On May 13, 2002, the President signed Public Law 107 which includes the Food Stamp Program reauthorization. As a result of this law, several Food Stamp Program changes are effective October 1, 2002.

NOTE: These changes are made in addition to the normal NBI changes that occur on October 1 of each year.

Change 1 – The Standard Deduction – FSC 6300

                                        Old Policy:  The standard deduction was $134 for all households.

New Policy: The standard deduction will vary according to household size. The new standard deduction amounts are:

Household size 1 $134

Household size 2 $134

Household size 3 $134

Household size 4 $134

Household size 5 $147

Household size 6 and up $168

The standard deduction amount will be adjusted each October at the time of the NBI.

Change 2 – Resource Limits for Aged/Disabled Households – FSC 4300

Old Policy: The resource limit was $3,000 for all households with at least one member age 60 or older. For all other households, including households with disabled members, the resource limit was $2,000.

New Policy: The resource limit will be $3,000 for all households with at least one member who is either age 60 or older or disabled as defined in the Glossary, definition of "Aged/Disabled Household."

Change 3 – Eligibility of Disabled Aliens – FSC 1621.1, item 3.

Old Policy: Any alien who was lawfully present in the United States on August 22, 1996, and who is currently receiving one of the disability benefits listed in the Glossary, definition of "Aged/Disabled Household" may receive food stamp benefits indefinitely if otherwise eligible.

New Policy: Any alien who is lawfully present in the United States and who is currently receiving one of the disability benefits listed in the Glossary, definition of "Aged/Disabled Household" may receive food stamp benefits indefinitely if otherwise eligible. (There is no longer a requirement that the alien must have be present in the United States on August 22, 1996.)