According to 7 CFR 245.6(d), local school officials may complete an application for a child known to be eligible for meal benefits if, after household applications have been disseminated, the household has not applied. This option is intended for limited use in individual situations and must not be used to make eligibility determinations for categories or groups of children. Documented prior efforts must be made by the SFA to obtain a completed application from the parent or guardian.
This limited use option acknowledges the various reasons that a family may fail to apply for free or reduced price meals, such as lack of understanding, fear of authority, alien status, substance abuse, etc.
When exercising this option, the school official must complete the application on behalf of the child based on the household size and income information or Other Source Categorical Eligibility status known to the official and must notify the household that their child has been certified to receive free or reduced price benefits. The source of the information used by the school official to determine eligibility must be noted on the application. Names of household members, the last four digits of the Social Security Number, and the signature of an adult household member are not required. These applications are excluded from verification.
This option must be used judiciously and only after repeated efforts to obtain applications from families have been unsuccessful. It is to be used on an individual basis and must not be used to provide eligibility determinations for large numbers of students. It also may not be used when family income is above the eligibility guidelines, even though the children are coming to school without a meal or money. Family economic status must remain the criterion for administratively making the decision to provide the student access to free or reduced price meals.
Reimbursement funds will be reclaimed for improper use of administrative prerogative.
