SNAP Support

What is SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest federal program aimed at combating hunger and food insecurity. SNAP eligibility and benefits are based on household size, income and other factors. SNAP awards eligible students up to $298 per month for groceries. Anabel's is the only venue on campus that accepts SNAP EBT payments.

How does SNAP work?

SNAP benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, similar to a bank debit card or credit card. If you are eligible, an EBT account is set up for you, and every month your benefits will be deposited right into your account. EBT cards can be used to purchase food at many grocery stores and farmers markets such as Anabel’s, Tops, Wegmans, Walmart, Target, and Greenstar.

What is changing in 2026?

Starting March 1st, 2026, all New York State residents who qualify as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) will have to fulfill one of the following criteria and submit all documentation to the Department of Social Services (DSS) to continue to qualify for SNAP benefits for more than three months:

Complete paid or unpaid work for at least 20 hours per week, or earn at least $217.50 per week even if you work less than 20 hours per week.
Learn job skills (resume writing, job searches, etc.) approved by the social services district for 20 hours per week, that can help you earn more money.
Volunteer or do a Work Experience Program (WEP) at a non-profit or public organization. The number of hours you must do per month depends on your monthly SNAP benefit amount and the local minimum wage.

You are an ABAWD if you are aged 18 to 64, not living with a child under 14, and able to work. Answer a few questions on this form to see if the SNAP work rules for ABAWDs apply to you. This tool is specifically for Tompkins County residents and determines your eligibility, but it does not submit any information to DSS.

Note that meeting the ABAWD work requirements does not automatically qualify you for SNAP. Scroll down to "Apply to SNAP" for a pdf with additional eligibility requirements. For the most up-to-date information, check out the SNAP webpage created by New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

I'm an ABAWD. How can I find opportunities to meet my federally-mandated work requirements in 2026?

The Tompkins County Opportunity Finder is a hub to find volunteer, training or educational opportunities that count toward the federally mandated SNAP ABAWD work requirement. The Opportunity Finder is subject to continued updates in the future.

Apply for SNAP!

1

Check if you’re eligible to receive SNAP benefits using the checklist below.

You can also text "snapcornell" to 607-558- 2161 and answer a few questions to check your eligibility .

2

Follow the option below that describes you best.

Image: Providers App

OPTION 1

I'm Eligible, I Want to Apply Myself

Apply online directly to the NY State website, OR
Fill out and submit application in-person at any of these locations:
- Tompkins County DSS (Department of Social Services)
  - 320 West State St, Ithaca NY 14850
  - Phone: (607)274-5680
- Catholic Charities
  - 324 West Buffalo St. Ithaca NY 14850
  - Phone: (607)272-5062

OPTION 2

I’m Eligible, I Would Like Help Applying

Reach out to Angela Mainer with all inquiries regarding SNAP. Angela works for the Tompkins County Catholic Charities and can help Cornell students apply for SNAP!
Email: Angela.Mainer@dor.org
Phone: (607)272-5062 ext. 21

OPTION 3

I'm Not Eligible, Direct Me to Other Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a SNAP application to get approved?

It usually takes 30 days for SNAP applications to get approved. Caseworkers from the Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) will be reviewing and approving your application.

What if 30 days is too long of a wait for my situation?

Social workers can expedite the application process. This may take 7 days compared to 30 days. If you don’t have a current job, the process is expedited automatically. You can find out more about the expedite process in this link.

How will I be notified for the interview once I submit my application?

DSS will notify you of your interview date through mail. DSS mainly communicates through physical mail, we recommend you keep an eye-out in the mail to receive updates on your application.

My parents receive SNAP and count me as part of the household. Am I still eligible to receive SNAP?

If your family counts you as a member of the household in their SNAP application, you are not eligible to receive SNAP. You will have to update your family’s SNAP information and exclude yourself from the household in order to receive SNAP benefits on your own as a college student. You cannot be counted as part of two SNAP accounts.

