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Instructions for the Household Application for Free and Reduced Price School Meals

Please use these instructions to help you fill out the application for free and reduced price school meals.

Sources of Income

Please see this list of income sources for Step 3.

Earnings from Work

  • Salary, wages, cash bonuses, tips, commissions

  • Net income from self-employment (farm or business)​

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If you are in the U.S. Military:

  • Basic pay and cash bonuses (do NOT include combat pay, FSSA, or privatized housing allowances)

  • Allowances for off-base housing, food, and clothing

Public Assistance/Alimony/ Child Support

  • Unemployment benefits

  • Workers' compensation

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Cash assistance from State or local government

  • Alimony payments

  • Child support payments

  • Veterans benefits

  • Strike benefits 

Pensions/Retirement/ All other sources of income

  • Social Security/Disability (including railroad retirement and black lung benefits)

  • Private Pensions or disability benefits

  • Income from trusts or estates

  • Annuities

  • Investment income

  • Earned interest

  • Rental income

  • Regular cash payments from
    outside household 

Examples of Income for Children

  • A child has a regular full or part-time job where they earn a salary or wages

  • A child is blind or disabled and receives Social Security benefits

  • A parent is disabled, retired, or deceased, and their child receives Social Security benefits

  • A friend or extended family member regularly gives a child spending money

  • A child receives regular income from a private pension fund, annuity, or trust

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