MODULE 2 Eligibility Updated: April 2016

Eligibility: Overview  Major takeaways:  It is important for applicants to gather documentation of their identity, income, and assets to apply for food stamps  Many different types of people are eligible for food stamps  The Department of Health and Welfare will determine eligibility based on each individual’s situation

Household HOUSEHOLD A household is defined as occupants of one residence who purchase and prepare meals together A household must apply together for food stamps All members of the household do not need to attend the interview

Documents to Bring to the Interview Proof of Identity Proof of Residence in Idaho Social Security Number Proof of Last 30 Days Income for each household member with income (earned and unearned) Proof of Housing, Dependent Care and Child Support Expenses Proof of Immigration Status Proof of Any Assets Proof of Medical Expenses if 60+ or Disabled Proof of Identity Proof of Residence in Idaho Social Security Number Proof of Last 30 Days Income for each household member with income (earned and unearned) Proof of Housing, Dependent Care and Child Support Expenses Proof of Immigration Status Proof of Any Assets Proof of Medical Expenses if 60+ or Disabled

Income Limits The income limits above are in effect from October 1, 2015 through September 30, Income eligibility limits are usually adjusted each year to reflect increased costs of living. Household SizeGross Monthly Income (130% of federal poverty guideline) 1$1,276 2$1,726 3$2,177 4$2,628 5$3,078 6$3,529 7$3,980 8$4,430 Each additional member+ $451

The Asset Test One vehicle per adult household member is excluded from the asset test

Work Requirements  The Job Search Assistance Program (JSAP) can include:  Resume writing  Job search assistance  Transportation assistance  Skill building to sustain long- term employment  Failure to participate in JSAP may result in disqualification from the Food Stamp Program

Eligibility: Special Populations  Certain populations have low rates of participation because of:  Difficulty accessing the program  Confusion about eligibility  Specific rules that apply to these groups  These populations include:  Seniors  Documented Non-Citizens  American Indian Tribes  Homeless Individuals and Families  Students

Seniors  Studies have shown that there is an especially high perception of stigma among older participants as well as a perception of low benefit levels  Seniors who receive Meals on Wheels may still be eligible for food stamps, and may be able to use their food stamps to pay for Meals on Wheels

Seniors and Disabled Households  Certain policies make it easier for the elderly and disabled to qualify for and access the Food Stamp Program:  Overcoming Transportation Barriers Telephone Interview Appointing an Authorized Representative  Standard Medical Expense Deduction Unreimbursed allowable expenses exceeding $35/month  Longer Certification Period 24 months in households in which all members are seniors or are disabled, with a re-verification every 12 months  Certain policies make it easier for the elderly and disabled to qualify for and access the Food Stamp Program:  Overcoming Transportation Barriers Telephone Interview Appointing an Authorized Representative  Standard Medical Expense Deduction Unreimbursed allowable expenses exceeding $35/month  Longer Certification Period 24 months in households in which all members are seniors or are disabled, with a re-verification every 12 months

Applying for the Food Stamp Program  Have an adult apply for you as an authorized representative  Be treated with respect and consideration  Have a fair hearing if you disagree with an eligibility decision  If designating an authorized representative, do so in writing  Return calls and other contacts from Health and Welfare RIGHTS RESPONSIBILITIES

Non-Citizens  A non-citizen may be eligible for food stamps if he or she meets certain eligibility criteria. Some examples include:  Has been in the United States as a legal resident for five years  The five-year waiting period can only disqualify individuals, NOT entire households  Is a documented immigrant child  Is a refugee or asylee  There are many other criteria— these are just a few examples

Applying with Limited English Proficiency Receive assistance in your language in-person or by phone Receive an application in Spanish Receive translation assistance with your application Applicants have the right to:

Non-Citizens  Key Facts:  No public charge - Applying for food stamps will not affect an applicant’s immigration status; he or she will not become a “public charge”  Applying for children - Ineligible non-citizens may apply on behalf of another household member, such as a child, without disclosing their own immigration status or Social Security number  Key Facts:  No public charge - Applying for food stamps will not affect an applicant’s immigration status; he or she will not become a “public charge”  Applying for children - Ineligible non-citizens may apply on behalf of another household member, such as a child, without disclosing their own immigration status or Social Security number

American Indian Tribes  Low-income American Indians and non-Indians living on Indian reservations can participate either in the Food Stamp Program or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (“FDPIR”)  Many American Indian households participate in FDPIR instead of the Food Stamp Program because of limited access to authorized grocery stores

Homeless Individuals and Families  Key Facts:  Address – an applicant does not need a permanent address to apply  Kitchen Access – an applicant may not be turned down because he or she does not have access to a place to cook  Photo ID – a photo ID is not required to apply; another form of identification or verification of identity is sufficient (i.e. pay stub or verification by a shelter worker)

Students  College students may be eligible depending upon a variety of factors, including the age of student, hours of class enrollment, and participation in work study or employment.  Examples of documents needed for the eligibility interview:  Class schedule  Proof of work study participation or employment

Disqualified Persons Ineligible persons include:  Undocumented Immigrants  Individuals convicted of trading food stamps for drugs, firearms, or ammunition  Individuals violating a condition of their probation or parole  Participants found to have committed intentional violations (e.g. false statements, selling food stamps)

Eligibility: Timeliness of Benefits Applicants should receive their benefits within thirty days In Idaho, households generally receive their benefits much more quickly than thirty days Certain households may qualify for expedited services based on their income, resources and housing Households that qualify for emergency benefits are entitled to receive their benefits within seven days

References  Idaho Administrative Procedures Act (IDAPA) – Rules Governing the Food Stamp Program in Idaho, §§ 11(08), 115, 121, 155, 156, 178, 201, 202, 213, 215, , , , 334, 357, 364, 532, 533, 535, 576, 588, 698, 701, 702, 752, , 774, 816 (2011), available at  Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Food Stamp Cost of Living Adjustments (last modified 10/1/12), sent by Light  Eslami, E. (July. 2015). State trends in supplemental nutrition assistance program eligibility and participation among elderly individuals, fiscal year 2008 to fiscal year Mathematica Policy Research  Empire Justice Center, LEP Food Stamp Checklist (6/20/08),  Executive Order 13166, Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency (8/11/00), available at  Federal Interagency Working Group on Limited English Proficiency, Commonly Asked Questions and Answers Regarding Limited English Proficient (LEP) Individuals,  Ponza et al. (July 1999), p. 50, cited in Food Research and Action Center, Access and Access Barriers to Getting Food Stamps, content/uploads/2009/09/fspaccess.pdf, p. 25http://frac.org/wp- content/uploads/2009/09/fspaccess.pdf  USDA Economic Research Service, State Trends in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Eligibility and Participation Among Elderly Individuals, mpr.com/publications/PDFs/nutrition/SNAP_elderly.pdf (2010) mpr.com/publications/PDFs/nutrition/SNAP_elderly.pdf  USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Eligibility (last modified 12/30/2013),  USDA FNS, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (last modified 02/25/14),  USDA FNS, Immigrant Eligibility Requirements (last modified 12/30/13),  USDA FNS, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Guidance on Non-Citizen Eligibility (June 2011), Citizen_Guidance_ pdfhttp:// Citizen_Guidance_ pdf  Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. 2000d d-7, available at  7 C.F.R Nondiscrimination Compliance, available at  7 U.S.C. § 2020 (e), Administration: Requisites of a State Plan of Action, available at  Ziliak and Gundersen/Meals on Wheels, Senior Hunger in the United States (2009),  Ziliak, J.P. & Gundersen, C. ( April, 2015). The state of senior hunger in America 2013: An annual report. National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities