FS question...

[Freedom~Mama]

(For those of you that receive FS) -- Do you spend your whole FS amount every month or do you keep some extra? I am curious because I am getting $526 a month for myself and my two girls (plus WIC for my youngest) and that is more than we can spend per month. If I really splurge and go for all name brand and organic I def. can spend it all but I am wondering if maybe I should keep some extra in case something comes along where I need to spend more?! What do you all think? I don't have much freezer room or I would prob. stock up an then freeze a bunch of stuff.

[maciascl]

I dont spend it all every month. Plus when we first started they back dated our amount for a months so we have atleast $400 that rolls over every month. After this monthit may be closer to $500. I am in CA & was told by my worker that once it is put on the card it is mine & they can't take it away. I have seen others say that after 12 months of non use any left over balance dissapears.

[Purple*Lotus]

Yes, check to see what your state's rule is for unused balances.

I would probably try to get a good cushion, if possible, for when you are out on your own again.

Does the shelter you are going to provide all of your meals? The one here did and I would encourage my clients to hoard their FS and eat the shelter's food so that when they did go out on their own, they had enough FS money to stock their pantries with.

[KatWrangler]

We roll ours over. However, we were cut $200 off our FS this month. So I don't know now...

[Freedom~Mama]

My shelter doesn't provide any food unfortunately so I won't be able to save much but anything that I can save will help.

Originally Posted by Bunnyflakes

Yes, check to see what your state's rule is for unused balances.

I would probably try to get a good cushion, if possible, for when you are out on your own again.

Does the shelter you are going to provide all of your meals? The one here did and I would encourage my clients to hoard their FS and eat the shelter's food so that when they did go out on their own, they had enough FS money to stock their pantries with.

[Purple*Lotus]

Originally Posted by Beautiful~Life

My shelter doesn't provide any food unfortunately so I won't be able to save much but anything that I can save will help.

None?! How do they expect the clients to keep everything separate in the kitchen? Assuming it is just one kitchen for everyone.

[leavemealone]

There is no way I could spend the amount we get each month so it rolls over. I am a total sale and coupon shopper so unless I gave that up (and why would I since I get more food for the money by doing so), I couldn't spend it all. The state where I live does say that the card must be used at least once every 12 months or some portion of the money is lost, but there's no minimum purchase amount. We are keeping the extra so that when we don't qualify for FS anymore (hopefully within six months), we'll still have some for when times are tight. We also stock up the pantry with things like pasta, sauce, soups, etc when the price is great so that we don't run out of that kind of stuff.

[zebra15]

Well for the past 5-6 mos our FS was $160 but now its been 'fixed' starting in april to $370 !! I was able to make it on the lower amount so I will definately have left over with the $370.00. As far as I know that amount will just roll to the next month. I dont know how long it rolls for...I use my card every week at the store.

[justmama]

we get more than we need. $403 for one adult and 3 little girls(one of whom eats more than I do, literally!) plus WIC for the youngest(2 year old). In my state we can roll over for 3 months and then they wipe your card. Just call DHS in your state and ask how long you can roll a balance on the card without losing any benefits. If you are worried about losing your benefits, you don't have to tell them who you are. It's a policy question, not related to your specific information. I hope everything works out for you. I dont' know your situation but when I see people in a tough spot, I always feel so helpless. II don't even know where you live but I want to help you. If you are in New England I'm close by.