1. Pre-Approval Meal Benefits Application Training

2. Pre-Approval for Meal Benefits Pre-Approval for Meal Benefits is processed when a new or a qualifying student has a status of "Paid" . It is the responsibility of the pre-approved processor(s) to determine when to pre- approve an application. Pre-approving an application DOES NOT mean the application is approved.

3. Training Goals: Support families and schools to make the annual application process as smooth as possible. To provide high levels of customer service to schools and households. To help the district process applications faster during the school year.

4. Pre-approval process The student must have a paper application completed. The pre-approval person(s) needs to review the application for 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 FNS Manager has a copy of the 2012-2013 Federal Income Guidelines pertaining to Free and Reduced-Price Meals). A copy must be sent to the Free and Reduced department by 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 numbers always begin with a 10, 11, 12, or 13. If a household does not receive SNAP or 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 income type 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 a Social Security number is checked. SNAP or TANF households are not required 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 under the "Free" status if their income falls within these guidelines. Income = Total income before taxes or deductions, social security, welfare, child support, any income Monthly = income X 12 Every 2 weeks = income X 26 Twice Monthly = income X 24 Weekly = income X 52

10. Federal Meal Benefit Income Guidelines 2012-2013 The following chart displays which application can be pre-approved under the Reduced" status if their income falls within these guidelines. Income = Total income before taxes or deductions, social security, welfare, child support, any income Monthly = income X 12 Every 2 weeks = income X 26 Twice Monthly = income X 24 Weekly = income X 52

11. Determination of eligibility As a pre-approval processor, it is your responsibility to calculate the households total income and household size, then compare the total amount 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 are automatically eligible for free meals. Households must input their DC number on the application. In some cases an application is unnecessary, since the state provides OCPS with a DC list which is uploaded automatically. Foster Children, Homeless, Migrant and Runaway Homeless can qualify by the homeless option in box 2 of the applications or by completing the Residency Questionnaire which is available from the school registrar.

13. Thank You Meal Benefits Main Contact Information Food & Nutrition Services 6501 Magic Way Bldg. 500 Orlando, FL 32809 407-317-3966 Fax: 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