[kdoll514]

I have had several people ask me why I don't draw food stamps to help with feeding my girls. I had never thought about it, because I figured that's what the montly suppliment was for. Does anyone know if that is something that is open for foster parents.

[greenmama]

I suppose you could if you qualify financially...but I would think that most FPs wouldn't qualify since you have to be able to support yourself with the subsidy to be approved.

[kdoll514]

That's what I thought. We are actually fine without them, but with so many people asking me that question, I didn't know if I was missing out on a benefit. I didn't know if that was something provided, like WIC is.

Thank you.

[Hadley2]

I believe it depends on your state. I am pretty sure I remember someone talking about using them on the boards before. Don't be afraid to ask your cw. With ours, we received nothing unless we asked for it directly, starting with the subsidy. They don't always volunteer the information, but there is no shame in asking.

[Joy2566]

Here, they don't want us taking any government assistance. For instance, all foster children are eligible for free school lunch and breakfast, but our agency says that is double dipping because the government is already paying a stipend that is supposed to feed the kids. We were chastised for allowing ds to work for the county's summer youth job program, because we should teach him to not rely on the government for his support.

[millie58]

Joy2566: wow!! Kiddies got breakfast and lunch (which I threatened to take away) and kids got camp (labeled as daycare). In NY, food stamps is based on eligibility.

[greenrobin]

Originally Posted by Joy2566

Here, they don't want us taking any government assistance. For instance, all foster children are eligible for free school lunch and breakfast, but our agency says that is double dipping because the government is already paying a stipend that is supposed to feed the kids. We were chastised for allowing ds to work for the county's summer youth job program, because we should teach him to not rely on the government for his support.

It isn't double dipping. It's an entirely separate issue. The application for free and reduced lunch has a line item for foster children. The school receives the extra help--ie, government funding--for the higher level of low socioeconomic group.

It absolutely infuriates me that agencies don't know this!

[mommy2fiveplus]

I think this varies by state and agency. In our area (Northern Michigan) some foster kids actually do qualify for food stamps. The reason why is that "thier" income is the stipend. So they are considered a "family of one" and in Michigan that can mean as little as $351.00/month income. With that little of an income they can still qualify for food stamps. I think very few foster parents use this option. I would bet it would require a ton of paper work and I know I already fill out enough.

[CJinCO]

In Colorado I get WIC checks for my two foster girls (10mos & 2 yrs). They told me any child who qualifies for Medicaid is automatically eligible for WIC.

Monthly I get for the baby free formula (right now it's 7 cans), 2 boxes baby cereal, 28 jars baby food, 1lb bananas. For the toddler I get 4 gallons milk, 2lbs. cheese, bread, peanut butter, juice, eggs, cereal.

The formula alone (esp. when the baby was solely on formula) was a huge savings. I actually didn't know that I could get WIC and was buying the formula on my own when another foster parent gave me the info and the number to call.

I use a psuedo name (recommendation of WIC nutritionist) so that the bio parents won't know all of our info if they claim WIC for other children or in the future.

Contact your local Health Dept. I have to go every few months to meet with the nutritionist, have the girls weighed/measured and fill out surveys on how they're doing.

[CJinCO]

I just looked it up and WIC is for children five years old and under.