The Eligibility tool shows a student's eligibility for receiving free or reduced-price benefits. The USDA Food and Nutritional Services agency requires that districts track students' eligibilities for federal reimbursement purposes.
General Knowledge
The following topics provide the standards and guidelines for FRAM eligibility, update eligibility end dates and household application expiration dates en masse, and upload documents to the Eligibility tool.
FRAM Eligibility Standards and Guidelines
This article will help you establish eligibility determinations. It also explains what happens when an eligibility file is imported using the Eligibility Import Wizard.
Your school sends school meal applications home at the beginning of each school year before granting free or reduced price benefits. Due to the year-long duration of eligibility, households are not required to report changes in income, household size, or their participation in a program that impacts their child’s eligibility status. However, people may choose to report changes or apply for school meals for the first time any time during the school year by submitting an application directly to your school or district.
The information in this article is meant to help you establish eligibility determinations as well as provide you with the details necessary for understanding what happens to a child's eligibility status when you import an eligibility file using the Eligibility Import Wizard.
Carryover of Previous Year’s Eligibility
Carryover refers to a child’s eligibility from the previous school year being carried over into the current or new school year. A child’s eligibility from the previous school year (before July 1) carries over for up to 30 operating days into the new school year or until a new eligibility determination is made, whichever comes first. The 30 operating days begins on the first operating day of school. Operating days are the days on which reimbursable meals or milk are provided by a school or another program sponsor. Carryover applies to eligibility established through a household application or through direct certification. Meals served during the carryover period are claimed at the appropriate rate, depending on the individual child’s eligibility status from the previous school year. Carryover allows children to continue receiving school meal benefits while families complete and submit their application for the school to process.
When children from schools participating in a Special Provision (i.e., Provision 1, 2, or 3 or CEP) move to a non-provision school, at the State agency’s discretion, you may carry over children’s eligibility for free reimbursable meals for up to 30 operating days or until a new eligibility determination is made.
When uploading an eligibility file, do not change the end date. The end date is defined in the FRAM Preferences tool in the Default Expiration Date field. Typically, this date is set to 30 days into the next school year. If you change the end date to something prior to 30 days into the next school year, eligibilities may not import correctly. It is the district's responsibility to ensure the upload file only includes current eligibilities and does NOT include eligibilities from a previous year. For example, do NOT import eligibilities that have a 9/30 end date into the 2018-2019 school year if the eligibilities apply to the 2017-2018 school year.
Determining Eligibility During the School Year (Eligibility Import Wizard)
Families may apply for school meals or report a change that increases their benefits at any time during the school year. When your district uses the Eligibility Import Wizard to update these eligibilities, Campus uses the following logic to determine whether a child should be assigned a new eligibility.
| If the imported Certification is... | Then Campus... |
|---|---|
| a higher rank than the child's existing certification | updates the child's eligibility record to the higher certification. |
| a lower rank than the child's existing certification | does NOT update the child's eligibility record. A subsequent direct certification contact indicating that a child is no longer receiving benefits from an Assistance Program or other Categorically Eligible program does not change the child's eligibility status for the current school year. The child remains eligible for free school meals through the end of the school year and for up to 30 operating days into the subsequent school year, due to the year-long eligibility requirement. |
If the Non-Direct Eligibility Overwrite checkbox is marked in FRAM Preferences, new non-direct eligibilities imported from the Eligibility Import Wizard will overwrite existing non-direct eligibilities regardless of current eligibilities and dates.
This logic only applies when you are importing eligibility files during the school year. If it is a NEW school year, Campus updates all eligibility statuses regardless of the old status or dates. New eligibilities are effective as of the start date in the upload file.
| Rank | Certified Type | Source | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SNAP | Direct | Free |
| 2 | TANF or FDPIR | Direct | Free |
| 3 | Runaway, Foster, Medicaid, Homeless, Migrant | Direct | Free |
| 4 | Runaway, Foster, Medicaid, Homeless, Migrant, Head Start, Even Start | Non-Direct | Free |
| 5 | Income, RCCI, Override, SES | Non-Direct | Free |
| 6 | Runaway, Foster, Medicaid, Homeless, Migrant, Head Start, Even Start | Non-Direct | Reduced |
| 7 | Income, RCCI, Override, SES | Non-Direct | Reduced |
| 8 | Declined, Denied, Did not Apply | Non-Direct | Reduced |
| 9 | Paid | N/A | Non-reimbursable |
| 10 | Adult | N/A | Non-reimbursable |
Logic Used During the School Year (Eligibility Import Wizard)
When importing eligibility files, it is important to consider the dates included in the file.
This logic only applies when you are importing eligibility files during the school year.
If it is a NEW school year, Campus updates all eligibility statuses regardless of the old status or dates. New eligibilities are effective as of the start date in the upload file.
Date Logic
Campus always creates a new record for the dates not covered by the previous record.
As part of this process, Campus will add an End Date to the current eligibility if
- the eligibility has not changed, campus will add an End Date to the current eligibility if the new imported End Date is after the existing End Date.
- the eligibility of the new record is better than the previous record, campus will add an End Date to the current eligibility if the imported End Date is the same or after the existing End Date.
- the eligibility has not changed, and the start date of the new record is before the start date of the current record, a new record for the time not covered by the previous recorded will be added.
Direct Certification Import Logic
- A new Direct Source Type eligibility will overwrite an existing Non-Direct Source Type eligibility for the same school year if the Start Date is the same or before the existing Non-Direct Source Type eligibility. This includes Non-Direct Source Types of Homeless, Migrant and Runaway. Only those marked as Direct Source will not be overwritten. On the Eligibility Import Report, the student appears in the Updated Records section with the Statuses of New or Removed when Include Detail is selected.
- A new Direct Source Type eligibility will add a new consecutive eligibility to an existing non-Direct Source Type eligibility if the new direct certification start date is after the existing non-direct certification start date. On the Eligibility Import Report, the student appears in the Updated Records section with statuses of New or Ended when Include Detail is selected.
3rd Party Eligibility File Import Logic
If the Non-Direct Eligibility Overwrite checkbox is marked in FRAM Preferences, new non-direct eligibilities imported from the Eligibility Import Wizard will overwrite existing non-direct eligibilities regardless of current eligibilities and dates.
