Montana Employment
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MONTANA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Montana Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION AND HOURS HAVE CHANGED TO:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “MONTANA EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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June 7th, 2012

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Montana Head Start
Managing Agency Montana http://www.discoveringmontana.com
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Montana, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The Head Start Locator provides a searchable database of Head Start programs. To apply for this program please visit the following website, which will direct you to the Head Start office nearest to you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
You can visit the Montana Head Start Association at: http://www.headstartmt.org/
You may also contact the Montana Department of Health and Human Services by calling at: 866-239-0548

Posted 04-09-12

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FESTIVALS AND FUN TIMES:

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Montana Weatherization Assistance Program

Managing Agency Montana http://www.discoveringmontana.com

Program Description

The Montana Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) is designed to help low income residents save fuel and money, while
increasing the comfort of their homes. Its mission is to insulate the dwellings of low-income persons, particularly the elderly, persons
with disabilities, families with children, high residential energy users, and households with a high energy burden, in order to conserve
needed energy and to aid those persons least able to afford higher utility costs.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Montana, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $18,200 if one person lives in the household; $24,500 if two people live in the household; $30,800 if three
people live in the household; $37,100 if four people live in the household; $43,400 if five people live in the household; $49,700 if six
people live in the household; $56,000 if seven people live in the household; and $62,300 if eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $5,610 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To find out where to apply for energy assistance, contact the Montana Citizen’s Advocate, toll-free at 1-800-332-2272 Or can also
visit the energy assistance eligibility office nearest you:

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/energyassistance/eligibilityoffices.shtml

Program Contact Information

If you need additional information please contact the Department of Public Health and Human Services via email at:
dphhstech@state.mt.us

Updated 07-04-11

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Montana Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Managing Agency Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully
eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have
certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Montana, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and, (2)
meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members who
participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://wic.mt.gov/localagencies.shtml

Program Contact Information
Please see the following website for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

If you have questions about the WIC program call Montana NHS at:

1-800-433-4298

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Program Description
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) assists eligible Montana residents and families with their heating and cooling
costs. LIHEAP is Federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services. The Federal government establishes
funding levels annually.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Montana, you must need financial assistance for
home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $18,952 if one person lives in the household;
$25,497 if two people live in the household; $32,042 if three people live in the household; $38,587 if four people live in the household;
$45,132 if five people live in the household; $51,677 if six people live in the household; $58,222 if seven people live in the household;
$64,767 if eight people live in the household; and $71,312 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add
$6,545 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To find out where to apply for energy assistance, contact the Montana Citizen’s Advocate, toll-free, at 1-800-332-2272 or visit the
following site for a list of agency locations:

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/energyassistance/eligibilityoffices.shtml

Program Contact Information
For more information, please call toll-free:
800-332-2272

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The Summer Food Service Program is a Federally assisted meal program that provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help
children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need throughout the summer months when they are out of school. Sponsors
provide free meals to a group of children at a central site, such as a school, park, low-income housing complex, community center, or
camp. They receive cash subsidies from the USDA for each meal and snack they serve and for their documented administrative and
operating costs. Sponsors may also receive donated commodities from the USDA.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Montana, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three
people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six
people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for your state’s child nutrition program, please visit the following website:

http://www.opi.mt.gov/pdf/schoolfood/summer/Forms/EnrollInfoForm.pdf

Program Contact Information
For more information, please call toll-free the Montana Nutritional Health and Services department at:
888-231-9393

To learn more about the Montana SFSP, please visit:

http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/Summer.html

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and non-profit childcare institutions that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also
participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have
access to the school meal programs. The program reimburses institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;
$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household;
$47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household;
and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in
the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, you can view further information about your state’s Special Milk program here:

http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/index.html

Program Contact Information
For more information regarding the Montana Special Milk Program on the web, please visit:

http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/#gpm1_7

You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.

You can also call Christine Emerson of the Montana Office of Public Instruction at:
406-444-2502

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Similarly, the goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children by
providing nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school
lunch. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast and lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition
standards.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Minnesota and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://opi.mt.gov/Resources/Directory/Index.html

Program Contact Information
For information on the Montana School Breakfast and Lunch program please visit:

http://opi.mt.gov/Programs/SchoolPrograms/School_Nutrition/index.html

If you have further questions on these programs, please contact Christine Emerson of the Montana Department of Public Instruction
at:
406-444-2502

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The Healthy Montana Kids (HMK) Plan is a free or low-cost health insurance plan that provides coverage to eligible Montana children
up to age 19. Covered services include medical, dental, eyeglasses, and other related services.
Financial eligibility is based on a household’s gross income. A Work Expense Disregard (up to $1,440/year of each income earner’s
income) and/or a Dependent Care Disregard ($2,400 /year for care of a child or incapacitated adult) may be deducted from the
household’s gross income. There are no asset or resource tests. Children cannot be eligible for Medicaid or health insurance under
the state employee benefit plan. They cannot have other health insurance and/or have been covered by insurance during the
previous month (some exceptions apply). Some families share in the cost of their children’s health care by making co-payments
when services are received. A family’s maximum co-payment amount is $215 per benefit year.

