Food Stamps
As a VISTA, you should be eligible for food stamps. Food stamps and many other social services (especially child care) cannot be taken away from you if you obtain them before becoming a VISTA. All prior federal assistance is unaffected upon becoming an AmeriCorps*VISTA
Upon starting the program, you will qualify under the income requirement, as your living allowance is well under the monthly income limit.
Food Stamp programs, along with many other social assistance programs, have an asset limit. This usually is savings, but may also include retirement plans and investments as well. The average amount is $2,000 but check your local requirements.
A Directory of Food Stamp Application Offices
CTC VISTA Project Assistance
The CTC VISTA Project can provide certification that you are serving as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, your living allowance payments and supporting material as to your eligibility for food stamps or other social services. Contact us!
Common Issues and Solutions
There is an enormous amount of discretion given to each individual caseworker, and it seems that each interprets the guidelines very differently. In most cases, VISTAs are eligible and you should contact the VISTA Project should you run into difficulties.
- AmeriCorps living allowance should not be included in income calculations! This applies to any Federal or Federally-assisted program based on need. Download a letter from the US Department of Agriculture confirming this.
- In extreme cases the locality may view your signing the AmeriCorps VISTA as voluntary poverty, which could be a hindrance in furthering your case.
Links
- While made specifically for those in Massachusetts, http://gettingfoodstamps.org has valuable, general information for anyone looking to receive food assistance.
- The offical Food and Nutrition Service site (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/) can be a little difficult to navigate, but houses helpful FAQs (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/faqs.htm) and your state's hotline number (http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/contact_info/hotlines.htm).
Other Resources
Free Stuff This is a great website for resources from local food banks to free housing. Very anarchist-ist and sounds negative, but I found some great stuff here. www.ihatemylife.us
Finding Housing Housingmaps.com plots listings from Craig's List on Google Maps.
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| foodstamps_letter-policy.pdf | 51.9 KB |