Starting now, but no later than August 1, 2009, counties should essentially pre-file and pend food stamps applications for youth who are expected to “age out” of the foster care system. The letter describes transmitting an application during the dependency, forwarding it to the appropriate county FS office, and holding the application for up to 30 days from the date it is received. At the time dependency is terminated, the FC staff will notify the food stamp office so that the application can be acted upon. If the dependency does not terminate when expected (within 30 days) the county is to deny the application, and “encouraged to look for” another opportunity to have the youth complete another application, thus starting the 30-day clock again.
The letter also discusses jurisdiction issues (the county of FC jurisdiction must coordinate with the county of residence/where the application must be filed), SFIS, out of county office interviews, and other FS issues. [Download]