Government & Charity Assistance

Snap benefit will be much lower come next month

lboone — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:00:43 GMT

My job will cause my snap benefit to be lower come next month. we are looking at 700 now down to 159 (according to estimator) (actually pretty acurate). I guess that is good in a way as it means we have a much greater income. I just wished that they would deduct health ins. I finally got hired in with full benefits.

My SNAP/Food Stamps appeal re my lowered Section 8 rent amount

Deborahmichelle — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:01:13 GMT

Dear All, I have a slam-dunk appeal to pursue regarding a SNAP/Food Stamps Noticze of Action. I receive $200 in EBT monthly, but I just was notified that the amount will ber educed to $179 ($21 down) because my SEction 8 rent was reduced by $28. I am appealing by telephone & iin writing -- by telephone because 11/1 is so soon, & I want to be sure that they understand that I want my full benefits to continue while I'm appealing. By wwriting so tht I can get my argument across without any mistake. My reason that I know I will win is thtt my medical expenses of $650-ish/mo are so high that I am entitled to more than $200, it jsut is thta Z$200 is the maximum that can be given.

SO, I'm not worried aboout this at all & do not need any prayers! Yorus in Hiiim, Deb

November '09 SNAP/Food Stamps

Deborahmichelle — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:43:25 GMT

Dear Tracy LateNightLeader, You posted in Oct thread that you have $35 left till Fridday in SNAP/FS EBT. I'm sure it was you even though you've changed your handle, for all of the details were customary for your family. I hope that everyone gets wellll soon, & especially that you are right that you don't need to shell out any cash for grocieeeres before Fridday. Love in Him, Deb

October 09 foodstamps

latenightleader — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:45:50 GMT

What are you buying? My card re-ups on the 13th, my list for that day-bread, butter, cheeses, fruit, juice, cereal, a few snacks, a few beverages, coffee, creamer, some baking supplies, bananas, chocolate chips, frozen pizza or go to Papa Murphy's. One of our stores is running a promotion that if you shop there you can earn giftcards, through Dec 19, I am planning on doing most of my shopping there to be able to use the cards for things like tp, paper towels, diapers, and maybe a few books or socks for Christmas gifts. I think I should be able to get about $30 in gcs before the deadline.

Huge mix-up at Cala/Ralphs/Krogers - happy ending

Deborahmichelle — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:38:03 GMT

Dear All, Yesterday, as set forth in the monthly SNAP/Food Stamps thread, we shopped at Cala/Ralphs/Kroger. In checking out, the clerk 1st received a notice "Not authorized". Tehn she received 4 "Decline receipt" notices. Then she told me that I had to pay some other way, so I gave her VISA.

I phoned Food Stamps & they said there is nothing wrong with my card, & that I had more than 4x teh Cala charge on my EBT. They proved it because I had shopped successfully at Walgreens since the new monthly benefits flowed into the EBT. They said to try another storee.

This made me decide to call Cala & complain to the manager. He said, No problem. Bring in the cash register receipt & your EBT & VISA cards, & we'll straighten it out. And straighten it out he did. I got credit on the VISA card & the charge went through on EBT. I was really woerried for a while there!

Yours in HIm, Deb

Questions about food stamps.

goldenblaise — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:50:33 GMT

When you apply for food stamps/snap do they look at how much you have in your bank account? I ask this because I have two mortage payments stocked back and Friday is my hubbys last day befor he will be laid off. I am not sure how long he will be laid off, or if he will beable to find work while laid off. It will be three weeks befor we get his first unemployment check. His check will only be for about 1/4 of what he brings home reg. I have been job hunting for four months now with no results, so we can not lay our hopes on me finding work with in the next week or so. I've never applied for food stamps befor and have no idea what to do. Any advice would be great.

cyn

Living arrangements for disabled daughter

Pat — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:19:17 GMT

Here's a question from a reader. Please respond if you can help.

