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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - What Is It?

SNAP, previously called food stamps, offers assistance for the purchase of eligible food. SNAP benefits are loaded onto an easy to use, discrete care known as an EBT card.

The average benefits are $177 per month per individual in a SNAP household, with a set minimum of $23 per month. The amount of benefits varies by household size. Benefits rollover each month, meaning unused balances from previous months can be utilized in future months. There are additional eligibility requirements for college students enrolled in SNAP -- see 'Student Specific Eligibility' below for more information.

Eligibility

Income, expenses, and other factors determine SNAP eligibility. While the details below give guidance, the only way to determine eligibility definitively is to complete the SNAP application process.

Each member of a household applying for SNAP must:

  • Be U.S. citizens or legal aliens.
  • Meet the income, expense, and other eligibility rules.

Some applications are expedited due to extenuating circumstances. Identified circumstances include:

  • Income < $150 and Savings/Cash is ≤ $100.
  • Income + Resources < Rent + Mortgage + Utilities
  • Destitute Migrant/seasonal worker with liquid resources < $100

Student Specific Eligibility 

College students enrolled at least half-time must meet regular eligibility, and an additional requirement. See exemptions listed below. 

  • At MSU, 'half-time' means taking 6+ credits as an undergraduate student, or 5+ credits as a graduate student.

College student exemptions (must meet at least one):

  • Be under 18 or over 50 years of age.
  • Have a physical or mental disability.
  • Receive TANF.
  • Work an average of 20 hours per week for pay.
  • Full-time student that is also a single parent with a child under 12.
  • Care for a child under 6.
  • Care for a child 6-11 years old and lack enough available childcare.
  • Participate in (federally or state funded) work study during the school year (number of hours is irrelevant).

The Application Process

Apply for SNAP Here

The SNAP application is available online, can be picked up at the Office of Public Assistance, or can be completed over the phone. It takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.

  • The application is the same as TANF and Medicaid assistance application with the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
  • Student Specific Tip: "Household" refers to those who you live with, purchase food with, and prepare meals with. If you do not share food resources with a roommate, they do not count as a household member within the SNAP application. 

The application includes questions on a variety of topics, including:

  • Fiscal information about the household.
  • Monthly income and sources.
  • Household assets.
  • Rent and utilities expenses per month.
  • Household employment history.

Next Steps

  • Once the application is submitted, the applicant must have an interview with the Office of Public Assistance (OPA). OPA will call the applicant from this number: 1-888-706-1535, or the applicant can call the OPA at that number to request the interview. The applicant will likely need to submit documents to verify income, expenses, or other aspects of their applications. If the applicant is determined to meet all requirements, they will then receive their benefits. Eligible households should receive benefits within 30 days if application. However, it may take longer depending on individual circumstances. 
  • If the OPA call goes unanswered, you must contact the OPA to reschedule the phone interview within 30 days of your original application. If the 30-day window closes and you did not make your phone interview, you must reapply.
    • Getting through to the OPA can be challenging. There has been success calling first thing in the morning to be first in the queue, although hold times can often last hours. 
    • If you prefer to conduct your SNAP interview in-person, you can also visit our local OPA at 12 N 3rd Ave., Bozeman, MT 59715, and request an in-person SNAP interview.
    • During the application process the OPA is the primary point of contact when applying for SNAP. After approval, The Department of Health and Human Services administers your benefits.
  • SNAP participants periodically have to recertify to confirm their eligibility. Reporting requirements vary and are explained in the phone interview and approval letter. 

Outside Resources