OLGT 2021-34: COVID-19: SNAP - Department of Education Outreach

Based on the changes outlined in OLGT 2021-11, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) is using federal data for outreach to college students who may temporarily qualify for SNAP benefits.

On March 31, 2021, ED began e-mailing college students whose federal data indicated that their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is $0.

The e-mail informs the student that they may be temporarily eligible for SNAP benefits due to a change in federal law. This e-mail also confirms that their EFC = $0. Students can use a copy of this e-mail as verification that they are eligible students for SNAP purposes.

Note: Even if a student has an EFC of $0, they cannot qualify for SNAP benefits unless they meet all other SNAP financial and non-financial eligibility criteria. Additionally, students whose EFC is more than $0 can still qualify for SNAP benefits if they meet the regular student eligibility criteria outlined in 106 CMR 362.410.