 One application for all CNP’s  Information about a child’s eligibility status may be shared between CNP’s without specific waiver from household  If the receiving LEA gets a copy of the application, it must be checked for accuracy and corrected if in error. If they receive a letter or list, they are not responsible for errors.

 Copy of the application  Names of children on a list; inquired from one LEA and confirmed by the other CNP program

 Children’s free and reduced price meal eligibility information to programs, activities and individuals that are specifically authorized access under the National School Lunch Act. See Part 7, page 63 of the Eligibility Manual for specifics.

 Information provided by families is to be used ONLY for determining free or reduced price meal eligibility.  If disclosing eligibility for any other reason, LEA must notify households of this potential disclosure.  In some cases, you must seek permission to disclose the information.

 Usually used for fee waivers  MUST be specific services or activities ◦ “cultural activities” or “afterschool activities” are not specific ◦ “book fee waiver” is specific ◦ Driver’s Education is specific  etc. or if applicable- NOT ACCEPTABLE  REQUIRED that parent or guardian gives specific permission to release information if waivers are based on free or reduced price status

WAIVER SPACE IS LOCATED ON THE BACK OF THE APPLICATION WAIVER STATEMENT If your child(ren) qualifies for free or reduced price meals, you may also be eligible for other benefits. One of these benefits is (must be specific)(eg. book fees, band fees, drivers education). If you sign this waiver, your child(ren) will be considered for a full or partial waiver of (list your specific fees). I understand that I will be releasing information that will show that I applied for free and reduced price school meals for my child(ren). I give up my rights to confidentiality for waiver of school fees ONLY. I certify that I am the parent/guardian of the child(ren) for whom application is being made. Signature of Parent/guardian ______________________________Date _________________ YOU DO NOT HAVE TO COMPLETE THIS WAIVER TO GET FREE OR REDUCED PRICE SCHOOL MEALS.

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 Waivers cannot be based on free/reduced price eligibility if benefits were waived  It is a local decision about other criteria to use instead of free/reduced price meal eligibility  Rarely happens, but may with electronic direct certification

 Based on last year’s eligibility  First 30 operating days of school (may not be shortened)  Siblings should be added to applications when they are identified to be part of a household.  Carryover starts the first day of school  New eligibility determinations supersede the carryover eligibility- HELPFUL HINT- INCLUDE THIS STATEMENT IN THE PARENT LETTER TO AVOID ISSUES- (EXAMPLE)

 Households may apply or re-apply at any time of the year.  Parents may want to report income changes. LEAs should inform them that this is not required. Once approved, their benefits can continue all year.  LEA’s with year round school need to select one date to renew applications after July 1 st and then renew each year at the same time.

 You may write on the original application; initial and date what you write  Note change (transfer, benefit level, etc)  Write the date of the change  Implement the change by updating roster and/or computer information  Notify- Parent has 10 calendar days to respond  School has 10 operating days to complete if you decrease benefits and within 3 working days if you increase benefits

 Update and Cross Check your eligibility roster monthly to ensure accuracy.  CAUTION: Some systems automatically rollover data to new year. You are responsible for ensuring your eligibility rosters are accurate.  Some systems have automatic download of Direct Certification lists must be checked to ensure that the lists have downloaded within 10 days of posting

 All applications, including denied and inactive, must be kept on file for a minimum of three years plus the current year.  For unresolved audits the papers must be kept until the audit is resolved or three years, whichever is longer  If records are maintained at a central location, they must be retrievable by school building (don’t get all mixed up).