|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
SeniorLAW Publications on Medicare Part D
|
|
|
| |
FOOD SHARE
What is the Food Share Program?
The Food Share Program is a federal and
state funded program designed to help low income households purchase the
food they need for a healthy diet. It provides low income households with
electronic benefits (called a QUEST card) they can use at most grocery stores to purchase
food.
The modern Food Share Program has its origins
in the Food Stamp Plan, which was created in the 1930's to assist needy
families during the Great Depression. The modern program began as a pilot
project back in 1961 and was authorized as a permanent program by Congress
in 1964. The program expanded dramatically in 1974, when Congress required
that all states offer food stamps to low income households. In 1997, the
Food Stamp Program provided more than $19.5 billion in benefits to needy
households.
Who is eligible to receive Food Share?
Households must meet certain eligibility
requirements and provide proof of eligibility. To be eligible for food
stamps you must:
1. Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted
permanent resident. The welfare reform act of 1996 ended food stamp eligibility
for many immigrants, even those who are lawfully in the United States.
The welfare reform act also created time limits on benefits for refugees
and asylees. However, later laws have changed some of
these restrictions and limits.
2. Provide a Social Security number or
apply for one.
3. Meet the income and resource requirements.
Some of these requirements include:
a. Households may have $2,000 in countable
resources, such as a bank account. Households may have $3,000 if at least
one person is age 60 or older. Certain resources are not counted, such
as a home and lot. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) your
benefits are not counted.
b. Vehicles are not counted if they meet
one of the following criteria: are valued under $4,650, are used over 50%
of the time for income producing purposes, are needed for long distance
travel to work, are needed to transport a disabled household member or
are needed to carry most of the household's fuel and water.
c. The gross income requirements for persons
over 60 are as follows:
|
|
|
PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD
|
GROSS MONTHLY INCOME LIMITS
|
|
1
|
1,596
|
|
2
|
2,140
|
|
3
|
2,682
|
|
4
|
3,226
|
|
5
|
3,770
|
|
6
|
4,314
|
|
7
|
4,858
|
|
8
|
5,402
|
|
each additional person
|
+544
|
|
HOW MUCH CAN I RECEIVE IN FOOD SHARE BENEFITS?
|
In order to determine your monthly benefits, your net monthly
income is multiplied by .3 and the result is subtracted from
the maximum benefit amount for the household size. The
calculations to determine net income amounts are somewhat
complicated, and you need to know where your income comes
from (work, Social Security, etc.), as well as the following
expenses: Medical Expenses, Dependant Care Expense, Child
Support (paid by your), rent/mortgage/mobile home lot rent,
loan payments (including interest), insurance on your dwelling,
second mortgage(s), property taxes, condominium fees, special
assessments, and utilities you pay for.
The maximum monthly benefit is as follows:
|
|
PEOPLE IN HOUSEHOLD
|
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
|
|
1
|
$152
|
|
2
|
278
|
|
3
|
399
|
|
4
|
506
|
|
5
|
601
|
|
6
|
722
|
|
7
|
798
|
|
8
|
912
|
|
each additional person
|
+94
|
Example:
The Smiths have a net monthly
income of $556 (after subtracting a prorated portion of their
monthly expenses)
and there are 4 people in the household.
Multiply net income by .3:
$556 x .3 = 166.80 (round up to $167)
Subtract $167 from the maximum benefit
for the household size:
$506 - 167 = $339
$339 is the amount of Food Share
the Smiths are eligible to receive.
You may be eligible to receive more or
less benefits depending upon your individual circumstances.
|
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FOOD SHARE?
|
If you believe you are eligible
for Food Share and would like to apply, contact the Milwaukee
County Department on Aging at 289-6874.
|
FOOD STAMP RIGHTS
|
If you are applying for or
receiving Food Share benefits, you have important rights. You
have the right to:
1. Receive an application when you ask
for it.
2. Turn in your application the
same day you receive it.
3. Receive food stamps (or be notified
that you are not eligible for the program) within 30 days after
you turn in your application.
4. Receive food stamps within a few days
if you are eligible and have little or no money.
5 Have a fair hearing if you disagree with
any action taken on your case.
If you believe any of your rights
to receive Food Share have been violated, contact SeniorLAW at 278-1222 during intake
hours.
For more information on the
Food Share Program visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Website at: http://www.usda.gov.
|
|
|
|