- A new Direct Source Type or Non-Direct Source Type eligibility with the same or earlier Start Date will overwrite an existing Non-Direct Type eligibility, including non-Direct Homeless, Runaway and Migrant. On the Eligibility Import Report, the student appears in the Updated Records section with the Statuses of New or Removed when Include Detail is selected.
- If the Start Date for a new Direct Source Type or Non-Direct Source Type eligibility on file is after the existing Non-Direct Source eligibility, the import ends the existing Non-Direct Source eligibility the day before the new eligibility Start Date making the dates consecutive. On the Eligibility Import Report, the student appears in the Updated Records section with statuses of New or Ended when Include Detail is selected.
- If the import contains matching Non-Direct Source Type eligibility and matching dates on file, then no change is made to the record. On the Eligibility Import Report, the student appears in Existing Eligibility Records section when Include Detail is selected.
Extending Direct Certification to Other Students in a Household
Only SNAP, TANF and FDPIR Direct Types may be extended to other students in a household. If the FRAM Preference option is set, users may also extend the Medicaid Direct Certified Type.
When extending Direct Certification to other students in a household, the tool considers the following:
- Primary household members with enrollments in the School Year selected AND
- Primary household members who also have household membership within the span of their enrollment Start and End Dates within the School Year.
- If there is another household that has the same address as a household which has students on the file, they will also receive Direct Certification Eligibility.
- If a direct certified file contains household members with more than one Direct Type of SNAP, TANF, FDPIR or Medicaid (when FRAM Preference is set), then the tool extends the Direct Certification to other student members in the household using the following ranking logic:
- SNAP
- FDPIR
- TANF
- Medicaid (When FRAM Preference is set.)
Example
Mary is on the direct certification file. Mary is part of a household where John has a current enrollment but has a future Household Member Start Date within the school year when he is scheduled to move into the household (custody situation, adoption or foster care possibly). John will be extended the direct certification eligibility in this circumstance because he has a current enrollment in the school year and will be part of the household within his enrollment Start and End Dates.
If there is any concern about extending eligibility to a household member with a future member start date who may not end up joining the household, it is recommended the district review the additional direct certified eligible students updated on the Eligibility Import Report.
Definitions
General Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Categorical | Categorically eligible means the child is considered eligible for free meals or free milk based on documentation that a child is a member of a family and one or more children in that family receive assistance under one of the following programs. The schools is required to directly certify, without further application, any child who is a member of the household and attends school.
A child is also categorically eligible if the child is
|
| Direct (Certification) | Direct certification allows districts and schools to certify children as eligible for free meal benefits using participant data from other programs (as permitted), eliminating the need for an application. |
| Eligibility | Eligibility status of the child.
|
| Non-Direct (Certification) | Non-Direct certification allows districts and schools to certify children as eligible for free or reduced meal benefits using confirmation from anything except a direct certification file. |
Certified Types
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
SNAP | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. |
| TANF | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance. |
| FDPIR | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits. |
Runaway, Foster, Medicaid, Homeless, Migrant | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student's status as Runaway, Foster, Homeless, or Migrant or the household receiving Medicaid benefits. |
Head Start, Even Start | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student participating in the Federally-funded Even Start Family Literacy Program for preschool/pre-kindergarten children or by being enrolled as a participant in a Head Start program. |
| Income | Type of approval based on household income. |
| RCCI | Type of approval based on the student attending a residential child care institution (RCCI) that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP). |
| Override | Type of approval based on the district selecting to override the assigned Eligibility for a student on a Meal Benefits Application. |
| SES (Socioeconomic Status) | Type of approval based on an Educational Benefits Application processed via non-food service department staff. This eligibility type is utilized for students participating in Provision programs. This certified type is used by Provision participating schools to track eligibilities for state reporting purposes as well as additional benefits within the district. This certified type is not sent to the Point of Sale and is considered a "Paid" eligibility by the Food Service Department. |
Update Eligibility End Dates for a Group of Students
This topic shows how to update eligibility end dates and household application expiration dates en masse.
Tool Search: Eligibility End Date
The Eligibility End Date Wizard allows districts to update Household Application expiration and Eligibility end dates en masse. This tool was designed to help correct future 30 day carryover discrepancies occurring at the end of school years.
About the Household Application Expiration Dates Update Mode
Once the Eligibility End Date Wizard is run for an Update Mode of Household Application Expiration Dates, the Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window, describing all changes made.
Summary of Eligibility End Date Changes
This section is a summary of Eligibility records impacted by the change, broken down by the Certified Type and Eligibility (Free, Reduced, Paid) of each record.
In the example above, six records with a Certified Type of Income and an Eligibility of Free were impacted by a change to the person's Household Application Expiration Date and an updated eligibility record. The Detail: Update Records section defines each affected person.
Summary of Household Application Expiration Date Changes Only
This section reports the total number of Household Applications where only the Expiration Dates were updated. Eligibility records associated with the Household Applications could not be updated to a new end date because the new end date would have changed other existing eligibility records for students.
Warnings: Gap in Eligibility Created
This section appears if a gap was created between a student's existing updated eligibility record and subsequent eligibility records.
If this is unacceptable, users should consider the following:
- Not use the Eligibility End Date Wizard.
- Change criteria on the Eligibility End Date Wizard editor so that no gap in Free/Reduced eligibility is created.
- Select the Run Update button, knowing gaps in eligibility will be created for some students and manually correcting these gaps, as appropriate based on District policy/procedures.
Detail: Updated Records
This section identifies which student eligibility record end dates were updated to match the updated Household Application Expiration Date.
Detail: Updated Household Application Expiration Dates Only
This section identifies all household applications where the Expiration Date was updated but no student eligibility record end dates were updated. Eligibility records associated with the Household Application could not be updated to a new end date because the new end date would have changed other existing eligibility records for students.
Update Household Application Expiration Dates
The Eligibility End Date Wizard provides the ability to update Household Application expiration dates en masse.
- When updating the Expiration Date for a Household application, users must verify the Default Expiration Date is correctly entered on the school year on the FRAM Preferences tool.
- This wizard will only update the latest end-dated eligibility associated with the application being updated.
