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Welcome to Serving with Success: ZIP Code Direct Certification The objectives of this module are to understand what Direct Certification means, describe the process for ZIP Code Direct Certification and use the ZIP Code file to directly certify children. Direct Certification determines which children are eligible for free benefits based on documentation obtained through computer matching of program records without obtaining documentation from the household. Direct Certification provides LEAs with the names of students who are eligible for free meals using either or both the Missouri Student Information System and the ZIP Code File. The Missouri Student Information System, also referred to as MOSIS is mandatory for Public LEAs. The ZIP Code file is mandatory for Non-Public LEAs and available for Public LEAs in addition to MOSIS. These Direct Certification files are updated each Monday by noon. The Avenues to Directly Certify Children are through their participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as the Food Stamp Program in Missouri, and referred to as SNAP throughout this presentation, and The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, referred to as TAN-IF throughout this presentation. Extended Eligibility of Direct Certification, and Foster Children The names of children in foster care are included in the MOSIS and ZIP Code files. Extending Eligibility of Direct Certification If a student in a household is eligible for free meals based on SNAP or TANF Direct Certification, all students in that household are automatically eligible for free meals. Extended eligibility for free meals is not allowed for other children in the same household as the foster child. Documentation for extended eligibility must be kept on file at the LEA. A prototype form "Extending Categorical Eligibility to Additional Children in a Household" is included in the "Free and Reduced Price Application and Direct Certification" handbook each school year. Direct Certification eligibility from the current year carries over for 30 operating days into the new school year. Direct Certification must, to the extent feasible, be extended to newly enrolled siblings or household members in the new school year. Foster child eligibility also extends into the new school year for 30 operating days, but this eligibility does not extend to any other member of the household. Flexibility Notification The LEA may choose to establish the effective date of eligibility for free meals or milk benefits for Directly Certified children as the match date shown for each child on the ZIP Code file, rather than the date the LEA accesses the file. The match date is the last column in the row following each child's name. For Example: An LEA accesses the ZIP Code file on October 12th and determines Direct Certification benefits for eligible students; however the date listed on the students' files is October 3rd. The students' effective date of eligibility is October 3rd. LEAs that choose this flexibility option must notify DESE, FNS, using the "Flexibility Notification: Eligibilty Effective Date for Directly Certified Students" form found in the "Free and Reduced Priced Application and Direct Certification"...