SNAP can be used across the country. You can use your family’s SNAP information to make online purchases with retailers such as Walmart that accept electronic EBT payments.

How will I know that I have been approved for SNAP benefits?

If DSS determines that you are eligible for SNAP, you will receive your benefits within 30 days. All SNAP applicants who have been approved for benefits will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. An EBT card can be used in participating stores and farmers markets just like a debit card. You will need to follow the instructions on the EBT card to activate your card to start making purchases.

I’m an undocumented/DACA student. Can I receive SNAP?

Only U.S. citizens and certain lawfully-present non-citizens may receive SNAP benefits. Non-citizens who are eligible based on their immigration status must also meet other SNAP eligibility requirements such as income and resource limits. More information is available about non-citizen eligibility.

Regardless of your immigration status, there are other resources available that can support your needs. You can email sa-student-advoc@cornell.edu to get connected with more resources.

Why is SNAP important for college students?

Over the last decade, multiple studies of food insecurity among college students have found rates from 20% to more than 50%, considerably higher than the 12% rate for the entire US population. Reasons for higher rates of food insecurity among college students include a growing population of low-income college students, high college costs and insufficient financial aid, more financial hardship among many low- and moderate-income families, a weak labor market for part-time workers, declining per capita college resources, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policies that specifically exclude many college students from participation.

How can I use SNAP benefits? What can I purchase?

You can purchase food for the household, such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads and cereals, other foods such as snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages, and seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat.

You cannot use SNAP benefits to buy beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes or tobacco, vitamins, medicines, live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from water, and animals slaughtered prior to pick-up from the store), prepared foods fit for immediate consumption, hot foods, or any nonfood items such as pet foods, cleaning supplies, paper products, hygiene items, and cosmetics.

Can I use SNAP benefits to shop online?

You can use your SNAP benefits at limited stores to shop online for fresh produce and groceries! Participating online stores now accept SNAP benefits for online orders and will deliver to you. Use your EBT card to shop securely for fresh produce and groceries at these participating stores in the area: Amazon, ShopRite, Walmart

Note: SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay delivery fees. Be sure to confirm an online store delivers to your home address.

How do you check your SNAP balance?

The best way to check your balance is to refer to your last receipt of your SNAP purchase. Your grocery store receipt should include your SNAP balance at the bottom. The app Providers also allows you to see your EBT balance on your phone. It's a great resource to keep track of how much balance you have on your SNAP account before you start shopping.

Can I still apply for SNAP for myself if my family counts me as a dependent for tax purposes?

Yes! As long as you are living independently and shopping and preparing meals separately from your family, you count as your own SNAP household. However, you can’t be counted as part of two SNAP households at once, so make sure if your family receives SNAP, they let their caseworker know to remove you from their household before applying on your own.

Do I need to meet one of the student eligibility exemptions (EFC of $0 or qualifying for federal work-study) AND income guidelines, or just one or the other?

To be eligible for SNAP, you will need to meet both an exemption criterion and income guidelines. Keep in mind that you only need to count your own individual income when applying for yourself, though, and loans do not count as income.

If I live with roommates, do they count as part of my household?

You can apply for just yourself even if you live with roommates–you only need to count others as members of your household if you do all your shopping and meal preparation together.

What factors impact a household’s eligibility for SNAP benefits?

There are several factors that impact a household’s eligibility for SNAP benefits such as: Monthly income (earned and unearned) and Loans (including educational) Do Not Count as Income, Household size (Roommates that do not share food are not to be counted in the household), Age of those applying, Disability status of household members, Shelter and utility expenses, Student eligibility rules, Immigration status.

ANYTHING ELSE?

If you have any questions regarding SNAP or need further assistance, please reach out to the Office of Student Advocate (OSA) with any inquiries at sa-student-advoc@cornell.edu. Off-campus SNAP support resources are available as well, including the SNAP Coordinator for Catholic Charities in Tompkins County at (607) 272-5062.

Check out the official NY state website’s FAQs and the USDA's SNAP FAQs for more information on SNAP benefits.