- The wizard will not update any Excluded applications.
- Users will not be able to update any eligibilities to dates existing in the past (retroactive date) due to the potential impact on state and meal reporting. If users need to change any eligibility end date to a date in the past, this will have to be manually performed by the district.
- Select an Update Mode of Household Application Expiration Dates.
- Select the School Year in which household applications should be updated.
- Enter which specific expiration date to update. Only household applications with this Expiration Date will be updated.
- Enter the New Expiration Date. All household applications matching the Expiration Date and School Year entered will be updated to this date.
- Mark the Include Detail Report checkbox to have additional information about each updated household application included on the report generated once the Test or Run Update buttons are selected.
- If the Include Detail Report checkbox is marked, determine how household information is sorted on the report by selecting a Sort Detail Report by option.
- Select a Report Format.
- To review which household applications will be impacted by this change before changing expiration dates in the database, click the Test button. The Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window.
- To update all household applications which meet the criteria entered above, select the Run Update button. The Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window, detailing which household applications were updated.
About the Imported & Manually-entered Eligibility End Dates Update Mode
Once the Eligibility End Date Wizard is run for an Update Mode of Imported & Manually-entered Eligibility End Dates, the Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window, describing all changes made.
The Summary of Eligibility End Date Changes section is a summary of all student eligibility records changed, broken down by Certified Type and Eligibility (Free, Reduced, Paid).
The Detail: Updated Records section describes each student eligibility record updated with the new End Date value.
The Warning: Gap in Eligibility Created section appears if a gap was created between a student's existing updated eligibility record and subsequent eligibility records. See the Warning: Gap in Eligibility Created section above for more information.
Update Imported and Manually Entered Eligibility End Dates
The Eligibility End Date Wizard also provides the ability to update end dates for imported and manually entered Eligibility records.
Before running the Eligibility End Date Wizard, users should consider the following:
- The wizard will only update the latest eligibility record for a student for the School Year and criteria selected. If multiple non-consecutive eligibility records exist for a student within the School Year selected, only the student's latest end dated eligibility record will be updated. Any other existing eligibility within the School Year will not be updated
- Users will not be able to update any eligibilities to dates in the past (retroactive dates) due to the potential impact on state and meal reporting. If users need to change any eligibility end date to a date in the past, this will have to be manual performed by the district.
- Select the Imported & Manually-entered Eligibility End Dates Update Mode.
- Select the School Year in which Eligibility end dates should be updated.
- Enter which Eligibility End Date to update. Only student Eligibility records with this End Date will be updated.
- Select the Eligibility of records to be updated. Only Eligibility records with this Eligibility status and the Eligibility End Date entered will be updated.
- Select the Eligibility Certified Type of records to be updated. Only Eligibility records with this Eligibility Certified Type, the Eligibility value selected and the Eligibility End Date entered will be updated.
- Enter the New Eligibility End Date. All Eligibility records that meet report criteria will have their End Date changed to this date.
- Mark the Include Detail Report checkbox to have additional information about each updated Eligibility record included on the report generated once the Test or Run Update buttons are selected.
- If the Include Detail Report checkbox is marked, determine how Eligibility records are sorted on the report by selecting a Sort Detail Report by option.
- Select a Report Format.
- To review which Eligibility records will be impacted by this change before changing end dates in the database, click the Test button. The Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window.
- To update all Eligibility records that meet the criteria entered above, select the Run Update button. The Eligibility End Date Report appears in a separate window, detailing which Eligibility records were updated.
This video shows how to update the Household Application Expiration Date and Eligibility End Date for a group of students.
View and Upload Eligibility Documentation for Students
Learn how to upload documents such as income verification to the Eligibility tool. This option is only available if it has been enabled by the district.
Classic View: FRAM Eligibility
Search Term: Eligibility
Documents can be uploaded to the Eligibility tool if the administrator has enabled the document upload feature. This feature is useful for things like saving additional income verification data.
For more information about managing documents, see the Managing Document Attachments article.
To upload a document on the Eligibility tool, click the Documents button on the action bar then complete the following steps.
Click the Upload Document button. Click the Add Files button.
Locate the file(s) you want to attach and click Open.
Result
Campus adds the file(s) to the list of documents. Repeat this step until you have selected all of the files you want to attach.
- Click the Upload button.
Result
The documents appear in the Document List.
Eligibility Import Wizard
The following topics show how to import a Direct Certification file, import a third-party eligibility file, and schedule the third-party information to be imported automatically.
Import a Direct Certification File
This topic shows how to import a Direct Certification file into Campus.
Tool Search: Eligibility Import Wizard
The procedures described here allow you to import a Direct Certification file using the Eligibility Import Wizard.
When using the Eligibility Import Wizard, please keep the following in mind if you are importing a Direct file in the current year. If the eligibility record in the file includes a record that is the same rank as the pre-existing record but is a different Certified Type, Campus updates the pre-existing record to the new Certified Type. For example, if a child's current Certified Type is Foster (Free Direct) and the import file includes an eligibility record that is Runaway (Free Direct), Campus updates the Certified Type to Runaway.
If you are importing an eligibility file from a 3rd party system, see the Importing a 3rd Party Eligibility File article.
Step 1. Starting a New Import
To start the import process, create a mapping between the data file and the Campus database location in which the data values should be stored.
- Click the New Import Mapping button from the setup screen.
Result
Step 2 of the Wizard displays. - Go to Step 2. Entering Import File Details.
Step 2. Entering Import File Details
Step 2 of the wizard allows you to name the new import mapping and set specific parameters.
- Enter a Name for the new import. This name should represent the type of data the file contains.
- Select the School Year for which data is being imported.
- Select the format of the import file from the File Type field. The acceptable file formats are:
- Fixed Width
- Comma Separated Values
- TAB Delimited
- Select the student identification option contained in the import file from the Which field(s) in the data file will map to student identifiers? field. One of the following types of student identification must exist in the import file and be selected in this field:
- State ID
- Student Number
- Person ID
- Last Name, First Name, Birth Date (all three required)
- SSN (Social Security Number)
Indicate that you are importing a direct certification file by selecting Yes under the question Is this a Direct Certification file?