After receiving an application for insurance coverage, the State’s HMK office will notify a family if children are eligible and when
benefits will begin. There is no current waiting list for newly eligible children. HMK will pay for services on and after the date of
enrollment but will not pay for services incurred before enrollment begins.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Montana, under 19 years of age, not covered by health
insurance (including Medicaid), a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less
than $25,498 if two people live in the household; $32,043 if three people live in the household; $38,588 if four people live in the
household; $45,133 if five people live in the household; $51,487 if six people live in the household; $58,223 if seven people live in the
household; $64,768 if eight people live in the household; and $71,313 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger
households, add $6,545 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for
coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
You can apply for this application online or download an application at:

http://hmk.mt.gov/applicationinstructions.shtml

Program Contact Information
Visit the HMK website at:

http://hmk.mt.gov/

For further information on HMK, please contact the program office at:
Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
PO Box 202951
Helena, MT 59620-2951
chip@mt.gov
877-543-7669
877-418-4533

Managing Agency
Department of Public Health and Human Services (MT)

http://hmk.mt.gov/

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Program Description
Congress passed the Food Stamp Act of 1977 in order to provide eligible households an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet
by supplementing their food budget. Income, resources, and household size determine the amount of food stamps a household
receives. The program is administered both by the US Department of Agriculture and the State of Montana. Generally, residents of
Montana who are eligible to receive benefits include: People who live together and buy food and prepare meals together are grouped
as a “household” for the Food Stamp Program. Husbands and wives, and children under 22 years old living with their natural,
adoptive or stepparents must be considered as one household. Household members that wish to be included must be U.S. citizens or
legal aliens. Household members that wish to be included must furnish or apply for a social security number. Income and resource
guidelines listed in this overview must be met. Able-bodied household members who are age 16 through 59 must register for work,
and may be required to participate in a Food Stamp Employment and Training Program unless a specified exemption is met.
Additional eligibility criteria exist so you will need to work with your local County Public Assistance Office to determine whether you
are eligible for benefits. Note that an interview will be required to confirm your eligibility in addition to completing an application for
benefits.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Montana and fall into one of two groups: (1) those
with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the household;
$26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the household;
$40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To apply for Montana Food Stamp benefits, contact your local County Public Assistance Office. Generally, the phone number and
address can be found in the government section of your phone book under Public Health and Human Services. If the number cannot
be located, contact us to find a phone number of an office in your area:
800-332-2272

You can also learn more about benefits in Montana and the requirements for eligibility on our Web site at:

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/snap/index.shtml

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and non-profit childcare institutions that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also
participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have
access to the school meal programs. The program reimburses institutions for the milk they serve.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;
$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household;
$47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household;
and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates in
the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, you can view further information about your state’s Special Milk program here:

http://opi.mt.gov/schoolfood/nutritionpgms.html

Program Contact Information
For more information regarding the Montana Special Milk Program on the web, please visit:

http://www.opi.state.mt.us/schoolfood/milk.html

You may also contact your local school district if you have other inquiries regarding the program.

You can also call Christine Emerson of the Montana Office of Public Instruction at:
406-444-2502

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
Montana Medicaid seeks to facilitate access to a set of basic health care benefits for all Montana citizens with a priority for those
most in need and create an environment where all recipients take an active role in their individual health care.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Montana, a US national, citizen, permanent
resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low
income or very low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age
19, blind, have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To read more about Montana Medicaid, please visit:

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/programsservices/medicaid.shtml

If you have questions concerning Montana Medicaid or need instructions on how to apply, please call the toll-free Medicaid
Recipient Hotline:
800-362-8312

TDD users may call:
800-833-8503

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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Program Description
The Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program supports public assistance programs for low-income
families. TANF replaced the program formerly known as the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Among the program’s
purposes are: to provide assistance to needy families; to end dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work,
and marriage; to prevent and reduce out of wedlock pregnancies.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Montana, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To learn more about the Montana Temporary Assistance for Needy (TANF) program, please visit:

http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/tanf/tanfeligibility.shtml

Managing Agency
Montana

http://www.discoveringmontana.com

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