Carryover Eligibility for Students Transferring from Special Provision Schools to Non-Special Provision Schools
USDA has released new guidance on applying the carryover provision for students that transfer from special provision schools to non-special provision schools. Starting School Year 2016-2017, contracting entities (CE) must provide carryover eligibility to students transferring from a special provision school to a non-special provision school both during and between school years. Special provision schools operate the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) or Provision 2 (P2).
By extending carryover to these students, CEs are given additional time to process applications, prevent unpaid meal charges, and ensure that students receive meals while their eligibility is being processed. The carryover period is 30 operating days or until there is a new eligibility determination, whichever comes first. During the carryover period or until a new eligibility determination is made, reimbursable meals for these students may be claimed at the free rate.
To facilitate the identification of students that are now eligible for carryover, TDA will be distributing a list of all schools operating a special provision program in School Year 2015-2016 to the education service centers (ESC) the week of August 16th.
CEs should contact their ESC if they have students who have transferred. The ESC will assist them in determining if the updated carryover provision applies. TDA will be updating Administrator's Reference Manual, Section 5, Special Provisions and other guidance.