Agenda - 03-15-2012 - Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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What Does it Mean to be Poor in Orange County? The current poverty line equals $11,170 in annual income for an individual and $23,050 annual income for a family of four. However, while many residents live below the poverty line, almost one in three makes an income that is only 200% of the poverty level - the maximum income that may allow them to meet eligibility requirements for benefits like Food and Nutrition Services and Medicaid. An individual resident making 200% of the poverty level would earn an annual income of $22,340, and a family of four would earn $46,100 per year. This is well above the annual earnings of $15,080 that a minimum wage job provides. How Does the Safety Net Help Those in Poverty? Orange County provides a safety net of services that helps residents buy food, pay for healthcare, find employment, and afford child care. Each program has a set of eligibility criteria that residents must meet to receive benefits. Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) FNS is a federal program that provides residents an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card they can use to purchase food. Residents cannot make more than 200 percent of the poverty level to qualify for FNS benefits. The maximum allotment of FNS assistance a single resident can receive is $200 a month, and a family of four cannot receive more than $668 per month. The number of county residents who receive FNS has continued to increase. In January of 2012 over 6,000 Orange County families were receiving Food and Nutrition benefits, 660 more families than in January of 201 L In January of 2012 over 6,000 Orange County families were receiving Food and Nutrition benefits, 660 more families than in January of 2011. Medicaid Medicaid is a health insurance program for residents who have children, are pregnant, or are elderly, blind or disabled. Income guidelines are similar to FNS - most residents must make less than 200% of the poverty level to qualify. The county had more than 7,600 Medicaid cases in January 2012. Work First Work First, North Carolina's Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, assists low-income parents in finding employment and become self-sufficient. The program has numerous requirements, including 35 hours per week of job searching or vocational training, and income eligibility thresholds are low. In January 2012, 230 clients were participating in the Work First program in Orange County. Child Care Subsidy The Child Care Subsidy Program provides low-income families with information and financial resources to find and afford quality child care for their children. Resources enable families to make informed choices regarding childcare providers. Subsidies are based on eligibility, the need for child care, and the availability of funds. 2