Are you a college student who's struggling to get enough food?
1. Consider applying for SNAP!
You may be eligible for help buying groceries with SNAP if you:
How do I apply?
Complete an application:
● Online: www.healthearizonaplus.gov
● By phone: 855-HEA-Plus / 855-432-7587
After completing an application, you will be contacted for a brief interview and to provide verification on the information submitted.
For information about student eligibility for SNAP, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/students
Are enrolled as a student in a higher education institution at least half-time.
Your income is under 185% of the federal poverty level (FPL) (less than $26,976 per year, or $2,248 per month for 1 individual).
For detailed help on completing a SNAP application, you can schedule a free appointment for remote application assistance through Keogh Health Connection from anywhere in the state. Follow these steps to schedule an online appointment:
1. Visit the site below
Subtitle
2. Enter zipcode 85013
3. Select "Schedule Online"
Subtitle
4. A Keogh application assistor will follow up
2. Find a nearby food pantry.
Food pantries are located across the state, and they are here to help. Find one close to you (and note the hours they are open). To get more information give them a call – many times there will be recorded information that could help you understand where they are and what they require.
3. Learn about campus food pantries
Community Colleges and other Schools:
Contact your resource center or student support services to find out information about any campus pantry programs.
Arizona State University
Instagram: @asupitchforkpantry
University of Arizona
https://campuspantry.arizona.edu/
Instagram: @uacampuspantry
Other “Basic Needs” Resources
For info about assistance programs for things like help with your bills, childcare and housing, visit this website for more information.
4. Advocate!
The “Enhance Access to SNAP Act of 2023” (the “EATS Act of 2023”) permanently expands SNAP eligibility to college students by eliminating work-for-food barriers for low-income students, and ensures that as many as 4 million college students nationwide can access the SNAP benefits needed to learn and thrive. Learn more and support AzFBN’s Farm Bill 2023 Priorities here.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m concerned about going to grocery stores and prefer to purchase my groceries online. Can I do that with SNAP?
Yes! SNAP benefits can be redeemed online for groceries at certain retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi/Instacart. Learn more about Arizona’s SNAP Online Program.
Will participating in SNAP affect my tax returns?
No. SNAP benefits are not taxable income.
Will participating in SNAP affect my employment? Can future employers see I used SNAP?
No. A past record of having received SNAP or any other government assistance isn’t publicly available information. Current and future employers can’t get this information without your written consent.
Will participating in SNAP affect my credit score?
No. By law, credit reporting agencies can’t include whether or not you have received any government assistance.
If I use SNAP benefits, will I be taking away benefits from other people that may need them too?
No. Using SNAP doesn’t impact someone else’s ability to use SNAP. Similar to Medicare, SNAP is an entitlement program, which means that anyone who qualifies can receive benefits.
How do I receive the benefits?
If you’re approved, you will be issued an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in your name, which looks like a debit card. The card can then be used to purchase groceries at participating retailers.
Will this impact my ability to use other benefits I need, like unemployment insurance?
No.
How much will I receive if I qualify?
The exact amount of SNAP benefits you might receive is determined by your net monthly income, expenses, and other factors. You can use the Arizona Self-Help online tool to estimate whether you are eligible for SNAP, and what your monthly benefit amount might be: www.arizonaselfhelp.org.
What can be purchased with SNAP benefits?
Groceries from participating retailers, such as Walmart, Fry’s, and Safeway. Find a map of participating retailers here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator
Some items that SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy include alcohol, tobacco products, non-food items such as soap and cleaning supplies, vitamins, and already prepared hot food items such as rotisserie chicken.
How do I find out if my Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is $0, or if I’m eligible for work-study?
You can find your EFC on your FAFSA Student Aid Report. This report can be obtained from FAFSA.gov by logging in with your credentials, and selecting “View or Print your Student Aid Report”. Your EFC will be in the upper right corner of the first page of this report.
If you need any assistance obtaining your Student Aid Report, you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
You can verify if you are eligible for work-study by contacting your school’s financial aid office.
What type of documentation do I need to provide to the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to verify my eligibility for SNAP as a college student?
You can provide one of the following:
- FAFSA Student Aid Report
- Official award letter from your college/university showing your eligibility for work-study
Screenshots of any of these items are allowable so long as all information, including your name, is clearly legible on the document.
If I live with roommates or family, does that make me ineligible for SNAP?
No. If you live with relatives or non-related individuals, you may need to sign a statement indicating that you purchase and prepare food separately. This will be explained in more detail during the SNAP application process.
I’m not a U.S. citizen. Am I eligible?
It depends on your immigration status. Certain lawfully-present non-citizens may be eligible. Find a complete list of the types of non-citizens that are eligible to apply here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligibility/citizen/non-citizen-policy.
Want more information on how to complete an application?
Watch this video created by the Department of Economic Security: https://vimeo.com/340017115.
Still want more information on SNAP?
Visit the Department of Economic Security’s website at: https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/food/nutrition-assistance.
Alternatively, you can call the Department of Economic Security at 855-432-7587.
English 
Spanish