SUBJECT:
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR WORKING STUDENTS, AND BUDGETING INELIGIBLE STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE EU
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #24
1135.025.00, 1105.015.10.30.05
DISCUSSION:
An individual is ineligible to receive food stamp benefits if s/he is a student and does not meet or is not exempt from meeting eligible student criteria. The purpose of this memorandum is to:
- introduce a change in student eligibility criteria for students working 20 hours a week, and
- clarify budgeting procedures for contributions of an ineligible student to the EU.
STUDENTS WORKING 20 HOURS PER WEEK
Employed students who are attending college at least half-time are usually employed on a part-time basis. The student’s employment schedules are subject to change due to employer’s needs and class schedules. Requiring the student to work 20 hours each week could be hurting individuals attempting to attain self-sufficiency by obtaining a college education.
Effective immediately, when determining student eligibility, an individual is an eligible student if s/he is employed and paid an average of 20 hours per week. Self-employed individuals must be working an average of 20 hours per week and receive weekly earnings averaging at least equal to the federal minimum wage multiplied by 20 hours.
EXAMPLE: John is a full time student at ABC University. He is working part time at Hardees. His work schedule fluctuates. The last four weeks he worked 18 hours, 22 hours, 23 hours and 19 hours. He meets eligible student criteria as he was working an average of 20 hours per week and he plans to continue working an average of 20 hours per week.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF INELIGIBLE STUDENTS TO THE EU
Income of an ineligible student which is given to the EU is considered unearned income for the Food Stamp Program. A discussion must be held with the EU to determine if any of the ineligible student’s income is being contributed to the EU. Income of the ineligible student used to pay for expenses of the EU is not income to the EU, nor an expense for the EU.
EXAMPLE: The ineligible student pays shelter expenses with his/her income. This amount is not a contribution to the EU, nor is the shelter expense allowed for the EU.
EXAMPLE: The ineligible student gives the EU $200 to pay the utility bills. The $200 is income to the EU, and the EU is eligible for the appropriate utility standard depending upon which bills are paid.Comments must be entered detailing the decision.
Enter the income which an ineligible student gives to the EU as income type “UI” (UNEARNED INCOME), and income source “CO” (CONTRIBUTIONS) on the Income (FMX0) screen.
Food Stamp Manual sections 1135.025.00 STUDENTS IN INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION and 1105.015.10.30.05 Eligibility Determinations for Ineligible Students are updated.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- When determining student eligibility, an individual meets eligible student criteria if they are working an average of 20 hours per week.
- Budget income of an ineligible student which the student gives to the EU as contributions.