SNAP Assistance
The Campus Cupboard is offering Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application assistance. SNAP is a federally funded program that provides financial assistance for purchasing groceries to U.S. citizens and qualified aliens. On this page, you can find more information about SNAP specifically for college students and even book an appointment with Cupboard staff to help fill out the application and/or learn about SNAP benefits, eligibility, and applying for benefits.
Have a question? Email us at cupboard@uakron.edu.
Applying for SNAP
1. Check eligibility:
- Check eligibility for student SNAP benefits here
- SNAP screener tool, tbd
2. Collect required documents:
- Your Social Security number or proof that you have applied for one.
- Permanent Resident Card ('green card") or other immigration documents if not a U.S. citizen.
- Proof of income or any other money coming into your household (such as pay stubs, tax records, award letters, child support).
- Two to six paystubs recommended
- Proof of any housing and utility costs.
If these circumstance pertain to you, these documents are also necessary:
- Proof of any child/dependent care costs.
- Proof of any child support paid for children not living with you.
Optional but encouraged to bring:
- Proof of any medical costs for people with disabilities or for people who are over age 60 (including prescriptions).
College Student Specific Documents Needed
- Enrollment verification
- Email registrar@uakron.edu for enrollment verification with graduation date.
- If you are asked to complete the "Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Student Verification" form, email the document to registrar@uakron.edu for completion.
- Cost of attendance
- Download statement through workday portal.
- Open workday portal
- Go to financials Hub
- Go to account activity
- Click view statement
- Copy of grants/loan/scholarships
- Download financial award letter from workday portal.
- Open workday portal
- Go to financials Hub
- Go to view financial aid
- Click print award letter
- Proof of work study if applicable
- Will be included in the financial award letter.
3. Apply:
- Ohio SNAP benefits online application here
- Print a paper application here
4. Submit your Application:
- Online through my benefits portal or
- Paper application in person at Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (1180 S Main St #102, Akron, OH 44301).
- Application will not be processed until all documents have been upload/received
- Wait to hear back once application is processed (takes minimum of 2 days)
5. Interview Date/Time:
- Wait to receive an email or letter in the mail stating when your interview date/time.
- Note at this time the mailed letter will likely be received before the online portal is update. Please stay on top of your mail to avoid missing your interview date/time!
6. Receive your Decision Letter:
- It takes roughly 1-2 weeks before an approval or denial decision is made.
- Once a decision has been made, it will take an additional 7-10 days to receive EBT card.
7. Haven't Heard Back?:
- Has it been two weeks since your interview?
- If yes, follow up with Summit County contact info here.
Applying for Medicaid, Child Care, or Cash Assistance
- If you have insurance already, you'll need a front and back copy to apply.
- If not, select all when applying for SNAP.
Common Questions
Q: Do you have to be a U.S. citizen to get assistance?
A: Many non-citizens can receive SNAP, cash assistance, medical assistance and childe care assistance. Also, emergency medical assistance may be available without regard to your U.S. citizenship status.
Q: What if you don't have the information being asked for?
A: Contact your county JFS office. They may be able to help you get it or tell you of another way you can get them the information needed. See the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services contact info here.