If importing a file with a combination of direct and non-direct/application eligibilities or if they are planning on using the file for scheduled imports, No should be selected. If Yes is selected when uploading those types of files, they will not upload correctly.This option is not available to state-level users unless the user is a district-level user signing into a State Edition site.Indicate whether the first row of the import file contains headers (identifying the content of each data column) by selecting Yes or No under the question Does file include headers?
The wizard does NOT import values from the header row.Click the Browse... button to select the data file to be imported and click the Open button to return to the import wizard screen.
- Click the Upload & Continue button to save this screen.
Result
Step 3 of the Wizard displays. - Go to Step 3. Mapping Student Identifiers.
Step 3. Mapping Student Identifiers
Step 3 of the wizard allows you to map the contents of the import file to the Campus database. The contents of the import file are previewed in the Raw Data File box. After you map a column, it appears in the Mapped Data Field(s) box.
After you upload the file, Campus maps the file contents to the database through the student identifier:
Enter the Raw Data File column number(s) containing student-identifying information in the Seq in Data File field(s) of the mapping editor.
Fixed-width Files Only
If importing from a fixed-width file, enter values related to the student identifier in the Start Position and Characters Long fields.- Mark the checkbox(es) in the Strip Leading Zeros column of the mapping editor if the student identifier values of the data file start with zero(s) that should be removed before importing.
- Click the Map Fields button to save the mapping of student-identifying data from the import file to the Campus database.
- Click the Next button.
Result
Step 4 of the wizard displays. - Go to Step 4. Entering Values.
Step 4. Entering Values
Step 4 of the wizard allows you to identify the Direct Certified Type(s) to be imported.
Answer Yes or No to the question "Is the eligibility the same for all students?"
Select Yes to set the same eligibility value for all students on the file.
Select No to map a unique value for each student on the file.
Answer Yes or No to the question "Is the Direct Certified Type the same value for all students?"
If the Direct Certified Type is... Then... the same for all students select the type from the dropdown list.
unique for each student enter the column number of the Raw Data File that contains certified type data and click the Set Value button. The Field Map window displays. Map the value from the file to a value in Campus by selecting an option from the Campus Direct Type dropdown list.
- Enter the first day on which the Eligibility is active in the Eligibility Start Date field.
- Enter the last day on which the Eligibility is active in the Eligibility End Date field.
- Click the Next button.
Result
Step 4 of the wizard displays. - Go to Step 5. Confirmation Review.
Step 5. Confirmation Review
After values from the import file have been mapped and saved, the import can be reviewed, tested and imported. Fields on this screen display according to previously selected options.
Field Descriptions
Field | Description |
|---|---|
Exclude Applications | If a household application associated with a student import file should be excluded, mark the Exclude Applications checkbox. Marking this checkbox will compare the students in the import file to the students on the household application; if the students match, the application will be excluded from the Verification process. For example, Direct Certification applications should not be processed, but a district may process a number of applications for households of students included in the Direct Certification file before it is received. These applications should not be included in Verification. If the Exclude Applications checkbox is used, these applications will be excluded and will not be included in Verification. If the Exclude Applications checkbox is not used, these applications may be included in Verification unless a user manually deletes or excludes the application. If all students match and the Start Date entered for the import is before or the same as the Start Date entered on the Household Application, then the Household Application will show on the Eligibility Import Report under the section Excluded. If all students match and the Start Date entered for the import is after the Start Date entered on the Household Application, the Household Application will not show on the Import Report. If not all students on the Household Application match the students appearing on the file and the Start Date entered for the import is before or the same as the Start Date entered on the Household Application, then the Household Application will show on the Eligibility Import Report under the section Not Excluded with a reference in the Action column to the students on the application who were not included on the import file. When the Exclude Household Application checkbox is NOT selected by the user, any Household Applications that have all of the same students as the import file and also meet the Start Date criteria previously mentioned will show on the Eligibility Import Report under the section Not Excluded. This gives users the option to review these applications for possible manual exclusion. |
Extend Direct Certification Status to Additional Students in Household | If all students in the same household as the import student should be assigned a Direct Certification eligibility status (even when not included in import file), mark the Extend Direct Certification Status to Additional Students in Household checkbox. Marking this checkbox will compare the student in the import file to the student(s) listed in the primary household or at the same address.Students in the household who do not have existing eligibilities will be assigned the same eligibility status as the student included in the import file. If the FRAM Preference option is set, users may also extend the Medicaid Direct Certified Type. Districts Importing Direct Certification files for Medicaid: When using the Eligibility Import Wizard and selecting the option for Extending benefits to additional students in the household, this option will only extend benefits to students in the same household who are NOT included in the Direct Certification file. If you are importing a Medicaid Direct Certification file containing both Free and Reduced eligibility, a best practice is to split the Direct Certification file by Free status and Reduced status. Once split, upload the files in order of the most advantageous status first (Free first, then Reduced) and mark the Extend benefits to additional students in the household option. This will ensure that, students in the same household with differing Free/Reduced statuses on the Direct Certification file are extended the Free eligibility along with any student household members not on the file. |
Include Updated Records Detail on Report | Mark this checkbox to display names and details of students affected by the import on the Eligibility Import Report. |
Report Format | The Eligibility Import Report can be generated as a PDF or Comma Separated Values (CSV) file. Large files, 15,000 records or more, must use the CSV option. |
Batch Import Options | This option is only available if the Batch Queue tool is enabled. These radio buttons determine whether the Batch Test or the Batch Import button displays. |
Testing and Importing the File
Follow the procedures for one of the following options.
Option | Description |
|---|---|
1 | Test and Import a Standard File |
2 | Batch Test and Import Large Files |
Option 1–Test and Import a Standard File
Click the Test button to generate the Eligibility Import Report preview of how the values of the import file will be imported to the database.
The import mapping is automatically saved and may be imported at a later time. If a student appears multiple times on the import file, the student will appear multiple times on the Eligibility Import Report.
- Adjust the data file contents and/or mappings if necessary.
- Click the Import button.
- Click OK on the pop-up window to confirm the import.
Result
A PDF or CSV report is generated and indicates import results. Eligibility values are imported to student records on the Eligibility tool.
