The New Jersey State WIC Program (Women, Infants’ and Children), a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under the age of 5 years, who qualify, have released the new income guidelines, effective July 1, 2015. Any family who is interesting in applying for the WIC Program can call 732-341-9700, ext. 7520, in Toms River, 732-370-0122 in Lakewood, or 609-978-2500 in Manahawkin for an appointment,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Gerry P. Little, Liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health. “You can also visit the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org and view the Guidelines under BREAKING NEWS.”
Daniel E. Regenye, OCHD Public Health Coordinator, said the WIC Program Income Eligibility Standards are based on the Federal Department of Health and Human Services Income Poverty Guidelines effective July 1, 2015. Participation in the WIC Program is limited to residents whose gross income (i.e., income before deductions for income taxes, social security, insurance premiums, bonds, etc.) is equal to or less than the income poverty guidelines of 185%. No allowance is made for the use of a standard deduction or hardship when calculating a family’s income. In the new guidelines for a family of four the income level has increased by $740 annually.
The U.S Department of Agriculture prohibits discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender, gender identity, religion, reprisal, and where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, or all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, you can complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected].
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). “The USDA Program is an Equal Opportunity Program”
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