Do I need to fill out an application for each child?
No. Use one Meal Benefit Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals for all students in your household. We cannot approve an application that is not complete, so be sure to fill out all required information. Return the completed application to your child’s school.
Who can get free meals?
All children in households receiving benefits from the Food Supplement Program [FSP], or Temporary Cash Assistance [TCA], can get free meals regardless of your income. Also, your children can get free meals if your household’s gross income is within the free limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines.
If you have received a NOTICE OF ELIGIBILITY for free meals, do not complete the application. But do let the school know if any children in your household are not listed on the Notice of Eligibility letter you received.>
Can foster children get free meals?
Yes, foster children that are under the legal responsibility of a foster care agency or court are eligible for free meals.
Can homeless, runaway, and migrant children get free meals?
Yes, children who meet the definition of homeless, runaway, or migrant are eligible for free meals. If you believe children in your household meet these descriptions and haven’t been told your children will get free meals, please call the Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW) office at 410-313-6646.
Who can get reduced-price meals?
Your children can get reduced-price meals if your household income is within the reduced-price limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines chart.
Should I fill out an application if I received a letter this school year saying my children are approved for free meals?
No, but please read the letter you got carefully and follow the instructions. Call the Food & Nutrition Office at (410) 313-6743 if you have questions.
My child’s application was approved last year. Do I need to fill out a new one?
Yes. All other students who did not receive a Direct Certification letter MUST fill out a new form for the 2015-2016 School year. During the first 30 school days, students with free and reduced meal eligibility from the prior school year will be carried over. Any student who has not filled out an application up to the 30th school day will have their prior year status changed to full pay status until a new application is received.
I am a WIC recipient. Can my children get free meals?
Children in households participating in WIC may be eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Please send in an application for review.
Will the information I give be checked?
Yes and we may also ask you to send written proof.
If I do not qualify, may I apply later?
Yes, you may apply at any time during the school year. For example, children with a parent or guardian who becomes unemployed may become eligible for free and reduced-price meals if the household income drops below the income limit.
What if I disagree with the school’s decision after I submit an application?
You should talk to officials in the Food and Nutrition Office. You also may ask for a hearing by calling or writing to: Howard County Public Schools, Food & Nutrition Service, 10910 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042. Phone 410-313-6743.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. Citizen?
Yes. You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens to qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
Who should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, foster children, or friends) who share income and expenses. You must include yourself and all children living with you. If you live with other people who are economically independent (for example, people who you do not support, who do not share income with you or your children, and who pay a pro-rated share of expenses), do not include them.
What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally receive. For example, if you normally make $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only made $900, put down that you made $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you only work overtime sometimes. If you have lost a job or had your hours or wages reduced, use your current income.
We are in the military. Do we include our housing allowance as income?
If you get an off-base housing allowance, it must be included as income. However, if your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income.
My spouse is deployed to a combat zone. Is their combat pay counted as income?
No, if the combat pay is received in addition to her basic pay because of her deployment and it wasn’t received before she was deployed, combat pay is not counted as income. Contact your child’s school for more information.
My family needs more help. Are there other programs we might apply for?
To find out how to apply for FSP, TCA, and medical assistance programs or other assistance benefits, contact your local assistance office or call 1-800-332-6347.
My child brought home a FARMs Program Application and said I must complete and return it to school. Are all families/households required to fill out the application?
No. All families/households are not required to fill out the application. Only families/households who need assistance and fall within the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines should apply. Applications are automatically sent home with every student on the first day of school. Guidelines are printed on the application to help parents/guardians determine if they might qualify for the program.
I lost my copy of the FARMs eligibility notice I received. How can I obtain a copy so that I can apply for other benefits?
Eligibility notices should be kept for the entire school year in order to apply for additional benefits. Call the Food and Nutrition Service Office at 410-313-7134 to request a copy.