Regular food stamp recipients receive cost of living adjustment
From the Department of Social Services office:
BATON ROUGE - The Department of Social Services, Office of Family Support, today announced that participants in the regular Food Stamp Program will receive a raise in their benefits. Effective October 2008, eligibility and benefit amounts will increase in accordance with limits set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Thrifty Food Plan and the Gross and Net Income Limits. The Thrifty Food Plan is a federal estimate of how much it costs to provide nutritious, low-cost meals. It is adjusted annually based on food prices. Annual adjustments to the income eligibility standards are based on federal poverty levels.
The following is an example of how the changes will impact a family of four:
Current October 2008
Maximum Monthly Food Stamp Allotment $542 $588
Maximum Monthly Net Income $1721 $1767
Maximum Monthly Gross Income $2238 $2297
Additional changes are being made as a result of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008. The Act provides for an increase in the minimum monthly benefit for a household of one or two people.
Effective October 1, 2008, the minimum will increase from $10 to $14 per month.
Households that pay dependent care expenses may also receive an increase in benefits because the limit on the dependent care deduction to determine eligibility is being eliminated. Since September 1, 1994, the dependent care deduction has been limited to $200 per dependent under 2 years of age and $175 per dependent over 2 years of age.
Effective October 1, 2008, a deduction will be allowed for the actual cost of child care or the care of a household member who has disabilities when that care is necessary for an adult household member to work or attend training or education in preparation for employment.
The change in benefits has automatically been uploaded onto the Electronic Benefits Cards for all regular Food Stamp recipients.
The Food Stamp Program helps low-income families buy the food they need for good health. You may be eligible for food stamp benefits if you:
Work for low wages,
Are unemployed or work part-time.
Receive public assistance payments such as FITAP or Kinship Care Subsidy.
Are homeless.
In order to be eligible for Food Stamps, you must also meet an eligibility requirement based on the amount of resources you have in the bank. For most Louisiana residents, the limit is $2,000 or less. If a member of your household has a disability or you are 60 years of age or older, that resource limit is $3,000.
