FOOD STAMP ASSISTANCE CHANGES IMPORTANT UPDATE
As of October 1, 2008, the Department of Human Services (DHS) will count ALL out of pocket child care expenses when determining eligibility for food assistance.
Previously, $175.00 for children age two and older to $200.00 for children under the age of two, per month for child care expenses, was allowed in a family budget when figuring eligibility for food stamps. Now, with the new rule, all out of pocket child care expenses will be figured in. This change could positively affect such families in the following ways:
*Households that currently receive food assistance benefits AND have previously submitted proof of child care expense effective October 1, 2008, which may increase benefits.
*Households that currently receive food assistance benefits AND HAVE NOT previously submitted proof of child care expense to DHS, must first provide their DHS worker withverification of the expense before they can receive full deduction. Once the verification is
processed, this could cause an increase in benefits.
*Households with child care expenses that have applied in the past and were denied due to excessive income may now be eligible.
For more information on how to determine if you qualify, call the Food and Nutrition helpline
at 1-800-481-4989 or visit their website.
Please share this information with your friends and family members.
