I have received benefits or discounts from qualifying for free or reduced-price meals in the past, can I still get them with CEP?
Yes! When you fill out the Family Income Survey, if you meet the income thresholds, you can get a letter to provide to community programs that request it for discounts.
Can I put my child's nickname on the Family Income Survey?
No. Please write your child's full name that was used to register him/her in school.
My children attend different schools within Spokane Public Schools. How many Family Income Surveys do I need to complete?
One Family Income Survey listing all students living in your household is all that is required, no matter what schools they attend.
If I don't qualify now, may I complete the Family Income Survey later?
Yes. You may complete the Famiy Income Survey at any time during the school year if your household size changes, income goes down, or if you start getting Basic Food, TANF, or other benefits. If you become unemployed, your children may be able to get free or reduced-price meals.
Who should I include as members of my household?
You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.
What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally get. For example, if you normally get $1000 each month, but you missed some work last month and only got $900, put down that you get $1000 per month. If you normally get overtime, include it, but not if you get it only sometimes. You must list any deployed service members names and income that is made available to the household on the application (This person should be included in the total household count in section 3 & 4 of the application).
We are military. Do we include our housing allowance as income?
If your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative, do not include your housing allowance as income. All other allowances must be included in your gross income.
How long are my benefits good for?
You will find an expiration date listed on your approval letter that will be mailed to your home. You are no longer required to report changes once you are approved.
