• The gross income limits have increased
• Retirement and education accounts are no longer considered countable resources.
• All dependent care costs (child care and care for elderly or disabled household members) are now
considered when determining eligibility and benefit amount.
• The following deductions from Gross Income can be subtracted from Gross income in determining
eligibility and level of food support benefits:
1. Dependent Care Deductions (Actual Cost), must be working, looking for work, or in schooling to acquire work
2. Work Expense deduction of 20% of the unit’s gross income
3. Medical Deductions for any costs over $35 per month
4. Shelter Deductions
5. Standard Deductions (currently $143 for a family of 4)
6. Child and Spousal Support Deductions (must be court ordered)
7. Utility deductions (standard or actual)
New guidelines were set in place by the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - what we used to call food stamps. And, Minnesota applied for and received a waiver where there are no longer asset limits.
The gross income limits increased in November 2010 to 165% of poverty. For example, a family of 4 earning up to about $3,000 a month may be eligible.
The above, along with changes that were made two years earlier,
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