supersede the original application. In this case, the LEA must explain to the household that the household is not required to report the change due to the year-long duration of eligibility. The change will only go into effect if the household requests the change in writing. If benefits are voluntarily decreased, the LEA must send a notice of adverse action. What should a school do if a household eligible for free meals wishes to pay at the reduced price? The school should respect the household’s wishes and the household to pay the reduced price charge. The household’s application should correctly reflect the child’s eligibility status, but should include a note that the family has elected to pay the reduced price charge. Meals served to such a child must be claimed at the reduced price reimbursement rate, since the school received the reduced price payment from the household. Section 4: The School Meal Application This section includes information on: Required content for the school meal application; and Different application types and formats. Application Overview LEAs must provide household applications to families applying for free and reduced price meals or free milk benefits, unless the household has been directly certified. The application and all supporting materials must be clear, simple in design, and understandable and uniform in format. The application materials must also conform to the requirements described in this section. In August 2016, FNS released a memorandum outlining steps State agencies, LEAs, and schools can take to improve the application process and encourage eligible families to apply. To review the strategies included in the memorandum, please see SP 43-2016 (v. 2): Ensuring Access to Free and Reduced Price School Meals for Low-Income Students - Revised, Application Content This section lists the information required in the application, beyond the required reporting information specified in Section 3: Establishing Eligibility. Except for the information in the attesting statement, the required information on the application form may be separate from the signature block and organized at the LEA’s discretion. For example, the Use of Information Statement may be referred to in the signature block, on the reverse side of the application, or included with the instructions on how to complete the form.
State education programs administered by a State agency or LEA Eligibility status only Prior notice and consent not required Local education programs No eligibility information, unless parental or guardian consent is obtained Parental or guardian consent Medicaid or CHIP, administered by a State or local agency authorized under titles XIX or XXI of the Social Security Act to identify and enroll eligible children All eligibility information unless parents or guardians elect not to have information disclosed Must give parents and guardians prior notice and an opportunity to decline to have their information disclosed health programs other than Medicaid or CHIP, administered by a State agency or LEA Eligibility status only Prior consent not required Federal health programs other than Medicaid or CHIP No eligibility information, unless parental or guardian consent is obtained Parental or guardian consent Disclosure Recipient of Information What May Be Disclosed Requirements Local health programs No eligibility information, unless parental or guardian consent is obtained Parental or guardian consent Comptroller General of the United States for purposes of audit and examination All eligibility information Prior notice and consent not required Federal, State, or local law enforcement officials investigating alleged violations of any of the programs under the NSLA and CNA or investigating violations of any of the programs that are authorized to have access to names and eligibility status All eligibility information notice and consent not required