FDPIR – Changes in Household Composition Resulting from Deployment of Reservists

Military reservists who are called to active duty may be absent from the home for an extended period of time. A reservist who is not living at home, but is residing elsewhere with his/her military unit, would not be considered a part of his/her household for FDPIR purposes. However, any of the reservist’s income that is made available to his/her family would be counted as income to the household. Similarly, any of the reservist’s resources to which his/her family has access would be counted as a resource to the household. 
 
The families of deployed reservists may change living arrangements to cope with financial and/or emotional stress caused by the reservists’ call to duty. Families may share living quarters with extended family members, or take in roomers or boarders to help with household expenses and duties. The circumstances of each family will be unique and must be handled on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the provisions of FNS Handbook 501. 
 
Certification workers should document all changes in household composition and household living arrangements so that the household’s circumstances are clearly stated in the household’s case file.

Cathie McCullough
Director
Food Distribution Division