1. Pre-Approval Meal BenefitsApplication Training

2. Pre-Approval for Meal Benefits Pre-Approval for Meal Benefits is processedwhen a new or a qualifying student has astatus of "Paid" . It is the responsibility of the pre-approvedprocessor(s) to determine when to pre-approve an application. Pre-approving an application DOES NOT meanthe application is approved. 3. Training Goals: Support families and schools to make theannual application process as smooth aspossible. To provide high levels of customer service toschools and households. To help the district process applications fasterduring the school year. 4. Pre-approval process The student must have a paper application completed. The pre-approval person(s) needs to review the applicationfor accuracy. The pre-approval checklist is used as a guide to pre-approve applications. Please take time to review that the application is complete, legible,and that the income is within the federal guideline limits (the FNSManager has a copy of the 2012-2013 Federal Income Guidelinespertaining to Free and Reduced-Price Meals). A copy must be sent to the Free and Reduced departmentby courier, email, or Fax. meal.applications@ocps.net Fax (407) 317 - 3714 It is required that a copy is given to the FNS Manager of the signed pre-approved meal application. 5. Pre-Approval Application ChecklistThe following instructions are required for pre-approving applications. Box 1 - Complete with all students in the household Box 2 Enter the 10 digit case number for SNAP or TANF . SNAP numbersalways begin with a 10, 11, 12, or 13. If a household does not receive SNAPor TANF benefits, they do not have to complete Box 2 6. Pre-Approval Application Checklist Box 3 Identify if the applicants are Homeless, Migrant, and Runaway Box 4 List all house hold members. Household members with no income, Zero income box must be checked. Household members with income, income must be entered under the correct incometype for each household member. 7. Pre-Approval Application Checklist Box 5 Signature Signature of the adult household member (required). The last 4 digit of the social security number unless the box I do not have aSocial Security number is checked. SNAP or TANF households are notrequired to provide the last 4 digits of the social security number. First name, last name, address, and telephone number. 8. Pre-Approval Application Checklist Pre-Approval (For School officials use only) Signature of the pre-approval person. 9. Federal Meal Benefit Income Guidelines 2012-2013 The following chart displays which application can be pre-approved underthe "Free" status if their income falls within these guidelines.Income = Total income beforetaxes or deductions, socialsecurity, welfare, childsupport, any incomeMonthly = income X 12Every 2 weeks = income X 26Twice Monthly = income X 24Weekly = income X 52 10. Federal Meal Benefit Income Guidelines 2012-2013 The following chart displays which application can be pre-approved underthe Reduced" status if their income falls within these guidelines.Income = Total income beforetaxes or deductions, socialsecurity, welfare, childsupport, any incomeMonthly = income X 12Every 2 weeks = income X 26Twice Monthly = income X 24Weekly = income X 52 11. Determination of eligibility As a pre-approval processor, it is your responsibility to calculate thehouseholds total income and household size, then compare the totalamount to the Income Eligibility Guideline. Household size = Total people living at one address 12. Automatic Qualification Direct Certification (DC) - If a household receives benefits from SNAP(formally food stamps) or TANF, all students in the household areautomatically eligible for free meals. Households must input their DCnumber on the application. In some cases an application is unnecessary,since the state provides OCPS with a DC list which is uploadedautomatically. Foster Children, Homeless, Migrant and Runaway Homeless can qualify by the homeless option in box 2 of theapplications or by completing the Residency Questionnaire which isavailable from the school registrar. 13. Thank YouMeal Benefits Main Contact Information Food & Nutrition Services6501 Magic Way Bldg. 500 Orlando, FL 32809 407-317-3966Fax: 407-317-3714 meal.applications@ocps.netOn-line Applications : Direct to the application: www.ocpsmealapp.com OR click the links atthe school homepage or at www.ocps.netMeal Benefits StaffBrad Cunningham, Manager407-317-3700 ext. 5148bradley.cunningham@ocps.net