Can I use my remaining WIC benefits after I got a new job, before my next certification?

October 23, 2011 5:00 PM

Lost my job (boo!). Got WIC checks for my small children (thanks, America!). Got a new job starting shortly (yay!) What happens with the rest of the WIC checks?

I was given three months of checks before I next go to check in. Some of the programs my kids qualified for you continue receiving the benefits they've been approved for even if your income changes, and only re-means-test at the end of that benefit cycle. Others have you to notify them immediately when your means exceed the program's guidelines. I cannot find, anywhere, which type of program WIC is. I have a recertification date in December, and checks until then.

Can I use these checks or must I turn them back in? Or destroy them? It would help us with the getting-on-our-feet if I could use at least a few this month before the new income starts, but I probably wouldn't continue to use them after that.

Can't find the answer online. If metafilter doesn't know I'll call tomorrow but that's like a 40-minute hold time so I've been avoiding trying to call. :) I feel like maybe this is something other people know and I'm just looking in the wrong places.

posted by anonymous to Law & Government (11 answers total)

I'm not familiar with WIC rules, but you may be able to find a lawyer/advocate who can answer your question at lawhelp.org.
posted by Mavri at 5:30 PM on October 23, 2011

There was paperwork I signed saying that I needed to report a change in income to them, but in person, they said they only cared upon recertification (and my income has unfortunately dropped every recertification period). However, checks you have that are valid RIGHT NOW? Use them for sure. You haven't officially started bringing in the money yet. When do your checks go until, and will you start your new job before then?

I'm in MA.

And a lawyer isn't worth the benefits per month you get from WIC, heh. Unless you can pay him in 36 oz of cereal.
posted by kpht at 5:40 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

From my reading of the regulations, there isn't sufficient time to complete a reassessment of your income before your recertification date. So you can keep the checks.

(1) Mandatory reassessment of income eligibility mid-certification.
(i) The local agency must reassess a participant's income eligibility
during the current certification period if the local agency receives
information indicating that the participant's household income has
changed. However, such assessments are not required in cases where
sufficient time does not exist to effect the change. Sufficient time
means 90 days or less before the expiration of the certification period.

posted by Knappster at 5:42 PM on October 23, 2011

Does your state have a benefits bank or other social services helper agency like that? They may have a significantly shorter hold time.
posted by SMPA at 5:43 PM on October 23, 2011

I think their definition of "sufficient time" is backwards, but you get the gist.
posted by Knappster at 5:43 PM on October 23, 2011

Oh hey, I just remembered that at 11:15 tomorrow I have an appointment with my local office to get more checks, so I can ask for you. What state are you in, so I can ask if it's the same in ($_state)?
posted by kpht at 6:09 PM on October 23, 2011 [1 favorite]

Use them as long as you need them, and be honest when it's time for re-certification.
posted by luckynerd at 7:42 PM on October 23, 2011

Don't destroy them. WIC wants them back. I think they keep track of everything. If I were in your place I'd just call the office and ask them.

I think you should use them at least until you get your first pay check.
posted by TooFewShoes at 7:54 PM on October 23, 2011

When something similar happened to me (in MN) I was told by WIC to keep using them until I was required to come in with proof of income. In my case this was when Baby was born.
posted by deadcrow at 8:08 PM on October 23, 2011

You have kids. Use them if you need them. Keep in mind that you may have to pay some of the benefit back depending on when your income changes. Sounds like your job hasn't started yet. Look at the pro-rated amount and just keep that in mind. Find out when you talk to WIC later. Congrats on the job!
posted by amanda at 11:14 PM on October 23, 2011

I asked today, and they said "we just tell people to use them until the next recertification period, unless they magically get a 6-figure job or something. If you need them, use them. We don't go around randomly checking income, until the recertification period comes around."
posted by kpht at 10:45 AM on October 24, 2011 [1 favorite]