September, 2005

To:        School Food Service Directors/Managers

From:    Frances O'Donnell

Re:        Initial Carry-over of Prior Year's Eligibility

    Prior year eligibility for free and reduced priced meals may be used through September 30.  This includes children whose eligibility was determined from income and categorical applications as well as through direct certification.  As of October 1, the eligibility of children who have not provided a new approvable application or new direct certification letter for the 2005-06 school year, reverts to the paid or full price category.

    A new eligibility determination in the current year supersedes the carry-over eligibility.  For example, if a student is determined eligible for reduced-price for the new school year benefits, the free meal eligibility for the prior school year discontinues as soon as the household is notified of the new reduced price eligibility.

    Remember eligibility approvals are not retroactive.  If a child doesn't submit a new approvable application for example, until October 14th, the child's eligibility from October 1st through October 14th is in the paid or full priced category. 

    Questions on this or any other application question can be directed to Barbara St. Louis at (518) 474-3956 or to your Child Nutrition Representative.