To be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits under temporary requirements, students must:

• Have an estimated family contribution of $0 on their federal student aid determination through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or if their college or university considers them eligible for a federal or state work-study program — regardless of if they are enrolled in that program.

• Attend college at least half time.

• Meet income and other requirements for food assistance.
  

Benefits will last 30 days after the federal government lifts the public health emergency for the COVID-19 pandemic. These temporary requirements could make approximately 200,000 more Michigan college students eligible, according to the release.

Prior to these temporary eligibility requirements, students had to work 20 hours a week, participate in a state or federal work-study program, have a disability or be a parent of a child under age six to be eligible for SNAP.

Eligible students will receive Electronic Benefit Transfer cards or Bridge cards that can be used at the register only to buy food. They can be used at grocery stores, farmers markets, and on online grocery stores. A list of participating retailers is available on the retailer locator website.

To determine if they are eligible and apply for food assistance, students and others can visit the MI Bridges website.