JQA-R - Financial Assistance Application and Procedures

File: JQA-R

Financial Assistance Application and Procedures

Process for Applying

There are two ways to receive financial assistance: 

1)  through the Free/Reduced Lunch program by completing an Information Sharing Agreement,

OR

2)  by completing this application.  If you qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch and submit the Information Sharing Agreement, you do not need to file this application.

Financial Assistance Applications must be completed each school year. The application is available online and copies are available from the Business Office and from individual school offices.  Families should continue to register according to posted program deadlines to ensure that the ability to participate in a program is not missed while the application is being processed. 

The District will also verify sources of income or other holdings through public agencies and public records as may be necessary to make a determination.

All documents are kept confidential and are not included in any student file. All documentation is retained for four years and then shredded and destroyed.

Completion of all information is necessary in order to make a determination. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

When to Apply

Applications are processed by the Business Office as they are submitted throughout the school year and we make every effort to process them quickly to be responsive to families’ needs.  To ensure that your student is approved to participate at the start of any activity during the year it is best to submit the application prior to the start of the school year.  However, in no event should you apply for financial assistance for a specific activity less than two (2) weeks prior to the start of that activity so there is no delay in your student’s ability to participate.

Where to Apply

All applications must be submitted to the following address:

Franklin Public Schools
School Business Office
Attn: Financial Assistance
355 East Central Street

Franklin, MA 02038

Determination of Income

The Franklin Public Schools Financial Assistance Program determines income based on the income of ALL household residents.  Everyone living in your household is required to submit income documentation including domestic partners, relatives, and any other individuals residing at the address.  The District has a single application procedure for all school fees for the full school year (School Lunch being the only exception). No employee, coach, or staff member has the authority to waive any fees or charges without the income determination letter provided by the Business Office.

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact the Business Office at 508-553-4825.

Once a determination as to eligibility for assistance is made, you will be notified of the decision in writing. Please allow at least two weeks for processing.

Required Documentation

Copies of the following required documentation must be submitted with your application.  (please do not send originals).   Required documentation of household income includes but is not limited to the following:

1. Internal Revenue Service TRANSCRIPT for the most recent tax year, for all adults residing in the household.  Call 800-908-9946 or visit:  https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
   1. See instructions on the Document Checklist attached to the Application Form.
2. The most recent two month period of paychecks/income for each resident of the household who is employed.

Other Supporting Documentation

The following are additional documents you may submit, or be asked to submit, if they apply to your circumstances.  These documents are not required but if you have one or more of them please submit them with your application to help expedite the process:

• Unemployment Compensation and Severance Pay for any member of the household;
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Disability Income;
• Alimony and Child Support Agreements;
• Transitional Assistance Letters and Benefits (issued in August);
• Franklin Housing Authority Income Determination Letter;
• Section 8 Housing Voucher;
• Valid Employment Contract if not paying taxes;
• Documentation of income from parties who do not reside with the household but who are providing financial support;
• Documentation of guardianship and foster child status;
• Any other documentation to demonstrate a change in income or financial status since the most recent tax return, such as unemployment compensation, layoff notice, payroll statements showing reduced earnings, etc.

Foster Children are considered as one household and are not included as a member of the family with whom they are residing nor in the household income of the custodial parent;

Non-Custodial Parent income is considered when one parent receives the tax deduction for the dependent and there is no record of child support.

Unearned income, gifts, donations, family support (e.g. rent-free housing, money, etc.) from outside of the domicile must be reported as financial support.

Determinations are based solely on household income and do not take into account mortgage payments, property value (unless zero income is reported), college tuitions, or household expenses.

If you need guidance in making an application for financial assistance or cannot provide the documentation items above, please contact the Business Office. 

Other Financial Assistance available in Massachusetts

Department of Transitional Assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP is the name for the Food Stamp Program. If you live in Massachusetts, you can apply for SNAP/Food Stamps online at http://www.mass.gov/snap. To get more information about SNAP/food stamp benefits and an application, call the Department of Transitional Assistance SNAP Benefits Hotline at 1-866-950-FOOD (3663). SNAP benefits are available for qualified Massachusetts residents.

Adopted by School Committee:  6/26/2018