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Nov 1, 2006 4:39 pm US/Central
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Daley Says Undocumented CPS Families Missing Out
Poor Families, Undocumented Included, Are Eligible For Food Stamps, Medical Care
CHICAGO (STNG) ―
Families of about 90,000
Chicago Public School students may be missing out on food stamps, free or low-cost medical care and other state and federal benefits they are eligible for,
Mayor Daley said Tuesday.
While speaking at an event at
Little Village High School on Tuesday, Daley said school staff members will be distributing information on benefits Nov. 8 and 9 when parents and guardians pick up report cards, according to a release from the Mayor's office.
According to the release, the CPS Children and Family Benefits Unit will conduct informational sessions, answer questions, discuss eligibility and assist with applications at 11 schools with high percentages of under-enrollment in public benefits programs on Nov. 10.
"There is no reason to leave money on the table, just because you're undocumented or you have trouble understanding the rules and regulations," Daley said.
Free and reduced-priced meals are available to children from families making less than about $27,000 a year, the release said. This applied to about 85 percent of the 415,000 students in the Chicago Public Schools.
"At that income level, it's likely these families would be eligible for Medicaid and food stamps," Daley said in the release. But " almost one-fourth of all the low-income students in the system" have no active medical card. An equal or greater number are not enrolled in the food stamp program, he said.
With poor health as a main reason why children fall behind in school, Daley encouraged CPS parents to use the services.
Parents and guardians are reminded that uninsured children are entitled to free or low-cost health insurance regardless of immigration status or income.
Undocumented parents should not avoid applying for food stamps or health benefits in fear of reducing their chances of becoming a citizen or legal resident, the release said. Use of the benefits does not reduce such a chance.
Benefits are not only available for parents, grandparents and others who are raising children may be eligible for benefits for both themselves and their children, according to the release.
Report card pickup day has been designated by CPS as Nov. 8 for elementary schools and Nov. 9 for high schools.
The 11 schools holding informational and sign-up meetings on Nov. 10:
Esmond Elementary, 1865 W. Montvale Ave.
Hibbard Elementary, 3244 W. Ainslie St.
Lathrop Elementary, 1440 S. Christiana Ave.
Lewis School, 1431 N. Leamington Ave.
Lowell Elementary, 3320 W. Hirsch St.
Orozco Academy, 1940 W. 18th St.
Reilly Elementary, 3650 W. School St.
Saucedo Scholastic Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd.
Thorp Elementary, 8914 Buffalo Ave.
Till Elementary, 6543 S. Champlain Ave.
Tonti Elementary, 5815 S. Homan Ave.
Information on benefits also is available by calling 311.
(Source: Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)