Anonymous
07/20/2025 14:21
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote: Free and Reduced meals is based on current income only and also on the number of total people in the household. Yes you would qualify for them, with $0.00 current income.
You should be able to enroll prior to school starting so on the first day of school your school aged children will have the benefits of the meal. For most school districts they can open them up a few weeks prior to the first day of school. You should see an announcement or you can apply directly on the food service website.
No, they have savings in less they are dishonest. They can go to free pantry’s that are not income based.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 14:20
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote:I lost my job about a month ago and am concerned that it could take me a long time to find a new job. As such, I am carefully reviewing my finances to make sure I don’t run out of money. I am divorced w 50/50 custody. I currently have approx $15k in my checking account after receiving severance, which will pay bills for maybe 3-4 months. I applied for unemployment and was approved, but haven’t received any payments yet due to I am assuming the severance payment + my last paycheck + accrued PTO payout etc.
I have approx $200k in an investment account, as well as some $ in retirement. And worst case scenario I could sell my house and net ~$150-200k after paying off the mortgage. However, looking at the rental market, I likely wouldn’t be able to rent anything for less than my current mortgage (and realistically understand that it is quite unlikely that I would be approved for housing anywhere with no job).
The reason I am posting is this - If I am still unemployed, will I be able to qualify for free/reduced lunch for my kids when school starts again in the fall? Im in Fairfax County. Are there any other benefits that I qualify for? I am going to assume not since I do have $ that I can access and public benefits are/should be reserved for those w no other options.
TIA for any advice/insight. Please dont pile on me, I feel like this is a very dumb question that is coming from a place of privilege but I need some advice.
Not with $200k in investments. You don’t need to sell the house. But, you will not get help with savings. Take any job including food delivery when your kids are not with you.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 14:13
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Lol you have 200k in savings, 15k in checking and can sell a house. You ain't getting shit. Go get a job
Actually OP qualifies for a lot. Stay mad.
+1. I'd rather feed children with my taxes.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:55
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote:I admit I’m a little stunned you expect benefits with ~400k in assets.
NP. When taxpaying people who have been continuously employed lose their jobs, they panic. This was me during the Great Recession.
I think it helps for people to tell others that they should seek out all the benefits to which they are legally entitled.
The strong motivations of people to stay employed and produce pay the taxes that help everyone who has trouble through their trouble spots.
OP, there are federal guidelines for subsidized lunch prices. And your school district likely sends out forms each year that can be downloaded off the school district website.
They may also have some program for food insecure kids to get food on the weekends. I don't think you would need that but it makes sense to understand all programs available.
If you feel bad about taking advantage of these programs, just make a plan to pay it forward to others when you are back on your feet. If you can calmly involve your kids in penny pinching, that might actually be skill developing for them (couponing, thrifting, repairing). Those are life skills that everyone who is not really rich needs.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:44
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Free and Reduced meals is based on current income only and also on the number of total people in the household. Yes you would qualify for them, with $0.00 current income.
You should be able to enroll prior to school starting so on the first day of school your school aged children will have the benefits of the meal. For most school districts they can open them up a few weeks prior to the first day of school. You should see an announcement or you can apply directly on the food service website.
You should be able to enroll prior to school starting so on the first day of school your school aged children will have the benefits of the meal. For most school districts they can open them up a few weeks prior to the first day of school. You should see an announcement or you can apply directly on the food service website.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:40
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote:Lol you have 200k in savings, 15k in checking and can sell a house. You ain't getting shit. Go get a job
Actually OP qualifies for a lot. Stay mad.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:40
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:39
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Assets are not checked when qualifying for benefits. You will qualify for meals for your child. Keep in mind that qualifying for this also qualifies you for free/subsidized field trips, sports, etc. Basically most schools will wave other school expenses if you already qualified for FARM (Free and Reduced Meals.) You will also qualify for heating and cooling ("energy") assistance where they will pay your heating bills in the winter and your cooling bills in the summer. I know because my friend used to work there. They look at income only.
This link includes energy assistance information and other services for low income.
This link includes energy assistance information and other services for low income.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:39
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Yes. Apply for benefits for you and the kids, Medicaid and snap. As long as your ex doesn’t apply, your kids can be on your case.
Idk about asset limits in your state, google them and you might fit in.
Your UI benefit will be your income.
Wait 30 days after receiving your severance to apply as they usually have you list your income for the past 30 days.
Idk about asset limits in your state, google them and you might fit in.
Your UI benefit will be your income.
Wait 30 days after receiving your severance to apply as they usually have you list your income for the past 30 days.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:35
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Anonymous wrote:I admit I’m a little stunned you expect benefits with ~400k in assets.
\+1
Go out and find a job, any job to bring in $$$ unless unemployment gives you a lot. Why would you expect the govt to pay for your kid when you have the $$$
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:35
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
I think it’s worth applying. My understanding is that FRL is based 100% on income.
Can you drive uber or instacart or something during the time you don’t have kids to stretch what you have?
Can you drive uber or instacart or something during the time you don’t have kids to stretch what you have?
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:32
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
I admit I’m a little stunned you expect benefits with ~400k in assets.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:31
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
You have a LOT of savings. You are not poor. Just get a job.
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:26
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
Lol you have 200k in savings, 15k in checking and can sell a house. You ain't getting shit. Go get a job
Anonymous
07/20/2025 13:25
Subject: Lost job, qualify for free/reduced meals, etc.?
I lost my job about a month ago and am concerned that it could take me a long time to find a new job. As such, I am carefully reviewing my finances to make sure I don’t run out of money. I am divorced w 50/50 custody. I currently have approx $15k in my checking account after receiving severance, which will pay bills for maybe 3-4 months. I applied for unemployment and was approved, but haven’t received any payments yet due to I am assuming the severance payment + my last paycheck + accrued PTO payout etc.
I have approx $200k in an investment account, as well as some $ in retirement. And worst case scenario I could sell my house and net ~$150-200k after paying off the mortgage. However, looking at the rental market, I likely wouldn’t be able to rent anything for less than my current mortgage (and realistically understand that it is quite unlikely that I would be approved for housing anywhere with no job).
The reason I am posting is this - If I am still unemployed, will I be able to qualify for free/reduced lunch for my kids when school starts again in the fall? Im in Fairfax County. Are there any other benefits that I qualify for? I am going to assume not since I do have $ that I can access and public benefits are/should be reserved for those w no other options.
TIA for any advice/insight. Please dont pile on me, I feel like this is a very dumb question that is coming from a place of privilege but I need some advice.
I have approx $200k in an investment account, as well as some $ in retirement. And worst case scenario I could sell my house and net ~$150-200k after paying off the mortgage. However, looking at the rental market, I likely wouldn’t be able to rent anything for less than my current mortgage (and realistically understand that it is quite unlikely that I would be approved for housing anywhere with no job).
The reason I am posting is this - If I am still unemployed, will I be able to qualify for free/reduced lunch for my kids when school starts again in the fall? Im in Fairfax County. Are there any other benefits that I qualify for? I am going to assume not since I do have $ that I can access and public benefits are/should be reserved for those w no other options.
TIA for any advice/insight. Please dont pile on me, I feel like this is a very dumb question that is coming from a place of privilege but I need some advice.