Can someone please answer some questions about Foodstamps for me?

[LoveBWVVBR]

Long story short, I'm helping DD's teacher to apply for Foodstamps. Before I found out what was going on, she had literally gone without food at times this summer She is on about 1/2 salary because her hours are cut in the summer and she literally has no money. She has tried to find a second job, but to no avail.

My BFF is a social worker, and she says that if DD's teacher applies now, they only look back for 2 paychecks and she gets to keep that amount of foodstamps for 6 months. Is this accurate? Also, does anyone know what she will need to bring with her to apply? It sounds like her last 2 paystubs at the very least. Does she need last year's tax return or anything else? My friend told me that she can go right to the benefits office and apply/get approved on the spot. I just want to make sure that she has everything with her that she'll need to get approved. I'm telling her today that I'm going to go with her so she'll have moral support when she applies.

 

[katrina1122]

Your state's assistance website should answer all of your questions.

I work for a county that does home energy heating assistance and all of that info is posted on our site and then linked to the state's site for all other assistance related info.

 

[Madison'smommy]

I have no idea, but that is awesome of you to be there for her! I hope she gets the help that she needs!

 

[Zydebearsmom]

She may not be able to keep them for the whole 6 months. When her pay increases she has to report the increase and they will possibly adjust her foodstamps up, down or completely discontinue her from the program. She does not need her tax return but will need her last two check stubs if paid biweekly or last four if paid weekly. She will only get them immediately if she falls below a certain income level if not she may receive them weeks later. Immediately does not mean while she is at the office but 3-4 days later. That is how it works in my state.

 

[PudgetteD]

You might also look into Angel Food Ministries (they have a website, just the name with no spaces dot com), to stretch her food dollar. The boxes used to have lots of processed food but are better now. They offer fresh fruits/vegetables and meats that you can purchase without having to buy a regular box. Check out the website, it might help. (Not sure if they accept food stamps but the website will tell you) Those boxes got us through many a tough month when I lost my job.

 

[QVCshopper]

She might be able to get food even faster from a local food bank. I donate to my local food bank all the time. They also provide emergency support for rent and heat. My neighbors are both teachers and they told me they would really have to stretch their budgets like crazy toward the end of the summer.

I'd also have her look at her budget to see if this shortfall is due to a certain factor like too high rent, etc., or if she can possibly set aside money during the school year in preparation for the summer. I hope she gets the help she needs; when I was a kid and my dad was out of work for a long time, our neighbor bought us groceries, then we went on food stamps and WIC. I always feel for people in that situation.

 

[MEM]

I just looked into food stamps for a friend of mine. Here in Massachusetts they also look at assets like a house and 401Ks or other pension funds. Doesn't seem fair, to me, that someone who was careful with their money all of their life and paid into the welfare system can't take advantage of it when they need it.

 

[disprincessatheart]

If she doesnt get them right away, be sure to have the info of some nearby food pantries on hand so she can get something! Or if you think she would accept you could take her some staples - loaf of bread, peanut butter, tuna, pasta. Wouldn't cost you a lot but with those few things she could probwbly eat for a week.

 

[puffkin]

I second the idea of something like Angel Food Ministries or the food bank (to rectify the immediate need) rather than food stamps.

I guess I just have a fundamental problem with a teacher getting food stamps. It isn't like they don't know their pay will be reduced for the summer so they should prepare for that all year.

Rather than helping her get food stamps, I think a budgeting lesson should be in store! Also, she should check with her school to see if they have alternatives to paying her salary. I know my BIL's school district had an option to get their pay spread over 11 months rather than 9 for exactly this reason. He also got in trouble his first summer teaching because he didn't realize he didn't get paid in the summer He is now on the 11 month plan and things are much better.

 

[Zydebearsmom]

 

[tifany]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds as if the DD's teacher is a preschool teacher. If that is correct, then they are usually paid hourly and since she stated that her hours were cut, then it makes sense that her pay was cut and that she is not a traditional elementary, middle school, or high school teacher.

I second the vote for Angel Food ministries . . . it really helps the dollar spread over the time for food items. Also, something to look at if she is interested in changing careers due to her income, she will qualify for things like WIA (Workforce Investment Act) where they will pay for her schooling if she goes into a specific field in demand, i.e. nursing.

Just some things to think about

 

[poohbear2]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds as if the DD's teacher is a preschool teacher. If that is correct, then they are usually paid hourly and since she stated that her hours were cut, then it makes sense that her pay was cut and that she is not a traditional elementary, middle school, or high school teacher.

I second the vote for Angel Food ministries . . . it really helps the dollar spread over the time for food items. Also, something to look at if she is interested in changing careers due to her income, she will qualify for things like WIA (Workforce Investment Act) where they will pay for her schooling if she goes into a specific field in demand, i.e. nursing.

