SUBJECT:
UNDER PARENTAL CONTROL FOR FOOD STAMP ELIGIBILITY
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to introduce enhancements to the “Under Parental Control” field entered and displayed on the Income (FMX0) screen and to clarify when this field is used.
Effective immediately the following changes have been made:
- The Under Parental Control field now displays at all times on the Income screen for an individual under 18 years old. Previously the field did not display except during application/recertification. This enhancement has been made to allow staff to view the entry in the field for previous eligibility determinations.
- “FS only” has been added in parenthesis before the statement to remind staff this field is only used for food stamp eligibility decisions. Entries in this field will not affect eligibility determinations for Temporary Assistance or Child Care.
When determining eligibility for the Food Stamp Program, salary/wages and income from self-employment earned by a child under age 18 living with a natural, adoptive, or step-parent, or who is living under the parental control of an EU member other than a parent is exempted if the child is
- attending elementary or secondary school, or
- attending GED or home-school classes recognized by the state or local school district.
Refer to Food Stamp Manual section 1115.015.40 Earnings of Children when determining eligibility for this exemption. If there is a child under 18 years old with earned income, answer the “(FS only) Under Parental Control” question as follows:
- If the child under 18 years old is under parental control of another person in the EU, enter “Y”. Earned income of this individual will not be considered when determining eligibility for food stamp benefits.
- If the child under 18 years old is not under the parental control of another person in the EU, enter “N”. Earned income of this individual will be considered when determining eligibility for food stamp benefits.
Entries in the “(FS only) Under Parental Control” field on the Income screen will not affect eligibility decisions for Temporary Assistance or Child Care eligibility. Do not complete the field if there is no food stamp eligibility determination to be made.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Determine if a child under 18 years of age is under parental control of a Food Stamp EU member when entering earned income for the child.