Child Custody

For a child under eighteen (18) years old, the parent with primary physical custody is eligible to receive Food Stamp benefits for that child. If both parents request food stamp benefits for the child, primary custody is determined by where the child is expected to spend fifty-one percent (51%) or more of the nights during a certification period. When only one (1) parent applies for food stamp benefits, the child may be included in that parent's household even though they do not have primary physical custody of the child. (7-1-24)