Transitional Food Stamps for Families Leaving TANF
Transitional food stamps will be available for most families when they leave TANF, starting March 1, 2008.
This new program will help families whose monthly income increases when they leave TANF. Usually a family
loses $1 in Food Stamps for every $3 of additional income it receives. The Transitional Food Stamp Program
allows almost all families leaving TANF to keep the same food stamp amount that they had before their income
increased for five months. In other words, for those first five months the family’s food stamps will not be
reduced because of their new income. Receiving the same food stamp amount will provide a small boost for
families as they make the transition off of TANF.
Families whose income is actually lower after leaving TANF should NOT receive transitional food stamps.
These families may receive more Food Stamps if they are not in the new 5-month transitional program.
Families eligible for transitional food stamps will receive a letter notifying them that they are enrolled
in the program. This program will help most families. If your income increases when you leave TANF
and you qualify for transitional food stamps, you do not need to take any further steps. But, if you believe
that your food stamp amount would be higher by not participating, please call your eligibility specialist at
DHHS. They will recalculate your benefit amount. You will be expected to fill out a new certification
form at the end of your five months on transitional food stamps.
MAIN
Update Table of Contents |
MAIN
Home Page |
MEJP Home Page