Option 2–Batch Test and Import Large Files
The Batch Queue tool must be enabled to use this option. If you want your users who import large files to enable the Batch Import/Batch Test High Priority and Keep until I delete checkboxes, your users need Tool Rights to Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue > Set Task Expiration and Set Task Priority. If a user does not have these Tool Rights, the boxes will appear but not be active. In addition, a user without access to System Administration > Batch Queue will not be able to check on the status of the import, and will only know if it runs successfully when the Eligibility Import Report appears in their Process Inbox.
- Select the Test option in the Batch Import Options field to generate the Eligibility Import Report preview of how the values of the import file will be imported to the database.
- Click the Batch Test button.
Result
The Batch Queue Reporting Options window displays.
Use the following information to complete the configuration options on the Batch Queue Reporting Options window.
Field
Description
High Priority
Mark this checkbox if running this report is considered a high priority. Reports designated as "high priority" by this checkbox will take precedence over other reports in the Batch Queue that are not designated as such.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the Set Task Priority sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).
Keep Until I Delete
Mark this checkbox if the completed report results should continue to appear on the Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools until manually deleted by a user. If this checkbox is not marked, the completed report will be cleared from the Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools based on the frequency for the Batch Queue Maintenance task set within the Task Scheduler.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the Set Task Expiration sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).
Start Date/Time
Indicate the date and time at which the Batch Queue should begin to generate the report.
- Click the OK button.
Result
The Success window displays. Click OK to submit this report to the Batch Queue. While waiting for the Batch Test to complete, exit the Eligibility Import Wizard.
Result
The report will wait for the date and time scheduled for generation. Upon completion, the Eligibility Import Report is available in the Process Alerts (formerly Process Inbox) for your review.
The import mapping is automatically saved and may be imported at a later time.
- Return to Step 1 of the wizard and select your Saved Import Mapping.
Example
- Click the Edit button.
- Adjust the data file contents and/or mappings if necessary and continue to Step 5 of the wizard.
- Select the Import option in the Batch Import Options field.
Example
- Click the Batch Import button.
Result
The Batch Queue Reporting Options window displays. Repeat steps 3-5.
If the batch is still in Pending status in System Administration > Batch Queue and you change the School Year criteria for the import, the School Year will change for the Pending import in the Batch Queue. Do not change the criteria for any import in Pending status in the Batch Queue.
Import a Third-Party Eligibility File
Learn how to import eligibility from a third-party system into Campus.
Tool Search: Eligibility Import Wizard
The procedures described here allow you to import eligibility from a 3rd party system that may have a combination of non-direct and direct certification eligibilities.
If you are importing a direct certification file, see the Importing a Direct Certification File article.
Step 1. Starting a New Import
To start the import process, create a mapping between the eligibility file and the Campus database location in which the data values should be stored.
- Click the New Import Mapping button from the setup screen.
Result
Step 2 of the Wizard displays. - Go to Step 2. Entering Import File Details.
Step 2. Entering Eligibility File Details
Step 2 of the wizard allows you to name the new import mapping and set specific parameters. This screen is also where you identify whether you are importing unique eligibility statuses or assigning the same eligibility status to all students in the eligibility file.
- Enter a Name for the new import. This name should represent the type of data the file contains.
Select the School Year for which data is being imported.
Each year, eligibility mappings need to be edited or created as new for the new school year.
- Select the format of the eligibility file from the File Type field. The acceptable file formats are:
- Fixed Width
- Comma Separated Values
- TAB Delimited
- Select the student identification option contained in the eligibility file from the Which field(s) in the data file will map to student identifiers? field. One of the following types of student identification must exist in the eligibility file and be selected in this field:
- State ID
- Student Number
- Person ID
- Last Name, First Name, Birth Date (all three required)
- SSN (Social Security Number)
- Other ID (Maps to NASIS ID for BIE Only)
Select No under the question Is this a Direct Certification file?
If importing a file with a combination of direct and non-direct/application eligibilities or if they are planning on using the file for scheduled imports, No should be selected. If Yes is selected when uploading those types of files, they will not upload correctly.This option is not available to state-level users unless the user is a district-level user signing into a State Edition site.Indicate whether the first row of the eligibility file contains headers (identifying the content of each data column) by selecting Yes or No under the question Does file include headers?
The wizard does NOT import values from the header row.Click the Browse... button to select the eligibility file to be imported and click the Open button to return to the import wizard screen.
- Click the Upload & Continue button to save this screen.
Result
Step 3 of the Wizard displays. - Go to Step 3. Mapping Student Identifiers.
Step 3. Mapping Student Identifiers
Step 3 of the wizard allows you to map the contents of the eligibility file to the Campus database. The contents of the eligibility file are previewed in the Raw Data File box. After you map a column, it appears in the Mapped Data Field(s) box.
After you upload the file, Campus maps the file contents to the database through the student identifier:
Verify that the student identifier shown in the mapping editor reflects the student identifier contained in the eligibility file (i.e., if the Name column of the mapping editor lists Student Number, the eligibility file actually contains student numbers). The value selected on the previous screen for the Which fields in the data file will map to student identifiers? is the data element(s) appearing in the mapping editor (i.e., State ID, Student Number, Person ID, Social Security Number, or the set of Last Name, First Name and Birth Date).
Enter the Raw Data File column number(s) containing student identifying information in the Seq in Data File field(s) of the mapping editor.
Fixed-width Files Only
If importing from a fixed-width file, enter values related to the the student identifier in the Start Position and Characters Long fields.- Mark the checkbox(es) in the Strip Leading Zeros column of the mapping editor if the student identifier values of the data file start with zero(s) that should be removed before importing.
- Click the Map Fields button to save the mapping of student identifying data from the eligibility file to the Campus database.
- Click the Next button.
Result
Step 4 of the wizard displays. - Go to Step 4. Entering Values.
Step 4. Identifying Fields to Import
Step 4 of the wizard allows you to identify the fields you want to import from the eligibility file to the Campus database. Step 5 - Setting Values allows you to select values for the fields that you do not import.
- Select Yes or No next to all of the options.
- Select Yes next to fields that will be mapped from the imported file to a field in the database. You must select Yes for one of the following fields.
