I agree, but I don't agree...thoughts?

[Drifter]

Husband lost job, I'm currently not working.

He found new job right away,thank goodness, but lower starting pay until probation period is over.

I checked into temp foodstamps online, but did not quailfy due to him having a 401k.

I don't think it's fair to pull out of that, but then again, it is an asset. I can make ends meet, but that would have really been helpful.

Do you think you should be required to pull from your 401k before you are eligible?

[beth119]

What state do you live in???

IMO, a 401k shouldn't be counted UNLESS you cash it out. I would think that as long as it is being left alone, it shouldn't count.

Foodstamps are supposed to help you get by for a period of time. Suppose you are only on them for 6 months. Should you have to jeopardize your future for that? NO.

[latte]

i have this feeling this thread is going to end up over in the hot house...........all topics regarding foodstamps always seem to end up over there

[Drifter]

That's what I thought too.

I would also have to pay a penalty I would think on whatever amount I pulled out.

[loaslaen]

Husband lost job, I'm currently not working.

He found new job right away,thank goodness, but lower starting pay until probation period is over.

I checked into temp foodstamps online, but did not quailfy due to him having a 401k.

I don't think it's fair to pull out of that, but then again, it is an asset. I can make ends meet, but that would have really been helpful.

Do you think you should be required to pull from your 401k before you are eligible?

First of all, I would probably contact your local DSS and ask them about the 401K. From what I have read online, a 401k is NOT counted, but an IRA is.

A woman was denied SNAP/Food Stamps because she had more than $3,000 in an IRA, but was told by officials that she would have qualified if her money had been in a 401(k). Although Congress changed the law in October 2008, and both IRA and 401(k) funds are no longer a barrier, state and county officials still stood by their original ruling. With help from the Public Policy Center of Mississippi, she was able to get SNAP/Food Stamps.
FRAC News Digest - 5/15/09

[Drifter]

Thank you for that info. I will check into that today.



There were a few online questions to match eligibility, and I felt that was the only reason we were determined not eligible.

[Drifter]

I went back to see if I entered something wrong, and saw this.

You may be able to get Food Stamps in 7 days if:

1. Your household's monthly income is less than $150, and you now have resources of $100 or less.
2. Your shelter cost (plus utilities) is higher than your monthly income plus savings.
3. You do migrant or seasonal farm work.

I guess maybe I thought the income level would have been more than that. That could also be the reason then. I still will call just to see. Thanks.

[loaslaen]

Thank you for that info. I will check into that today.

You're welcome.

The 401K issue could be debated all day long, but that's not gonna help you at all. I just wanted to find out if the information you provided was true since you did it online and not in person. Sometimes laws change and the internet isn't always up-to-date on facts.

I'm pretty good with internet searches, but the information was surprisingly hard to find.

Found another site with documents that said:

401K(s)
*exempt from the asset test in food stamps
*Whether to count 401K(s) against the asset test in TANF and Medicaid is up to the state.


So it sounds like this is definitely a federal rule. Hope you receive the same confirmation from your local office. Good Luck!!

[Drifter]

[quote=loaslaen;2045809]

The 401K issue could be debated all day long, but that's not gonna help you at all. I just wanted to find out if the information you provided was true since you did it online and not in person. Sometimes laws change and the internet isn't always up-to-date on facts. likely

quote]


What are resources?
Resources are your savings and property. DHS needs to know about any money you have in bank accounts, retirement accounts, 401(k) plans, and other savings. We also need to know about any property you own, including houses, cars, trucks, motor homes, boats, etc. DHS uses the facts you give us about your resources to decide what type of help you may qualify to receive.
When answering "What is the total value of your resources?", DHS needs to know the total value of any cash, checking accounts, savings accounts, credit union accounts, and certificates of deposits for all household members. If you decide to file an application, DHS will need to know about the other kind of resources you own.


Well, Thanks again. I will just have to go into the office I guess.

[loaslaen]

I went back to see if I entered something wrong, and saw this.

You may be able to get Food Stamps in 7 days if:

1. Your household's monthly income is less than $150, and you now have resources of $100 or less.
2. Your shelter cost (plus utilities) is higher than your monthly income plus savings.
3. You do migrant or seasonal farm work.

I guess maybe I thought the income level would have been more than that. That could also be the reason then. I still will call just to see. Thanks.

That is not the income eligibility to receive food stamps, that is to receive EMERGENCY food stamps. The process to receive them can take up to 30 days, but if your status matches the above, you can have them expedited and receive them in 7 days.

If you had applied as soon as your husband lost his job, that may have qualified you to receive them in 7 days.