I have a 51 year old daughter that had a major stroke Aug. 2005, she can't talk, her right arm is no good, a very bad right foot, my question is she is residing in a assisted living facility, but her room is 8x10 real small for a 246 lb woman. I hear no assistance can be got for a small studio for her, but if we put her in a nursing home that would be paid in full, which is much much more expensive. She has medicaide and medicare now and receives a disability check each month, which is small. Is their anyway we can get help for her to at least have a studio instead of living day to day on a twin bed? She hopefully has a long life ahead of her, to have her live like this. I am her mother, retired, no money to help, and too old and health problems to be able to go to work. Any idea's what is avilable for this kind of situation. No places available for younger folk. We mention nursing home to my daughter and she freaks out. Maybe someone has some information I don't know about.

Personal and cleaning items with food stamps

Pat — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:44:45 GMT

Brandy's thread about buying household cleaners like vinegar and baking soda with food stamps made me think of some other things one can do with "food" bought with food stamps:

Baking soda can clean, but it can also be a good facial scrub.
Baking soda in the bath will relieve heat rash
Baking soda relieves heart burn - a half teaspoon to a half glass of
Baking soda also makes smelly shoes fresh
Use baking soda to brush your teeth
Olive oil is as useful as any bath oil.
Olive oil, mixed with sugar, is a good skin scrub
For a deep treatment for damaged or dry hair, rub olive oil into it, then put a towel around your head for a half hour, then shampoo
Cornstarch is a good baby powder or personal powder
Vinegar... oh, my let me count the ways:

Laundry rinse
Hair rinse
Air freshener
Window and glass cleaner
Antiseptic
Denture soak

I know there are other things you can do with "groceries!"

Caseworker Never Returns My Calls

susie48 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:57:17 GMT

Is this common? I was missing a piece of information so brought it up there. He wasn't in and they xeroxed it, gave me a receipt and I called to see if he got it. Never heard from him. I called a second time and nothing. I hope I don't get cut off because of this but don't want to bug him. I am new at this, got expedited food stamps for the remainder of April and wondering if on May 1st I will have a new balance in my account which is what's supposed to happen. Have any of you had this experience, no callbacks? It would have just taken a few seconds to let me know he received it.

Government housing assistance

Pat — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 15:28:12 GMT

Has anyone had any experience with finding government housing? A friend has been without a job for quite awhile and he and his family (wife and one child) are now living with his mother in law. Not a good situtation. They applied for housing, but was turned down, while another friend, unmarried, with two children and living with her mother, got housing soon after she applied.

I don't understand the difference or know quite where to start to help them. Any suggestions?

Cashier Etiquette/Protocol

susie48 — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 12:55:33 GMT

I am wondering if this happens to anyone here and how you handle it. I thought one of the reasons they changed it to a card rather than pulling out coupons is for privacy. Every time I go to certain supermarkets, I swipe the card and the cashier says "Debit or Credit" and I have to say "EBT". The other day, a neighbor was standing behind me in line and I really didn't want her to know so I said "Neither"..I don't know if she even heard this. Why can't they assume it MAY be EBT and not make us say this out loud? Some of the machines work better, you just put in your pin number. I would like to know how you would handle this, please. I don't think talking to the manager would help because I don't know if they have meetings with their staff (which is hundreds here) or if there is a way the cashier can know that it's EBT (she can't see the face of the card so I can't blame her and she needs to know to type in something). Any suggestions? I know it's no shame to have this but I don't want my neighbors to know.

"Luxury" groceries not covered under SNAP after a week or so!

Deborahmichelle — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:38:36 GMT

Dear All, The STRANGEST thing happened with my SNAP Food Stamps this month (May). I was eating (& purchasing) an invalid's diet -- lots of frozen entrees, bakery-dept goodies, expensive produce. The first few transactions went through SNAP without a hitch. But THEN (very early in the month), teh cashier (thsi was all at Whole FOods) got a message back on her SNAP screen, "Luxury goods not covered," or something to that effect. After that, I just used my VISA card for groceries, the path of least resistance. I have to buy electrolyte drink ($1.79 for 2 servings -- a quart total), & that POSSIBLY fed into the problem. I ordered 3 cases [discounted -- I've ordered by the case before bugt didn't try to use SNAP, as it wsa after the "luxury goods" message] of the drink (store-brand) to pick up later this week, & I'm going to see what happens if I try to use my SNAP for it.