Field Description Certified Type This field stores Non-direct Source Certified Types. Non-direct source certified types are determined from methods other than a local or state agency file. For example, a non-direct source may be a submitted meal benefits application or the determination by a district coordinator that a student is Homeless, Migrant, Runaway, Head Start etc. Direct Type This field stores Direct Source Certified Types. Direct Source Certified Types are determined by receiving a file or list of eligible students from a state or local agency indicating the student is eligible for Free meal benefits. - Select No if you are not importing a value from the file. If you select No, you will be able to select a value for the field in Step 5 of the wizard. Selecting No also indicates that the value for that field is the same for every student. For example, select No for the Eligibility field if every student's Eligibility Status is SES.
- Select Yes next to fields that will be mapped from the imported file to a field in the database. You must select Yes for one of the following fields.
- Click Next to continue to Step 5. Selecting Values.
Step 5. Setting Values
To import values contained in the eligibility file, this step has you map those values to accepted values within the Campus database. This step also allows you to select values for fields that are not part of the eligibility file.
All fields shown must be mapped. If the eligibility file does not contain this information, it must be modified, saved and re-uploaded. When all values have been mapped, click the Next button to proceed to review and import the data.
| If you are... | Then... |
|---|---|
| importing values contained in the eligibility file | complete the following steps.
|
| selecting values for fields that are not part of the eligibility file | select an option from the dropdown list or select a date for date fields. |
| Field | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Type |
|
Eligibility |
|
Certified Type |
|
| Direct Type |
|
Start Date Values | Select a date from the date picker or map the eligibility start date values by selecting the Date Format that matches the values contained in the eligibility file. Eligibility files where the Start and/or End Date is not mapped (selected as the SAME for all students) will not be available for selection as a Scheduled Import. Only imports where both the Start and End Date are mapped on the file can be scheduled. Options include the following:
|
End Date Values | Select a date from the date picker or map the eligibility end date values by selecting the Date Format that matches the values contained in the eligibility file. Eligibility files where the Start and/or End Date is not mapped (selected as the SAME for all students) will not be available for selection as a Scheduled Import. Only imports where both the Start and End Date are mapped on the file can be scheduled. Options include the following:
|
Medicaid Opt Out SCHIP Opt Out | Values reflecting a household's preferences on receiving additional assistance from Medicaid/SCHIP organizations should be mapped to the following Medicaid/SCHIP Opt Out values: Yes or No. These values will appear if the Display Medicaid Opt Out and/or Display SCHIP Opt Out checkboxes are marked in the FRAM Preferences. |
Mapping Additional State Codes
Some states have additional state codes that can be mapped and imported. Currently these state codes are available in the import wizard:
| State | Code | Definition |
|---|---|---|
BIE | Does Not Participate | A student's eligibility for meal benefits has been determined but he/she chooses not to eat school meals. |
NE | Free Milk Eligible | Student is eligible for free milk based on the state-specific definition of Free Milk Eligible. |
NH | Free Milk Eligible | Student is eligible for free milk based on the state-specific definition of Free Milk Eligible. |
Step 6. Confirmation Review
After values from the eligibility file have been mapped and saved, the data can be reviewed, tested and imported. Fields on this screen display according to previously selected options.
Field Descriptions
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
Include Updated Records Detail on Report | Mark this checkbox to display names and details of students affected by the import on the Eligibility Import Report. |
Report Format | The Eligibility Import Report can be generated as a PDF or Comma Separated Values (CSV) file. Large files, 15,000 records or more, must use the CSV option. |
Batch Import Options | This option is only available if the Batch Queue tool is enabled. These radio buttons determine whether the Batch Test or the Batch Import button displays. |
Testing and Importing the File
Follow the procedures for one of the following options.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
1 | Test and Import a Standard File |
2 | Batch Test and Import Large Files |
Option 1–Test and Import a Standard File
Click the Test button to generate the Eligibility Import Report preview of how the values of the eligibility file will be imported to the database.
Adjust the data file contents and/or mappings if necessary. The import mapping is automatically saved and may be imported at a later time. If a student appears multiple times on the eligibility file, the student will appear multiple times on the Eligibility Import Report.
- Click the Import button.
- Click OK on the pop-up window to confirm the import.
Result
A PDF or CSV report is generated and indicates import results. Eligibility values are imported to student records on the Eligibility tool.
Option 2–Batch Test and Import Large Files
The Batch Queue tool must be enabled to use this option. If you want your users who import large files to enable the Batch Import/Batch Test High Priority and Keep until I delete checkboxes, your users need Tool Rights to Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue > Set Task Expiration and Set Task Priority. If a user does not have these Tool Rights, the boxes will appear but not be active. In addition, a user without access to System Administration > Batch Queue will not be able to check on the status of the import and will only know if it runs successfully when the Eligibility Import Report appears in their Process Inbox.
- Select the Test option in the Batch Import Options field to generate the Eligibility Import Report preview of how the values of the eligibility file will be imported to the database.
- Click the Batch Test button.
Result
The Batch Queue Reporting Options window displays.
Use the following information to complete the configuration options on the Batch Queue Reporting Options window.
Field
Description
High Priority
Mark this checkbox if running this report is considered a high priority. Reports designated as "high priority" by this checkbox will take precedence over other reports in the Batch Queue that are not designated as such.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the the Set Task Priority sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).
Keep Until I Delete
Mark this checkbox if the completed report results should continue to appear on the Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools until manually deleted by a user. If this checkbox is not marked, the completed report will be cleared from the Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools based on the frequency for the Batch Queue Maintenance task set within the Task Scheduler.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the the Set Task Expiration sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).
Start Date/Time
Indicate the date and time at which the Batch Queue should begin to generate the report.
- Click the OK button.
Result
The Success window displays. Click OK to submit this report to the Batch Queue. While waiting for the Batch Test to complete, exit the Eligibility Import Wizard.
Result
The report will wait for the date and time scheduled for generation. Upon completion, the Eligibility Import Report will be available in the Process Alerts (formerly Process Inbox) for your review.
The import mapping is automatically saved and may be imported at a later time.
- Return to Step 1 of the wizard and select your Saved Import Mapping.
Example
- Click the Edit button.
- Adjust the data file contents and/or mappings if necessary and continue to Step 5 of the wizard.
- Select the Import option in the Batch Import Options field.
