|
 | Introduction | 3/30/2005 |
 | Food stamps are federally funded benefits you can spend like money to buy food. This Guide gives you the most up to date information on Food Stamp policy, calculation of benefits and how to advocate for your self or others. The Guide includes references to the Massachusetts food stamp regulations as well as state Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) procedures. You can get copies of all the DTA Field Operations memos and other subregulatory policies at our other website: www.masslegalservices.org | |
| | Part 1 Application and Proofs | 3/29/2005 |
| Part 1 covers how to apply for food stamps (in person, on-line, at the Social Security office); Bay State CAP benefits, how others can apply for you, verifications (proofs), emergency food stamps, non-English speaking applicants, disability issues and reasonable accomodation, how BEACON works. | |
 | Part 1 Application and Proofs -- Interviews by phone | 3/29/2005 |
| How to apply if you can not get to the DTA office for an interview. | |
| | Part 2 General Eligibility Rules | 3/28/2005 |
| Part 2 covers household composition and getting separate household status; non-citizen eligibility and deeming of sponsor income; special rules for elders and disabled; eligibility rules for borders, strikers, college students, persons with criminal histories; the food stamp work rules and adults without children. | |
| | Part 2 General Eligibility Rules-- Update on Immigrant Eligiibility | 3/28/2005 |
| Update on battered immigrant eligibility and Cuban/Haitian entrants. | |
| | Part 3 Financial Eligibility | 3/27/2005 |
| Part 3 covers financial rules including countable and non-countable assets, how income is counted, allowable deductions and benefit calculations. | |
| | Part 3 Financial Eligibility-- Update on Medical Expense Deduction | 3/27/2005 |
| Update on amount of money per mile for doctor visits that can be deducted as a medical expense. | |
| | Part 4 Getting and Using Food Stamps | 3/26/2005 |
| How do you get food stamps?
When will you get your food stamp benefits?
What can you buy with food stamps?
What if your Benefit Access card is lost or stolen, or your food gets destroyed?
What if you are a victim of a natural or other disaster?
What if DTA makes a mistake and owes you money?
| |
| | Part 5 Proving Continuing Eligibility | 3/25/2005 |
| How long will you get food stamps before you have to reapply? When do
you have to report changes? What is semi-annual reporting? What is
monthly reporting? What are “TBA” benefits and reporting rules for
former TAFDC recipients? When do you have to report changes if you are
on change reporting? Will your benefits continue if you stop getting
cash welfare or SSI? Can you get supplemental food stamps if your
income drops or if a new member comes into your household? | |
| | Part 6 Appeal Rights | 3/24/2005 |
| What are your rights if DTA denies or cuts your food stamps?
How long do you have to ask for a fair hearing?
How do you ask for a fair hearing?
If you have the proof your worker wanted, should you still go to the hearing?
How should you present your case at the hearing?
When will you get a decision and what should you do if you lose?
Can you fix problems without going to a hearing? | |
| | Part 7 Overissuances and Fraud | 3/23/2005 |
| What if you are overpaid food stamp benefits?
How does DTA figure the amount of the overissuance?
What must DTA do to establish an intentional program violation or food stamp fraud?
When can your food stamps be stopped for an intentional program violation?
What is the BSI and what should you do if you are told to go to a BSI interview?
Can you go to jail? Will you have a criminal record?
How can DTA collect an overissuance?
When can DTA cut your food stamps to pay back an overissuance? | |
| | Appendix B Income and Benefits Standards | 3/21/2005 |
| Chart 1 - Maximum Food Stamp Benefit Amounts
Chart 2 - 200% Poverty-Gross Income Test for Categorically Eligible Households
Chart 3 - Maximum Gross Monthly Income Standards for
Households without Dependent Children or
Elderly/Disabled Members
Chart 4 - Maximum Allowable Monthly Net Income Standards
Chart 5 - 165% Income Standard for People Living with an Elderly and Disabled Individual | |