Isn't this the weirdest thing you ever heard?

Yours in Him, Deb

PS We cooked normal cheap East Indian vegetarian -- egg curry -- today, & (otehr than the electrolyte drink), will not be buying any more "luxury goods!"

Be careful where you use your EBT card. They are charging a surcharge now!

lamuneca0325 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:21:41 GMT

Chase Bank was surcharge free to EBT cardholders accessing Chase Bank automated teller machines (ATMs). Chase Bank has implemented a surcharge fee of $3.00 to EBT cardholders for each ATM cash withdrawal.

Chase Bank acquired Washington Mutual Bank, which also provided surcharge-free cash at ATMs for EBT cardholders. All of the prior Washington Mutual Bank ATMs are now Chase ATMs and are now also surcharging $3.00 for each ATM cash withdrawal.

ACS State & Local Solutions, Inc. (ACS) is required to provide a surcharge-free cash access option with statewide presence. ACS has provided statewide surcharge-free cash access through the Money Pass Network, which predominately consists of U.S. Bank ATMs.

The following link is to a document that lists participating ATMs currently providing cash access for EBT cardholders: http://www.ebtproject.ca.gov/Library/Cash_Access.pdf.

September EBT/Food Stamps/SNAP, Etc.

Luvd_Lioness — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:06:56 GMT

I thought I would start this months thread.

Balance going into the store was $32.41

(9/1)

2 loaves of bread (nature's pride) $1.48 each

then yesterday going into Walmar to get things to help me feel better:

96oz orange juice w/ pulp $5.78
2 bags of waffle fries $1.78ea
king size m&m's $1.08
tony's pizza $2.50

I'm now down to $16.40 until 9.13 (weekends I'm not sure when really). I'm set though on food in the house!

New on here and to ebt

AnaMercy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:49:58 GMT

hi, I'm new here and new to ebt. I love in South Florida, I lost my job in 07 while I was pregnant with my 2nd child. We recently applied and we're approved for ebt. I am not sure about what I can or can not buy. I wanted to know if I could buy organic milk, food and produce with it. I was just wondering.

thanks..

Marriage tax?

Deborahmichelle — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:19:36 GMT

Dear ALl, Does the marriage tax still exist? I have heard that if 2 people live together unmaarried, & file federal taxes separately, they together pay less than a nmaarried couple filing jointly. Is this sstilll true? Bummer & moral discourager if it is still true. Yours in Him, Deb

New Post: When will I receive my SNAP/Food Stamps EBT?

ladyfs — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:58:21 GMT

Greetings, this is my first post.

I have applied for food stamps (due to a recent divorce) and am still waiting to hear. Does it usually take this long? I applied September 4, 2009 and it is now September 21, 2009.

Haven't had to live on food stamps for over seven years....so now I am back.

Looking forward to hearing from you. God Bless,

ladyfs

no EBT this weekend in California. Plan ahead!

lamuneca0325 — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:27:28 GMT

· The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is transitioning to a new Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) provider. The transition will require that EBT cards be non-operational starting on Saturday, September 19at 11:00 p.m. and coming back online no later than Sunday, September 20 by 11:00 p.m. EBT cards are used for food stamp benefits and, in some counties, CalWORKs and General Assistance cash aid.

