Food Stamp Recertification

Posted: Mon, Jan 10 2011, 9:32 pm Post subject: Food Stamp Recertification

I am coming up to my first recertification and I'm not sure what to do. My husband has his own seasonal business and his income comes in chunks every 4 or 5 months. When I applied for FSs in the summer, he hadn't received any money since the spring so his income for the last 60 days (which is what they asked for) was $0. Now, in the past 60 days, he has earned a chunk of money (probably about $6000 or $7000) which has to last us until the end of May-ish.

For those with experience, if I explain all this, will they just go by the formula and say that if you made more than $X in the past 60 days then you don't qualify or will they consider the whole situation? How flexible are they in terms of weird payment situations? Also, we don't have any paystubs or anything to easily prove my husband's income. It would mean taking all of his business records (which aren't immaculately kept because it's not my husband's strong suit) and trying to make sense of them to someone else.

For the record, my husband and I both have college degrees and I am teaching part time and at home the rest of the time with my kids. My husband is training in a hands-on field after not being able to get a job with a marketing degree and running his part-time business around training.

I guess if you have any experience or advice, please let me know.

Posted: Mon, Jan 10 2011, 9:41 pm Post subject: re: Food Stamp Recertification

My husband is also self-employed & the amount that he makes can vary tremendously. I was told by someone who works at BP Jewish Community Council to average the last 3 months. That is what I did. If you look at the renewal form they only want from one month. But she said for varying income it was ok to average 3 months. I don't know if you can average more months than that.

I think call up a jewish organization that deals with recert. assistance. I don't think that a foodstamp caseworker is going to help you. They are very by the books. A few years ago I was rejected for making $25 a month too much.

Posted: Mon, Jan 10 2011, 9:57 pm Post subject: re: Food Stamp Recertification

OP

I live OOT and there aren't any of these frum reps. here. Can I call someone in NY or wherever to just ask them a question? Will they charge me? I'm in MA so I don't know if the rules are different her anyway.