefits, and you don’t have control over it.
To apply for SNAP benefits in the new state, your son will typically need to:
- Complete an application (online, by mail, or in person).
- Provide proof of income and resources.
- Meet other state-specific eligibility requirements.
He will be evaluated based on his own income, resources, and living situation.
Making the Transition Smooth
The key to navigating this situation is communication and planning. Talk to your son about how college might affect your SNAP benefits and what financial responsibilities each of you will have. Contacting your local SNAP office is also super important. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and help you understand how your situation will be affected. It is very important to be truthful and transparent so you can continue to get SNAP benefits.
When your son goes off to college in another state, the way you get SNAP benefits will definitely be affected.
By being proactive, you can make sure the transition is as smooth as possible.