That Might Affect You Federal Welfare Reform regulations resulted in several major policy changes. Food Stamps Changes to the food stamp policy altered the way stamps are issued and who is eligible for the program. Previously, parents and children living in the same household could be considered separately for food stamps if the child had a child of his or her own, or if the child's spouse was living with him or her in the parents' home. Under the new policy, any child under 22 years of age living with his or her parents has to receive food stamps with the parents, whether or not he or she has a child or a spouse living with him or her. The policy also applies to children living with an adult who provides parental care and control, until the child reaches age 18.
Many legal immigrants are no longer eligible for food stamps until they become citizens.
If more than one man could be the father of the child receiving this benefit, the child's mother must provide identifying information about both men. Medicaid Stricter rules are now in effect regarding who can file an application for Medicaid for another person. If the Medicaid applicant is unable to do so or has been declared legally incompetent, only certain people such as a spouse or legally appointed guardian will be allowed to apply for them.