Gov't Assistance: WIC, food stamps

[Pax]

A lot of those benefits can only run 60 months, from the birth of the first child. Once the 60 month clock runs out they will lose a lot of the cash assistance, daycare assistance, and in most states they will lose the adult healthcare.

[missjean]

I think what is happening is they pay taxes every pay check, but then they get it back.

From Wikipedia:
The United States federal earned income tax credit or earned income credit (EITC or EIC) is a refundable tax credit for low- and medium-income individuals and couples, primarily for those who have qualifying children. When the credit exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who qualify and claim the credit. That is, this credit is refundable. This tax credit is provided, in part, to offset the burden of social security taxes and to maintain an incentive to work.[1] It has also been part of political debates regarding whether to raise the minimum wage or whether to increase the earned income credit[citation needed], with the EIC being targeted to persons and couples taking care of children (with parents receiving preference over other family members).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earned_income_tax_credit

30 some years ago, when we didn't have two nickles to rub together, we got WIC coupons, but nothing else.

[Irulan]

I am financial POA for a relative who lives solely on disability and other benefits. They have disability, medicaid, foodstamps ($18 month)a HUD subsidy, and sometimes they get utility assistance.

These agencies have a series of complex formulas that they use to calculate benefits. The formulas are based on assets ( bank account balances), amount of rent paid, what utilities cost, medical bills, and some sort of perceived amount that you can have based on family size. The food stamp benefit is recalculated every two or three months.

I do not know anything about EIC, as this person survives on below poverty level and does not file taxes. Family size can affect everything. I'm surprised that they get a Y membership, but they may have applied for a scholarship benefit and gotten it that way. I do not know of any public benefits program, state or govt run that would pay for a membership like that.

Having assisted this person for several years, all I can say is that it's tough to make it if that is all you have. She unfortunately cannot work any longer due to a stroke, and the disability benefit is all she has. She's not even 50 yet.

[OakLeaf]

Um, if they're both working full time jobs, what else is it that you want them to do?

Even assuming there were jobs available (which for all the claims of "recovery," real statistics show there aren't), if they were to take second and third jobs as a lot of the working poor do, all that means is paying for more child care. Usually a net wash, or even a net loss, unless the child care is subsidized (which it probably wouldn't be anyway for a second job).


Your Y may offer a sliding scale or individually negotiated rates, if you think your family should qualify for a discount.

[Irulan]

Um, if they're both working full time jobs, what else is it that you want them to do?

Even assuming there were jobs available (which for all the claims of "recovery," real statistics show there aren't), if they were to take second and third jobs as a lot of the working poor do, all that means is paying for more child care. Usually a net wash, or even a net loss, unless the child care is subsidized (which it probably wouldn't be anyway for a second job).


Your Y may offer a sliding scale or individually negotiated rates, if you think your family should qualify for a discount.

I've seen the calculation on what two full time minimum wage jobs earn annually, and it's not much to raise a family on.

[limewave]

They don't work full time. But I do see your point.

I do appreciate the explanations everyone.

[Veronica]

I do wonder how the parents of my students who are on free or reduced lunch can afford such nice SUVS.

Veronica

[limewave]

I do wonder how the parents of my students who are on free or reduced lunch can afford such nice SUVS.

Veronica

That's kind of what I'm wondering.