Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.

Public Assistance and a Visitor's Allowance
© 1997 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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What is a Visitor's Allowance?

    A Visitor's Allowance is given to you when you do not have custody of your child(ren) but you have visitation rights and the child(ren) visit in your home.

Examples:

1. Your child (or children) is in foster care and returns home on visits approved by DSS.

2. Your child (or children) visits your home as part of a divorce decree or other court order.

How do I qualify for the Visitor's Allowance?

    You must meet the following conditions:

1. You cannot have legal custody of the child (or children).

2. You must present the divorce papers or other legal document to prove that you have visitation rights.

3. If your child is in foster care, your public assistance caseworker should contact the foster care caseworker to confirm that the child visits you.

4. You must provide a statement, usually from the custodial parent, indicating when your child visits. If DSS has reason to believe that your statement is false, it may ask for additional proof.

How do I apply for a Visitor's Allowance?

    Write a letter to your caseworker requesting the allowance. State in the letter the days you have your child (or children). If you have not been receiving the Visitor's Allowance, but have told the Department of Social Services (DSS) about the visits, ask for back benefits.

How much is a Visitor's Allowance?

    Four dollars ($4) per day, per child.

Can I receive a Visitor's Allowance if the parent who has custody of the child (or children) also receives public assistance?

    Yes.

Can I get the Visitor's Allowance before the child (or children) actually visits?

    Yes. If your child (or children) routinely visits you, DSS can authorize a regular on-going allowance based on the average number of days visited each month.

Example: For one child who visits each week-end (two days per week), DSS may figure the monthly Visitor's Allowance as follows:

2 (days per week) x $4 (per day) = $8 (per week)

$8 x 4.33 (weeks in a month) = $34.64 (per month)

What can I do if I have asked for the allowance and not received it?

    If you have not heard from your worker within 30 days of your request or if your request has been denied verbally or written, contact our office immediately

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