Benefits for College Students: SNAP, Pell Grants and Health Coverage

Being a student often means tight finances. If you're in college or planning to attend, you may qualify for government benefits designed to help with food, health care, and education costs. Here's what each program offers and how to see if you qualify.

SNAP (Food Assistance)

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly called food stamps, gives monthly benefits on an EBT card that you can use to buy food at grocery stores. Most college students can apply just like anyone else.

How much you can get: The maximum monthly benefit depends on household size. For a single person in most states, it's up to $298 per month. For a family of four, it's up to $994 per month. The actual amount you receive depends on your income and household size.

Income limits: In most states, your household's gross monthly income must be no more than 130% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that means:

• One person: $1,696 per month
• Two people: $2,292 per month
• Four people: $3,483 per month

Some states have higher limits for Alaska and Hawaii. Many states also use "broad-based categorical eligibility," which can raise the income limit and remove asset limits entirely.

How to apply: Contact your state's SNAP office or apply online through your state's website. Applying is free and takes about 30 minutes. You can use our SNAP calculator to estimate your benefits, or take our benefits screener to find what you may qualify for.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are cash awards from the U.S. Department of Education that help pay for college. Unlike loans, you don't have to repay them.

Who qualifies: To get a Pell Grant, you must be enrolled in an accredited college or university, have a high school diploma or GED, and show financial need. Financial need is calculated based on your income, assets, family size, and other factors. Your school's financial aid office determines your eligibility.

How much you can get: [VERIFY: maximum Pell Grant amount for 2025-2026 award year and income/asset limits]

How to apply: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov. This single application helps you qualify for Pell Grants, federal loans, and state and school aid. Submit your FAFSA by your school's deadline for the best chance of getting aid.

Medicaid (Health Coverage)

Medicaid is free or low-cost health coverage run by each state. If you're a college student with low income, you may qualify.

Income limits for young adults: In states that have expanded Medicaid (which includes most states), adults aged 19 to 64 generally qualify if their income is up to 138% of the federal poverty level. For 2026, that's about $22,100 per year for a single person in most states. Your state's limit may be different; check your state for exact numbers.

Other ways to qualify: You can also qualify for Medicaid as a dependent on your parents' coverage, as a pregnant person, as a parent, or if you have a disability. Income limits are different for each group.

How to apply: You can apply through your state's Medicaid agency or through HealthCare.gov, which forwards your application to your state. You can apply year-round. Your application will be approved or denied by your state, and applying is free.

Other Benefits to Consider

Depending on your situation, you may also qualify for:

• Child care assistance: If you're a student parent, your state may help pay for child care so you can attend classes.
• Subsidized housing: Some colleges offer affordable housing, and some states have emergency rental assistance programs.
• Student loan forgiveness: After graduation, you may qualify for federal loan forgiveness programs based on your job or income.
• Tax credits: You may be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit or other education tax credits when you file your taxes.

Take our benefits screener to see what other programs you might qualify for in your state.

How to Get Started

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use our benefits screener to find programs you may qualify for in your state.

Step 2: Gather what you need. Most applications ask for proof of income, identity, and household size. Have recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a photo ID ready.

Step 3: Apply. Apply directly to each program, or use online systems like HealthCare.gov for Medicaid or StudentAid.gov for Pell Grants.

Step 4: Follow up. Call or check your application status regularly. If you're missing documents, respond quickly.

Remember: applying for benefits is free. Only the government agency decides whether you qualify based on your situation. There's no penalty for applying.