How to stretch SNAP/Food Stamps EBT - Irish Mom's thread

Deborahmichelle — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 22:03:28 GMT

Dear Irish Mom, Coming right to mind is buying bulk foods, as you do baking your own bread, makiiing you rownn yoghturt & convenience foods like cream soups. Let's everybody join in wiith more ideas. Yours in Him, Deb

Small food stamp gripe

lissalue — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:08:53 GMT

This really isn't that big of an issue, but it feels like it to me right now. When I applied for food stamps I tried to be extremely upfront and honest about the accounts on my Social Security Number so that I wouldn't be accused of hiding anything later. There are only 2 accounts, one is mine, which has less than the $2000 dollar limit to qualify in it. The other is my husband's estate, which has quite a bit more, but can only be accessed for my late husband's debts and things to settle the estate. I am the administrator of the estate. SO, she told me she didn't think that would be a problem at the time, but she wasn't sure because hse had never dealt with my particular situation before.

So, today, after waiting 2 weeks to hear something, I get a letter telling me she needs verification that I can only use that account for David's debts, and verification of the amount in the account. Nothing was said about what counts as verification, so I have called my case worker to see what I need for that. I had all of the estate paperwork with me that day, and she didn't ask for any of it. SO, I am a little frustrated that it is just now coming up, and that I don't know yet what to do to fix it.

I didn't qualify for immediate assistance, and we are able to afford groceries right now, but I am not sure how long that is true. Anyone ever dealt with anything similar to this before and have any advice, besides being patient, which I know. I know that there are many people in a worse situation than us, but it is still frustrating for me. Thanks for listening.

Our new Forum

Deborahmichelle — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:02:48 GMT

Dear All, Welcoome to our new Forum!

THose of you who are used to coming to the Food Stamps Forum will notice a new name. This Governmental & Charity Assistance Forum is the place to come with any of your questions about "including but not limited to":

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

SSDIB (Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits)

Medicare

Medicaid ("Medi-Cal" in CA, may have otehr names in other States)

Temporary Aid to Needy Families ("TANF"), used to be called General Assistance/"welfare"

SNAP/Food Stamps

Public Housing & Section 8 rent vouchers

Private food programs like food pantries, Meals on Wheels

HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) & any otehr energy-assistance programs

Life-Line & other telephone assistance programs

Etc, etc

PLEASE POST A NEW THREAD WHENEVER YOU WRITE ABOUT A NEW PROGRAM. OTHERWISE, DON'T BE SURPRISED WHEN I EDIT YOUR POST!

Yours in Him, Deb

New statistics on SNAP/Food Stamps use

Deborahmichelle — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 17:23:44 GMT

Dear All, Here are some current statistics on those who use SNAP/Food Stamps, via yesterday's NY Times: Yours in HIm, Deb http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/04/us/04brfs-FOODSTAMPNUM_BRF.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y

Where to apply?

Brandy — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 17:47:11 GMT

Deb or anyone else, I have been asked to hunt down info on food stamps. I found requirements and such. Where does one apply though? I can't find locations, perhaps if I know what the building /office would be called, we can figure it out.

How would an application work for those who have housemates who are not spouses or relation and not responsible for each other but do share the kitchen and expenses?

FS/SNAP Allowable Foods, Retailer Violations, and related misc.

mad4color — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:11:24 GMT

There is no secret to what your can buy with FS/SNAP. It's on the USDA site, http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/Retailers/ELIGIBLE.HTM. You can buy food or seeds to grow food.

Bubba Joe's Neighborhood Food Store does not get to decide what foods you buy nor what you can get off the cold salad bar in take-home containers. Big chains like Whole Foods and Kroger have someone officialy reviewing USDA policy and coding it in their computers. Bubba John is interpreting policy himself.

You can file a complaint with your state or the USDA over retailer violations, if you are not allowed to buy FS allowable foods. You can show Bubba John the policy, but he still might not believe it. FS/SNAP is a federal program administered by the states. I would file a complaint or call the state first. The state can probably get an investigator out there more quickly than the feds can. Maybe then can just call Bubba John, with the intent of telling him how to apply policy, not to shut him down.

