I have an update on the Food Stamp situation. We finally got word from the Federal government. This is the memo we received:
"Expanded Disaster Evacuee Policy - Food Stamps Program
FNS is setting forth expanded criteria to enable State agencies to better serve people who have evacuated Hurricane Katrina disaster areas and are applying for food stamp benefits in areas where the Disaster Food Stamp Program is not operating. Applications may be accepted under these policies through October 15, 2005.
State agencies are to certify evacuees from areas affected by the disaster under expedited service rules.
The applicant and his/her family may be certified as a household separate from anyone they are living and purchasing and preparing food with. If the household has split up, the separate parts of the original household may be certified as separate households.
We are granting temporary exemption from the work rules at 7 CFR 273.7 (work registration and E&T rules) and the ABAWD requirements at 7 CFR 273.24 for victims of the disaster.
Applicants are eligible under this policy for 3 full months, plus the month of application. FNS will hold the State agency harmless from QC errors for such certifications.
These policies are based on authority in Section 5 (h) (1) of the Food Stamp Act. [7 U.S.C. 20149h)], which gives the Secretary authority to "establish temporary emergency standards of eligibility for the duration of the emergency...." "
And here's a couple of things we've been told:
Anyone still in the affected areas should be eligible to the Disaster Food Stamp Program, and they should contact their local agency to apply.
Anyone who was on Food Stamps in 8/05 or 9/05 in the affected areas will continue to receive their benefits for at least 3 months more. If they have lost their Food Stamp card or Food Stamps they should contact their local office or worker.
So, the above policy is for those people who have evacuated out of the affected areas.
If anyone who has evacuated out wishes to apply, please do not use the term "refugee" as that is a separate program for immigrants and may confuse some workers.
Expedited services are to be given within 3 days.
And I can't stress enough how important it is for people to know that if they evacuated and are staying with friends, family, or strangers they qualify as a separate household (this is a huge factor in Food Stamp qualifications) and are entitled to full benefits.
As some rules change from state to state it is important to contact the local agency. But, I am more than willing to try and answer any questions if I can.
Thanks again Cleo for giving out all the information you have done, and continuing to do so.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-09-07 03:23 am (UTC)"Expanded Disaster Evacuee Policy - Food Stamps Program
FNS is setting forth expanded criteria to enable State agencies to better serve people who have evacuated Hurricane Katrina disaster areas and are applying for food stamp benefits in areas where the Disaster Food Stamp Program is not operating. Applications may be accepted under these policies through October 15, 2005.
State agencies are to certify evacuees from areas affected by the disaster under expedited service rules.
The applicant and his/her family may be certified as a household separate from anyone they are living and purchasing and preparing food with. If the household has split up, the separate parts of the original household may be certified as separate households.
We are granting temporary exemption from the work rules at 7 CFR 273.7 (work registration and E&T rules) and the ABAWD requirements at 7 CFR 273.24 for victims of the disaster.
Applicants are eligible under this policy for 3 full months, plus the month of application. FNS will hold the State agency harmless from QC errors for such certifications.
These policies are based on authority in Section 5 (h) (1) of the Food Stamp Act. [7 U.S.C. 20149h)], which gives the Secretary authority to "establish temporary emergency standards of eligibility for the duration of the emergency...." "
And here's a couple of things we've been told:
Anyone still in the affected areas should be eligible to the Disaster Food Stamp Program, and they should contact their local agency to apply.
Anyone who was on Food Stamps in 8/05 or 9/05 in the affected areas will continue to receive their benefits for at least 3 months more. If they have lost their Food Stamp card or Food Stamps they should contact their local office or worker.
So, the above policy is for those people who have evacuated out of the affected areas.
If anyone who has evacuated out wishes to apply, please do not use the term "refugee" as that is a separate program for immigrants and may confuse some workers.
Expedited services are to be given within 3 days.
And I can't stress enough how important it is for people to know that if they evacuated and are staying with friends, family, or strangers they qualify as a separate household (this is a huge factor in Food Stamp qualifications) and are entitled to full benefits.
As some rules change from state to state it is important to contact the local agency. But, I am more than willing to try and answer any questions if I can.
Thanks again Cleo for giving out all the information you have done, and continuing to do so.