Just some things to think about

And I am sure she makes very little if she works at a daycare.

 

[momxx5]

It differs by state, what you have said is true about my state(NC).

You may want to check out the state's website about assistance before applying.
She will need 2 last paystubs, social security card, proof of residences(water or electric bill), dr. lic.

Right now our social service system is overloaded with teacher requests. They actually are requiring a "certificate of employment" filled out by the employer showing that the wages lost is temporary.

The system has many flaws and unfortunately those who are in true need often go without while others give false info and reap benefits. I know people in both cases.

Our local food bank also requires, social sec numbers for all in house, proof of res, dr. lic......and an application must be filled out. The initial process takes at least 1 hr and then they decide if you what you get, how often you can get it, etc.

I and sorry for your friend. I know some in her shoes. It sucks.
Prayers for her.....for better days.

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

I second the idea of something like Angel Food Ministries or the food bank (to rectify the immediate need) rather than food stamps.

I guess I just have a fundamental problem with a teacher getting food stamps. It isn't like they don't know their pay will be reduced for the summer so they should prepare for that all year.

Rather than helping her get food stamps, I think a budgeting lesson should be in store! Also, she should check with her school to see if they have alternatives to paying her salary. I know my BIL's school district had an option to get their pay spread over 11 months rather than 9 for exactly this reason. He also got in trouble his first summer teaching because he didn't realize he didn't get paid in the summer He is now on the 11 month plan and things are much better.

She's a preschool teacher, and she works all summer as a camp teacher at the school. Her hours are reduced this summer because camp is only half-day. She has been trying like heck to find a second job but hasn't had any luck. How exactly does one budget a whole $500 a month when the rent takes all but $100 of that?

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it sounds as if the DD's teacher is a preschool teacher. If that is correct, then they are usually paid hourly and since she stated that her hours were cut, then it makes sense that her pay was cut and that she is not a traditional elementary, middle school, or high school teacher.

I second the vote for Angel Food ministries . . . it really helps the dollar spread over the time for food items. Also, something to look at if she is interested in changing careers due to her income, she will qualify for things like WIA (Workforce Investment Act) where they will pay for her schooling if she goes into a specific field in demand, i.e. nursing.

Just some things to think about

Yes, she is a preschool teacher, paid hourly. I was actually thinking of suggesting going back to community college because I figured that she'd get a Pell Grant with her income level. She loves what she does, but the pay just isn't there.

I'll look into Angel Food Ministries. It sounds like it may be a good option for her.

 

[puffkin]

She's a preschool teacher, and she works all summer as a camp teacher at the school. Her hours are reduced this summer because camp is only half-day. She has been trying like heck to find a second job but hasn't had any luck. How exactly does one budget a whole $500 a month when the rent takes all but $100 of that?

Sorry, I was thinking she was a traditional teacher.

There is not much you can do in a profession like that...the pay just isn't there. One thing to suggest to her is if she does find a PT job to hang onto it through the school year (even if it is just working 1 shift a week) so that she can keep it for summers when she needs it more. She can then bank that money to help her through the lean summers. Even if she just puts away $50/mo during the school year...it sounds like that would really help her over the summers.

Maybe you could suggest doing some IOU's with her. Maybe buy her a weeks worth of groceries in exchange for a night or two of babysitting sometime in the future. Maybe if a few other parents could do this to get her through the summer?

 

[sorul82?]

I guess I just have a fundamental problem with a teacher getting food stamps. It isn't like they don't know their pay will be reduced for the summer so they should prepare for that all year.

Not to take this out on you, but I am so tired of the "well, they should have...." posts.

What they "should" have done doesn't feed a hungry person today.

Again, I don't mean to single out puffkin.

 

[eliza61]

Not to take this out on you, but I am so tired of the "well, they should have...." posts.

What they "should" have done doesn't feed a hungry person today.

Again, I don't mean to signal out puffkin.

Never understood it either. hindsight is 20/20 but if a person has no food today, being told what they "should' have done is pretty useless. ah well.

Op, guidelines vary by state. have her start all the processes at the same time. In NJ unless you are homeless and destitute its a bit harder to get what is called emergency immediate aide. Also NJ & PA have the food bank of NJ which provides some assistance.

Good luck and thanks for helping her out.

 

[sorul82?]

I wonder why I typed "single" twice and it was changed to "signal" twice?

 

[kt_mom]

Never understood it either. hindsight is 20/20 but if a person has no food today, being told what they "should' have done is pretty useless. ah well.

It's not useless. Maybe it will help the person to know for the future so they don't end up in the same situation again next year.

I like the food bank idea or the idea of helping her out in exchange for babysitting or some other service that she may be able to provide the families she has worked with.