In Texas, nonprescription drugs for humans are no longer sales taxable. I live near in an off-brand dollar store that repeatedly taxes them. I tell him they are not taxable. I haven't got around to contacting the state. I could also try showing him state law. But a few extra cents on a dollar item that would cost me more elsewhere is trival to me.

USDA probably does not allow hot foods because heating is considered a luxury that you can do at home. But cold foods are probably allowed because the American grocery stores can provide use a great variety of foods like milk and meat by using cooling to presere them. Therefore, refrigeration is a necessity. You are not supposed to use them to buy foods specifically marketed to be presumed in the store. Percentages often come into play here, like if people are mostly taking home cold salad bar foods.

Stores apply to participate in this USDA program. Most of them do; it gives them more business. One of the rules for small stores to qualify might be what percentage of their business is food. Not sure of regs, but 80% alcohol and tobacco sales pis robably not allowable. Didn't Sam's Club just recently decide to take FS/SNAP? Surprised they didn't do it years ago. It will make their business go up.

You may not buy beer, wine, and lquor with them. If you see someone doing it, it's a retailer violation and should be reported. But, you can buy baking yeast and foods you can use to make beer and wine. You should also be able to buy flavoring extracts. Peppermint extract has a high alcohol content, and you can get quite a buzz off it. Cooking wine is allowed.

Food assistance is just that, for food. Any state that allows you to be buying soap and paper products has to be kicking in more money. If you consider these products a necessity, you are not going to get them under a USDA program. Write your politicians for assistance elsewehre. You can't buy cleaning supplies with them, buy you can buy foods like vinegar and baking soda and use them for cleaning.

Food banks usually have soap and paper products.

If you need certain medically-formulated nutrition supplement, it's possible that the USDA program won't cover them and you need to look elsewhere for assistance.

Pet food is not allowed, and don't expect it to be allowed. You don't need to point out to the retailer if you are buying human food for your animal. Don't waste your time or theirs.

You buy candy, steaks, olive oil, butter, pure maple syrup, etc. They are all foods, and the choice is yours.

The USDA guidellines are the minimum. I'm not aware of states funding more foods.

Now I'm going back to bed a while.

August 2009 SNAP/Food Stamps (Etc.)

Luvd_Lioness — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:48:59 GMT

From Tracy's post... (in the July month but made on 8/2)

I think living and Racine and hopefully getting a chance to enjoy their kringle qualifies you as a Scandanavian pastry foodie, if possible. I know I make a cookie at Christmas, a thin dough, roll it out and fry it, and it has cardamon, it is Fattigmand. Easy to make.

I made 22 quarts of pickles yesterday. I found a recipe, and will use one of Brian's chef recipes for the last of the the cucumbers. I made a run to the grocery today and bought lots of food for this week, as I'll be working full-time. I think I spent about $107. I saved about $18, bought lots of food to be brought places and some easy to prepare food for my daughters to prepare. Bought milk, bread, cheese, chips, cola, lots of bananas, cheese popcorn, yogurt, lifesavers, chocolate and yogurt covered peanuts and raisins, tator tots, etc.

Yesterday I spent $40 at the Farmer's Market that takes food stamps, $18 on a half bushel of pickling cukes, $4 for garlic, tomatoes, carrots, cheese curds, and bread.

At the store yesterday, bought another gallon of vinegar, peppercorns, and pickling salt.

In the past five days, since I have gotten my card loaded, I have shopped about 5 times and spent $$230. I still have about $524 on the card, and will be re-upped on the 13th. I know that seems like a lot, but the house was getting pretty low, and everyone is eating a lot! Including me, we are all enjoying more leisurely meals in the summer.

You have been loading up wonderfully though on what you got! I just found out that ONE vendor at the Friday farmer's market will take EBT... not sure if I will go down just for that since I don't know what he has. (He does have a booth on Saturday's but not sure if he is set up for EBT there).

Being 100% Norwegian, I know I have had cardamon, but couldn't tell you the last time, or in what... I don't make any Scandinavian treats, I just eat them.