How can I get the state of Montana DPHHS to quit lying about food stamp rules.?

Question

If you are an indigent (eligible for food stamps but not participating) and have to pay a 500$ late traffic fine, you can go on food stamps (remember, you are eligible before the fine payment).

The Montana DPHHS says you cannot collect food stamps after a 500$ fine since there is no deduction allowed for fines (that applies to those not eligible, does not apply to those eligible for food stamps). How do I get the Montana DPHHS to recognize delinquent fine payments could be causing an increase in food stamps?

Answer 1

Food stamps provide a supplement to eligible households so they can get more nutritious food. The program is not meant to be the sole provider of food to the household. The amount a household gets each month depends on the household income less eligible deductions – and it’s no lie that fines are not an eligible deduction. Eligible deductions are
o 20% of the total gross household earned income;
o 8.31% of the net household income limit;
o Certain dependent-care costs;
o Legally owed and paid child support;
o A percentage of shelter costs; and
o A medical expense deduction can be allowed for the portion of non-reimbursable medical expenses that exceed $35 per month per household.

This links to an overview of Montana's food stamp program:
http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/foodstampprogramoverview.shtml

Answer 2

Why should you care!???

If one is indigent (ie can't afford the basics such as food) then it stands to reason that person also couldn't afford a car or the required insurance. If someone is traing to get on the food stamp program but has an outstanding fine then is stands to reason that at one point you had the ability to support yourself (and a car) and have since fallen on hard times. However, if your on Food Stamps and then get a ticket you should have to take care of the fine before you get the food stamps.

Understand that Food Stamps is not a 'god given right' it is the government having to take care of a citizen who can't support themselves. If that citizen then 'breaks the law' (ie traffic ticket) and then disregards the citation and thus incurs a higher 'late fee / warrent fee' then that demonstrates a disregard the very government that is feeding them.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you!

Geeze.. they should pay the fine and get a job.

I think the state has it right and you are wrong.

Answer 3

First you should be able to state which law they are violating. You should be able to complete this sentence:
"Montana is violating ____________ (law) by stating that the eligibility requirements for food stamps are ________ (stated eligibility) when ________ (law) actually states that they are _________ (law eligibility)

Until then you are spinning your wheels.

Answer 4

Quit while your ahead. There isn't much truth and justice in any place in the world.

Maybe try kite flying to relax yourself.