How to apply for Christmas Happiness voucher

Thursday, November 26, 2009 3:00 AM  |  Printer friendly version | E-mail to a friend | The application period for Christmas Happiness is next week, Monday through Friday.

Applications are to be mailed or dropped off at the Department of Social Services office, 1236 West Innes St.

Any applications turned in before Monday, Nov. 30, and after Friday, Dec. 4, won't be considered.

Application forms can be picked up at all of the following DSS locations.

- Economic Services, Services Support and Business Office, 1236 W. Innes St.

- Children's Services, 165 Mahaley Ave.

- Child Support, 4416 Southmark Drive.

Applications can also be picked up at the Rowan Public Library, 201 W. Fisher St., or printed from the Rowan County Department of Social Services Web site, found at www.rowancountync.gov.

To be eligible, children must be under age 18 to be considered. Children must live in the home with the person making the application for them.

The applicant's income must be below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. A family's gross monthly income cannot exceed specified limits. For instance, for a family of two, $1,822; a family of three, $2,289. For a complete list, visit the Social Services Web site.

Vouchers will be made to either Magic Mart or Kmart.

The adult caretaker or parent must make the application. If there is more than one caretaker or parent in the home, only one can apply for the children in the home.

Children receiving Christmas assistance from another community organization are not eligible to receive from Christmas Happiness.

However, an exception is The Baptist Christmas Store, which requires participants to pay a reduced amount for gifts, toys and other items. These items are not considered a donation. Applicants may purchase items from this source and still apply for Christmas Happiness.

Children up to 12 years old who are on the Salvation Army Angel Tree List are not eligible for Christmas Happiness but may have siblings that are ages 13-17 who can be evaluated for Christmas Happiness.

Foster children are not eligible for Christmas Happiness. The Foster Care Unit is taking care of the Christmas assistance for these children.

Disabled adults are not eligible for Christmas Happiness. The Adult Services unit is taking care of this population.

Non-custodial parents may not apply for their children. Children must live in the home with the person making the application for them.

Immigrants who have children who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents can apply for those children but cannot receive for children who are not U.S. citizens or not permanent legal residents. The IRS Tax Identification Card is not a replacement for a social security card and does not verify legal residency status.

Christmas Happiness is for families who live in Rowan County.