Example
- Click the Batch Import button.
Result
The Batch Queue Reporting Options window displays. Repeat steps 3-5.
If the batch is still in Pending status in System Administration > Batch Queue and you change the School Year criteria for the import, the School Year will change for the Pending import in the Batch Queue. Do not change criteria for any import in Pending status in the Batch Queue.
Scheduling Eligibility Imports
If desired, districts can choose to automatically have eligibility data from third-party systems imported into Campus. This topic explains how to schedule the imports.
Tool Search: Scheduled Imports
The Scheduled Imports tool allows districts to automate the process of importing eligibility data from any third-party system and eliminates the need for custom scripts. Multiple files can be imported within a single Scheduled Import. If there are existing eligibility records in the database, the import process will not import the duplicate data and the Eligibility Import Report will indicate that records already exist.
Under optimal conditions, where no other process is being run for the district, it is estimated the tool will import 10,000 records every 30-40 minutes.
Currently, the Scheduled Imports tool allows self-signed certificates. Please note that there is a security risk if your district uses self-signed certificates rather than a certificate from a trusted certificate authority.
Scheduled Imports EditorGetting Started
Before creating a Scheduled Import, the following tasks must be completed.
| Task | Description |
|---|---|
1 | The Scheduled Imports process uses a mapping created with the Eligibility Import Wizard. The Import File must first be mapped using the Eligibility Import Wizard. After the file is mapped, the mapping can be selected in the Scheduled Import tool. This Scheduled Import uses the same eligibility import mapping each time it imports a file. If the file layout changes, a new eligibility import mapping must be created in the Eligibility Import Wizard and the Scheduled Import must be updated to reference the new mapping. Only import file mappings with both the Start and End Dates mapped on the file can be selected for a Scheduled Import. |
2 | The file folder on the server where the Import File is located must be shared and be given read/write permissions. |
3 | Verify all import file names begin with IC_Eligibility. The file name(s) in the shared folder must start with IC_Eligibility or they cannot be found in the shared folder. |
Data Import Detail Field Descriptions
| Field | Description | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | If Active is not selected, users cannot run an import. However, the import can be tested. | ||||||||||
| Import Name | The import name should be consistent with the import file being used and may include up to 40 alphanumeric characters. | ||||||||||
| Eligibility Import Mapping | The Eligibility Import Mapping previously created in the Eligibility Import Wizard. | ||||||||||
| User Name | The name used to log into the server where the shared folder and import file are located. | ||||||||||
| Password | The password used to log into the server where the shared folder and import file(s) are located. After you save the Scheduled Import, the Password field is hashed and may appear longer than the text you entered. | ||||||||||
| Protocol |
| ||||||||||
| Host | The name or IP address of the server. | ||||||||||
| Port | The Port field displays when FTPS or SFTP is chosen in the Protocol dropdown list. | ||||||||||
| Domain | The address of the computer network connection.
| ||||||||||
| Directory Path | The path to the shared folder. This field allows up to 100 characters. Multiple files can be imported within a single Scheduled Import; therefore, ALL files found in this directory will be imported at the same time. As a best practice, use different directories for direct certification files and non-direct certification files. Do NOT start the Directory Path with a slash; e.g., \ScheduledImports or /ScheduledImports. If the file is located on the C drive, do not enter the drive in the directory path. Only enter the name of the shared folder if the shared folder is embedded within other folders. For example, if the folder's location is C:\ScheduledImports\Imports\Eligibility Imports type ScheduledImports\Imports\Eligibility Imports in the Directory Path field. If the folder is at the root level of the C drive; e.g., C:\Scheduled Imports, then type ScheduledImports. The file name in this directory path must start with IC_Eligibility. The Scheduled Import tool will look for files that start with IC_Eligibility. However, do NOT enter the file name as part of the Directory Path. | ||||||||||
Frequency Type/ Frequency | All Frequency Types require that the Scheduled Time be defined to indicate the time of day the data will be imported. Very large routine files should be scheduled to start running long enough after the school day typically ends so the process does not interfere with other district processes at the end of the day but early enough so that the file import completes in time and does not interfere with other district processes at the start of school in the morning.
| ||||||||||
| Scheduled Day | Indicates which day of the month the data will be imported. EOM (end of month) is the last day of each month. | ||||||||||
| Scheduled Time | Indicates the time when the data will be imported. | ||||||||||
| Test Connection | If the Scheduled Import is not set up correctly, an error message appears. | ||||||||||
| Test Import | After the Scheduled Import is set up and the connection to the server where the import file(s) are located is confirmed, you may test the scheduled import. | ||||||||||
| Submit to Batch | The scheduled import will run automatically based on the date/time entered on the options window. The Batch Queue tool helps prevent time-out errors and/or system performance issues. For more information about submitting a report to the batch queue, see the Batch Queue article. Under optimal conditions, where no other process is being run for the district, it is estimated the tool will import 10,000 records every 30-40 minutes. |
Create a New Scheduled Import
- Click the New button.The Data Import Detail section appears.
- Verify the Active check box is selected. If Active is not selected, users cannot run an import. However, the import can be tested.
- Type a descriptive name in the Import Name field. The import name should be consistent with the import file being used and may include up to 40 alphanumeric characters.
- Use the information in the Data Import Detail Field Descriptions to fill in the remaining fields.
- Click the Test Connection button.A confirmation message appears. If the Scheduled Import is not set up correctly, an error message will appear.
- Click the Save button. The scheduled import will run automatically based on the frequency and time entered. After the Scheduled Import is set up and the connection to the server where the import file(s) are located is confirmed, users may test or immediately run the scheduled import.
Test the Scheduled Import
Testing an import file confirms that its data will import correctly.
- Select the Scheduled Import name on the Data Import Editor.
- Click the Test Import button. The Eligibility Import Report appears.
- Use the Eligibility Import Report to verify the test results.
Submit Scheduled Import to the Batch Queue
A scheduled import runs automatically based on the frequency and time entered on the import. However, the Data Import Detail editor also includes a Submit to Batch button that allows you to automatically run the import based on the date/time entered on the options window.
- Select a scheduled import from the Data Import Editor.
