Food Stamps?

Ok, G. this is the thing not to tell you to lie but you just really can't tell them everything foodstamps is to help you and your family to get on your feet not to live comfortable. And it looks like you need help to get on your feet you don't sound like you are trying to bet the systems you just need a little help why you are down. So no i wouldn't answer those questions because it's like they want to see you begging on the streets before you qualify for stamps don't tell

Be honest about everything. In most cases, you will not have to take your 401K out because of the tax hit. However, in most cases, you can take a small amount of money out of it and have your accountant put an addendum with the tax form that it was for job loss or illness, whatever. I did that and it worked out fine.

Also, try food pantries. Shop at smaller community ethnic stores. You can get an amazing amount of fruits, vegetables and meat if you are willing to stay away from the big box stores.

I was on welfare and reported when I went to work. For six months after, I was sent food stamps. I called the case manager and she said that it was factored with my new income, not to worry.

Two years later, I was summoned to HR at the hospital I work with a notification to appear in court. They went though my employer. I was mortified. I had to pay back everything they gave me in "error" for the six months--over $5,000. Also, they took my State income tax refunds for five years.

Be honest. In today's computerized world, our information is just a click away.

Take the help you need, that is why it is there. Just be sure to play by the rules.

I was getting divorced, looking for food stamps and was not yet divorced when I went. Ex had a 401 K. The woman laughed at me, gave me temporary food stamps and that was it.I was really honest. I took two jobs to survive and didn't get any government help and he divorce went on for years. No fun
In addition, more recently I have tried to get family state insurance twice and we both work (very nice second husband) but barely make it past our checks and do live quite modestly. They denied us twice (even the rebate program). I do not know how you hide a 401K so I wouldn't.But if you take that out you get taxed big time anyway. I didn't know that either and paid several thousand dollars the next time. Good luck. If you can shop at Aldi's or good cheap places that will help. I feel for you. It is not easy. I haven't been working in the summer and it is hard.

You only have to put down what in savings and checking and they dont check out how much is in the accounts.I know it can seem like a lot. The best thing to do is to apply for the medical card as well as food stamps then it wont matter what you have.

Don't want to bum you out but food stamps are not supposed to be for people who:

a) chose not to work (that's you)

b) have money saved ( thats your 401k)

It is supposed to be for people whose kids might not be able to eat but for the food stamps.

I have worked in very low income(welfare)neighborhoods and know many people who did use food stamps.

My sister was a single parent, worked hard at low wage jobs but always had a job, and never considered using food stamps though I think she would have been a good candidate.

You, I'm sorry to say, are not the profile of what this system was set up for. If you use it you will have to lie on your application and I'm sure you don't want to do that.

Best Wishes to you and your family during this challenging time. I'm sure you will do the right thing.

L.

I think you should be honest. Is there any way you can get a part time job in the evenings, since your husband is home to watch the girls? Good luck to you and your family.

Go on the Illinos Department of Human Servcices Website. They have all the information you need. You are allowed to have savings, even property etc and still qualify for the Link Card with food stamp benefits. Of course you want to be honest about any income or assests in your home. The think about 401k is you can only access so much of it as a loan or a hardship anyway, so it's not like a savings account that you can draw from anytime you need it. The other benefit you may want to consider is WIC. The income guidelines for WIC are much higher thant the income guidelines for food stamp benefits. Children are eligible for WIC through the age of five years old. Also, if you purchase private health care insurance through your employer, Illinois All Kids health insurance program for children has a "rebate program". The rebate program is there to support moderate income families to keep their kids on their private insurance. This program gives you a "rebate" check monthly to help you offset the cost of private insurance. All the info is on All Kids website.

G.,
You need to be honest about your savings all is verifiable through your tax returns. I would recommend you go visit your local WIC (Women, Infant, Children) office. They only consider your current earnings, not savings. Children under 5 and pregnant and/or nursing women receive aid. I used this program for two years while our only income was my husband's part-time job, even though we had a substantial amount of savings. Good luck!

Its really hard to go through the system. they do ask a lot of questions. Can you send me your email address, theres some thing I would like to ask you but some one on mamasource may report me like last time, its absolutely nothing bad.

Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy! To get state aid the forms are checked out before receiving a check or food stamps. All your accets are listed under your social security number so you will be found-out and lose anything the gov. is helping you with....you would be made to repay and could be prosceuted. The gov. doesn't want you to uae your 401k if not necessary. You could be eligible for the food pantry in your town, food stamps, bill money, utilities, and medical insurance. Husband needs to be with you and make sure he has a medical excuse from dr. as to why he can't work...list ALL reasons.

The ethical thing to do is to be completely honest.

For more info look on the DHS website:

http://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29721

Even if you can't get food stamps, you might be eligible for WIC. With food stamps, there is a limit on how much you can have in savings, I think it is $3000, and someone needs to be working or disabled, is your husband getting SSI?

I know that you can have up to 2,000 in savings but I am not sure about 401's. Its best to be honest and they will work with you.

There is a program that was placed in service under the Obama administration. This program allow people with 401(k)s to receive food stamps. But, it's not under the same welfare program. I can't remember the name of it, something starting with TANF I believe. It could be expired, I read about it in the newspaper where this wealthy community in Ga had people lining up for food stamps and the stores in their area had to change standards to allow for these food stamp cards.