Does being on food stamps affect your credit?

J

Johnson JAY

Member
I’m a full-time lab assistant currently studying to become a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and due to some unexpected life changes, I’ve had to move into a more expensive place. My rent just went from $500 to $850/month, and my take-home pay is about $1,900/month after taxes. It’s getting tight.

On top of working full-time and attending classes at a community college (which is an hour’s drive each way), I’m juggling expenses like food, cat care, rent, tuition, gas, electric, and credit card payments. I've already cut out all non-essentials like subscriptions. I’ve managed to pay for summer and fall tuition with a little help from my mom (who I absolutely plan on paying back), but I still need to figure out how to save for my final semester in Spring 2025, which will cost around $2,000.


I’ve looked into ways to save and earn more. I even interviewed for a part-time nurse assistant position at my hospital with plans to work weekend night shifts. The idea was to do 40 hours as a lab assistant + 20 hours as a nurse’s aide + 32 hours/week of clinicals once the fall semester starts. That’s 92 hours a week, all within the same hospital.


It’s a lot, I know. I’ve since decided to not take the nurse assistant role—I realized pushing myself to that extreme would likely backfire and take away from my study time and mental health.


Right now, I’m just trying to be strategic about my finances. I did accept a small subsidized loan to help with the Spring 2025 tuition, and I’m putting that in a high-yield savings account for now. I’m also trying to squeeze every dollar I can out of my current budget. Rent is my biggest expense, but food isn’t far behind.


So I looked into food assistance, and here’s the main question:

Does being on food stamps (SNAP) affect your credit in any way?
I qualified for SNAP and decided to accept the benefit. I’ve paid taxes, I’ve worked hard, and this is temporary—just until I finish school. But I still want to be financially responsible and protect my credit score.

Also, just to give a full picture:

  • I did ask about getting a roommate, but my lease only allows me and my cats, so that’s not an option.
  • I applied for FAFSA, but since I already have an Associate's in Physical Science, I don’t qualify for another AS degree. Loans are offered, but they’re way overpriced, and I already have credit card debt from paying for gas and school expenses.
  • I tried using my hospital’s tuition reimbursement, but even after pre-approval, they locked me out of the portal and stopped responding to my emails.
I’ve looked into scholarships, but many are only open to Pennsylvania-born students—and I moved here from California a couple years ago. It’s been hard, and I’ve thought about rehoming my cats to save on rent, but honestly, they’ve helped me survive emotionally. I moved here alone. They’re my support system.

Update:

  • I decided not to overwork myself with 90+ hour weeks and turned down the second job.
  • I’m accepting SNAP for now and living as frugally as I can until I graduate.
  • I plan to use my subsidized loan only when absolutely necessary, and in the meantime, it’s earning interest in a high-yield savings account.
  • Still working, still studying, still determined to finish. I’m halfway through the MLT program and start clinicals in the fall. I’m not giving up.

If anyone has experience with food stamps and credit, or if you’ve been in a similar financial situation while in school, I’d love to hear how you handled it. Thanks so much to everyone who’s offered advice and encouragement it means more than you know.
 
Hey first of all you’re doing amazing. Balancing full time work, studies, and life isn’t easy, and you’re clearly doing everything you can. No SNAP doesn’t impact your credit directly. It’s not a loan and it doesn’t get reported to credit bureaus. If anything it helps free up some cash so you don’t fall behind on things that do affect your score.
 
SNAP isn’t reported to credit agencies, so you’re good. Government assistance like that doesn’t show up on credit reports unless you default on something like a utility bill or rent which can. Just make sure your other financial commitments are current, and accepting SNAP won’t hurt you.
 
I was on food stamps during nursing school and it made a huge difference. My credit wasn’t affected at all. In fact i kept building it with a secured card while on SNAP. You’re making smart choices. Use the support system that’s available........no shame in it at all.
 
Girl you're grinding harder than most CEOs and still worried about being responsible? Respect. SNAP is literally made for people in your situation.....working hard, in school, trying to better themselves. It won’t hurt your credit score. Honestly it might save it.
 
Technically no but if you ever want to apply for a mortgage, some lenders might ask about income sources. Still as long as you’re paying your bills on time they won’t care if you used assistance to stay afloat. I’d say use what you need and document everything just in case.
 
You’re doing everything right. You’ve got a plan you’re working toward something, and you’re using available resources wisely. SNAP doesn’t go on your credit report, period. Stay focused on school and let this help ease the pressure.
 
I used to work in financial counseling. SNAP isn’t counted in your credit history. Just don’t let stigma stop you from accepting help. It’s a benefit you earned by paying taxes and working. You’re being strategic and proactive ......exactly what good financial management looks like.
 
Not only does SNAP not touch your credit, but using it can help you preserve your cash flow. That keeps you from missing payments or relying on high-interest cards. Honestly it’s a smart move. You’re playing chess not checkers.
 
Nah it won’t mess with your credit. I used EBT in grad school while working two jobs and still got a car loan with decent interest. Just pay your stuff on time and ride it out. You’re doing what you gotta do.
 
If you're worried about optics for future loans maybe keep a basic monthly budget log. Not because SNAP affects credit (it doesn't) but it might help if you ever want to apply for a loan and explain your finances during tough times.
 
You’re doing more than most. Don’t beat yourself up for accepting help. This system exists because life does get tight. SNAP doesn’t show up on your credit file, so use it, breathe, and focus on school. Proud of you for not taking on 90-hour weeks...burnout is real.
 
Credit is about trustworthiness with borrowed money. SNAP isn’t borrowed....it’s support. You didn’t fail; society just didn’t keep up with your rent. It’s okay to lean on help when the system is stacked like this.
 
Honestly you’re doing everything right. You’re not spending frivolously. You made a thoughtful decision not to overload yourself. SNAP is a temporary assist....it won’t show up on your credit file at all. Keep that subsidized loan in HYSA and stretch it smart like you’re doing.
 
How do you keep up with everything?? Like that schedule alone gave me anxiety. Just wanted to say I admire how resilient you are. SNAP won’t hurt your credit but maybe talk to a campus financial counselor too....they sometimes know about random scholarships no one advertises.
 
I was terrified of taking food stamps too....thought it’d be a scarlet letter on my finances. It’s not. No one but you and the welfare office knows unless you tell them. It’s confidential, non-credit reportable and temporary. You’re smart for using it now.
 
I graduated from an MLT program three years ago and remember those clinical weeks being brutal. I was on SNAP, did temp phlebotomy jobs in between and managed to keep my score steady just by making sure my one card was paid on time. You’re honestly ahead of where i was.
 
Thanks for sharing all this. Reading your post made me feel less alone..i'm in school for nursing right now and juggling way too much. I’ve been scared to apply for food stamps but i think i’ll go for it now. Appreciate the update!
 
Keep pushing. You're halfway to the finish line, and you're making tough but smart decisions. The system should support people like you. SNAP isn’t a setback it’s a resource. Your credit will be fine and your future looks strong. Finish strong.
 
You might also check out local food pantries near your school.....some have student-specific programs. That could help stretch SNAP a little further. And nope, none of that stuff affects credit reports at all.
 
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