Public Assistance for Students
The categories of Food, Health Insurance, Internet, Utilities, and Transportation have resources identified to help meet the basic needs of students. Each basic need has resources with a short description, basic eligibility, a link to a in depth description, and application link if applicable.
SNAP, Medicaid (not ACA), and LIHEAP can all be applied for through a single State of Montana DPHHS application
Food
SNAP - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Formerly called food stamps, SNAP provides monetary assistance for the purchase of food-by food insecure households | More Information | |
Bounty of the Bridgers Food Pantry | On-campus resource for students to get free supplemental and emergency food assistance. | More Information | No application necessary. |
Gallatin Valley Food Bank | Off-campus resource for the community to get free supplemental and emergency food assistance. | More Information | No application necessary. |
WIC - Supplemental Nutrition for Woman Infants and Children | WIC supports the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5. | More Information | Contact Healthy Gallatin at
406.582.3115 or |
Health Insurance
A general overview of Students Health Insurance options.
Medicaid | Public insurance program for individuals earning less than $20,782 annually. | More Information | |
ACA Marketplace | Subsidized health insurance for individuals earning over $20,782 and who do not have employer sponsored health insurance. | More Information | |
Student Health Insurance | MSU's Blue Cross Blue Shield private plan. | More Information | Opt-out by 15th day of classes on Myinfo. |
Internet
Affordable Connectivity Program |
ACP offers subsidies for households making less than $30,120 (2024) to help help pay Internet bills. | More Information |
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Heating Bills
LIHEAP Montana | Federal program that assists low-income households with heating bills during the heating season (Oct 1-Apr 30). | More Information |
Transportation
Streamline | Zero-fare public transportation service throughout the Gallatin Valley. |
No Application Necessary |