New food stamp rules took effect Oct. 1 in Michigan that could result in an increase in food stamp benefits – particularly for working families who have low income but high child care bills.

The Center for Civil Justice in Saginaw reports that the changes include a huge change in how child care expenses are counted in the formula. Previously, only $200 a month for children younger than age 2, and $175 for children age 2 and older would be counted. Now ALL of the documented paid child care will be deducted from family’s income, the agency reports.

“Families who were told their income was too high – even though much of it was going to child care – might now be able to qualify for the first time,” said Demetrice Smart, project coordinator for the Food and Nutrition Helpline operated by the Center for Civil Justice.

The agency also suggests that current food stamp families who have high child care expenses submit copies of their child care bills to their caseworker as soon as possible so their benefits can be reviewed.

There will also is an overall cost-of-living adjustment and increase of the federal minimum allotment in the food stamp program taking effect this month.

The Center for Civil Justice operates the Michigan Food and Nutrition Helpline in partnership with the Michigan State University Extension’s Food and Nutrition Program, the Michigan Department of Human Services and private donors.

You’ll find more details and a benefits estimate calculator at www.foodstamphelp.org. There is also a Michigan Assistance and Referral Service on-line database that will help you determine which state programs you qualify for. DHS has a page that explains what you can expect during the client application process. And the Michigan Food Stamp hotline is at (800) 481-4989.

If you are getting confused trying to navigate the state on-line information, but think you might be eligible for food stamps or would like more information, the Monroe County Department of Human Services office is at 903 S. Telegraph Rd., Suite A,  in Monroe. The phone number is 243-7200. The office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, except for state holidays.

Now, how do you make those food stamp dollars stretch as much as possible? Check out the resources I have listed in my grocery shopping sidebar. You’ll learn tricks on coupon clipping, find recipes that rely on frugal food purchases and get help with planning a home cooking menu.

And here other notes of interest to Michigan Bridge Card users:

• You can use food stamps / Bridge Card to purchase groceries from Angel Food Ministries, which has monthly delivery stops in Monroe and Lambertville.
• You can use your Bridge Card to get a discounted yearly pass to Michigan state parks such as Sterling State Park in Frenchtown Township.
• A Bridge Card means your school children are automatically eligible for free lunches at school.