Basic Requirements

• College students must be between the ages of 18 and 49 when applying for food stamps. A student cannot receive more than half of her meals through the college meal plan to be eligible. Eligible applicants must receive federal financial aid, have a part-time job (at least 20 hours per week), have children, or be of disabled status.
  
  

Earnings

• If the student has an income, the amount he makes must not exceed the amount indicated by the food stamp office closest to the student's permanent address. A student’s income is divided into two categories, earned and unearned income. Earned income includes wages from work outside of federal work-study. Unearned income is money provided to the student by other people, such as parents, but not from federal funds or funds directly for tuition expenses.
  
  

Deductions

• The amount of income a student makes determines the amount of food stamps she receives. Qualifying expenses may be deducted from the student's earned income. These expenses include necessities such as rent, day care and medical-related expenses. After these deductions, the remaining amount determines the neediness of the student to receive food stamps.
  
  

Household

• You can apply for food stamps individually if you have a roommate but you purchase and prepare your meals separately. You need to apply with your roommate if you purchase and prepare your meals together. You can apply for food stamps if you are more than 22 years old and you purchase and prepare your meals separately from your parents. If you are under 22 years old and live at home, you cannot apply for individual food stamps.