An institution is a facility that makes and serves at least half of residents’ meals (more than 50 percent of three meals daily) as part of its service and is not authorized to accept SNAP.
A person who lives in an institution is not eligible for SNAP unless he or she:
Lives in housing for the elderly subsidized under Section 202 of the Housing Act of 1959 or Section 236 of the National Housing Act;
Is a substance abuser who is undergoing treatment at a drug and alcohol treatment and rehabilitation center;
Lives in a group living arrangement (GLA) and is disabled or blind and receives either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Benefits (RSDI);
Is a woman or a woman with children temporarily living in a shelter for battered women and children; or
Lives in a public or private nonprofit homeless shelter.
If a facility does not qualify as an institution, residents may apply for SNAP on the same basis as any other household.
Reissued March1, 2012, replacing July 23, 2004