Deb, I would be surprised if this is not sorted out in your favor. But I send warm thoughts and prayers your way on this. Keep us posted.

Thank you, Brandy!  "From your lips to G-d's ear."  Yours in Him, Deb

At the wise counsel of Tracy LNL, I phoned the Food Stamps office this morning.  I actually called 2ce, & got 2 different answers to one of my questions!  That's exactly what happens with the IRS & most bureaucracies!

Anyhow, they agreed:

(1) Food Stamps are good to the end of hte certification period (June '09 in my case), so long as you don't go 90 days w/o using them.

(2) Food Stamps hearings are not held by Food Stamps.  Rather, there is a special, separate Appeals Unit.

(3) The hearing is MOST UNLIKELY to be held before 10/6 (2 weeks -- my birthday yet!).  It is more likely to be held in a month.

They disagreed:

I will certainly receive (at least) $14 on my due date, 10/1.  Because I indicated on teh appeals form that I want my benefits to continue until the hearing, even if they find that I have to pay them back --

  Person A:  I will actually receive $162 on 10/1.

  Person B:  I will anyhow still actually receive $14 on 10/1.

Yours in Him, Deb

I think best to spend your stamps very sparingly until your hearing- sounds like it is still quite likely to be an issue.  I hope you are able to collect any paperwork you think would help you without too much trouble.  

Time to search your cute little freezer, sounds like.  

Sorry so much of a worry.

 Deb,

I am happy to hear that you stay well stocked in food. I try to do the same. I tell my husband and children, We may not have exactly what we like or prefer to eat, but at least there is food in the house. I feel that it will all work out in your favor.

Deborahmichelle:

Dear Kate, What a good idea!  I'm certain that my personal physician will cooperate in giving me a letter stating that his office failed to deposit (two) of my $600 checks timely.  Really, what a great idea!  Yours in Him, Deb  PS I am SUPPOSED to be certified until June.  We have 2ce/yr recertification & I just finished one 6 weeks ago or so ....

 Your welcome.

jcrmom:

I am happy to hear that you stay well stocked in food. I try to do the same.

Times like this are what we stock for, yes?

Dear Brandy, Yes, indeed, times like these are why I keep a food (& water) stash.  Yours in Him, Deb

Dear Tracy LateNightLeader, I respectfully disagree about how to use my remaining $50-odd EBT Food Stamps amount.  I am going to go to the discount supermarket FoodsCo, with all of my coupons & using their loss-leaders.  I'm doing this because I want to fill in my stash with some treats (frozen OJ, a loaf of sourdough for garlic bread, etc.).  My $14/mo will easily cover the yoghurt ($2.49) that I buy (for $12.50 a month of 5 weeks), & that is my only necessary perishable.  I have 2 tubs of margarine (Smart Balance, one I opened just 2 days ago), & 10 hard-cooked eggs, in the refrigerator I have 2 dozen + 2 single eggs, & in the freezer, I have 12 containers of 3 eggs.  I have so many containers of sugar & variouis flours that I cannot remember them all.  I have a freezer full of all manner of produce, even avocados.  I have multiples of cofffee, canola oil, canned corn, etc, etc.Love in Him, Deb 

Deb,

If you do your banking online, perhaps you could get copies of the hopefully now-cancelled checks from the bank?  Just an idea.  Prayers with you!

Dear Lynnea, Food Stamps does not recognize anything other than a photocopy of a paper check (front & back) that has been deposited.  Recipients therefore cannot use online banks. 

Nonetheless, if the hearing is scheduled before my next bank statement comes (approximately 10/9), I will have to pay the bank to get paper copies of the 2 checks.  I am afraid that the fee is steep.

Thank you for your prayers, very much welcomed!  Yours in HIm, Deb