- Click the Submit to Batch button. The Batch Queue Reporting Options window displays
Use the following field descriptions to complete the Batch Queue Options.
Option Description High Priority
Mark this checkbox if running this import is considered a high priority. Processes designated as "high priority" by this checkbox take precedence over other reports in the Batch Queue that are not designated as such.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the the Set Task Priority sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).Keep Until I Delete
Mark this checkbox if the completed import results should continue to appear on the Add Reports to Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools until manually deleted by a user.
If this checkbox is not marked, the completed report will be cleared from the Add Reports to Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools based on the frequency for the Batch Queue Maintenance task set within the Task Scheduler.
This checkbox can only be marked if a user has the proper tool right access (i.e., at least R rights to the the Set Task Expiration sub-right located in the Tool Rights index under Ad Hoc Reporting > Batch Queue).
Start Date/Time
Indicate the date and time at which the Batch Queue should begin the import process. These fields auto-populate with the current date and time. Click in either field to enter a new date. A calendar displays when choosing a new date. Time must be entered in HHMM format, in either standard time format (i.e., 2:15 pm) or in military time (i.e., 14:15).
Click OK. The import will wait for the date and time scheduled for generation and is listed on the Batch Queue and Admin Queue tools. The data in the import file(s) is imported into the database as scheduled. This data messages the Point of Sale terminal and the State Edition (if the district uses Infinite Campus State Edition). The file name is changed to P_IC_Eligibility and includes a date and timestamp indicating when the file was imported.This prevents the file from being imported again. The Eligibility Import Report is generated.
Eligibility Import Report Example
The Eligibility Import Report is a summary report which provides a list of updated records and indicates if there are existing records in the database. This report is generated after Testing the Scheduled Import and can also be accessed when viewing Scheduled Import Logs.
Eligibility Import Report Example
Individual Student Eligibility
The topics below provide an overview of individual student eligibility meal status records. Also, learn to manually create, edit and delete an eligibility record.
Create, Edit, View, and Delete a Student's Eligibility Status
This topic provides an overview of individual student eligibility meal status records.
Tool Search: Eligibility
The Eligibility tool shows a student's eligibility for receiving free or reduced-price benefits. The USDA Food and Nutritional Services agency requires that districts track student eligibility for federal reimbursement purposes.
State Edition users should also refer to the Eligibility (State) article.
How Campus Updates Eligibility Records
Eligibility records are updated when a household applies for benefits, generally at the start of a school year or during the school year. When a household is approved for free or reduced meal benefits, student eligibilities are active for the current school year, plus an additional 30 days into the next school year.
Records displayed in this tool are entered through one of the following methods:
- Manually Entered Eligibilities - New eligibility records can be created manually on the Eligibility tool. This method is most often used when a district does not use the FRAM Household Applications tool or the Eligibility Import Wizard.
- Updated/Imported Eligibilities - Existing student eligibilities can be imported to the Eligibility tool using the Eligibility Import Wizard. The Eligibility Import Wizard may be used to upload direct certification files received from the state or files received from third-party food service vendors.
- Auto-Populated Eligibilities - When an Educational or Meal Benefits application is processed through the FRAM Household Applications and Online Applications tools, the resulting eligibility is automatically populated. These records display as read-only information that cannot be modified or deleted.
Point-of-Sale users only: Changes made to a student's eligibility will NOT update existing meal transactions. Purchased transactions that exist on a student's account Journal are not automatically updated to reflect the changes in their eligibility. If updating existing meal transactions is necessary, a district staff member must manually modify the transactions in the student's account Journal.
Eligibility Information in Ad hoc Query Wizard
Eligibility information is available in the Query Wizard for Student Data Types and Census/Staff Data Types. Fields can be selected from the following folders:
- Student > FRAM > Eligibility
- Person > FRAM > Eligibility
In the other Eligibility articles, the related Ad hoc Field is noted with the Field descriptions.
Eligibility Editor Field Descriptions
Field | Definition |
|---|---|
School Year | The school year for which the Eligibility applies. |
Start Date | The first day on which the Eligibility is active. |
| End Date | The last day on which the Eligibility is active. The eligibility End Date field indicates the last date on which the student is eligible for the eligibility, generally 30 days into the next school year. After an existing eligibility expires (i.e., the day after the End Date), the student's eligibility will automatically default to a "Paid" eligibility. |
| Eligibility Type | Indicates the type of eligibility. The Eligibility Type determines what department created and will use the Eligibility record within the district.
|
| Eligibility | This field indicates the eligibility status of the student:
|
| Source | This field indicates whether the eligibility status was identified through Non-Direct or Direct Certification. Direct Certification indicates that the student qualifies for free/reduced meals due to Direct Certification files received from a state agency certifying that the child is a member of a SNAP, FDPIR or TANF household or the student is a foster child directly certified from the state. This Certified Type is allowed only when the Eligibility Type is Meal. The Eligibility should be Free. |
| Certified Type | The determination reason for the value displayed in the Eligibility field. The options in this dropdown list display according to the Source selected. See the following Certified Type table for more information. |
| Application Name | The name of the household or the name of the application's signer (per the setting of the Auto Fill Application Name field of the FRAM Preferences) on the Educational or Meal Benefits Application processed. This field cannot be edited. Only eligibilities auto-populated from the Educational or Meal Benefits Application will have a value auto-populated in this field. When Online Meal Benefits Applications is enabled, this field will display the Signer's Name. |
| Reference Number | The number of the Educational and Meal Benefits application, for reference purposes. Only eligibilities populated via an Educational or Meal Benefits Application will have a value in this field. |
| Letter Method | This checkbox indicates that the manually entered eligibility was the result of a Direct Certification AND the district received a certification letter from one of the following sources:
This checkbox only displays if you select a Direct Source and Free Eligibility. |
| Extended | When this checkbox is marked, it indicates that the eligibility is the result of a family member's eligibility being extended to this student. This checkbox only displays if you select a Direct Source. |
| State Qualified as Free | Marking this checkbox indicates the student is not eligible at the Federal level but qualifies as free at the state level. This option is only available in New Jersey. |
Opt Out Medicaid | If this box is marked, the guardian has indicated he/she does NOT wish to be contacted by Medicaid regarding Medicaid benefits. This option will only display if the Display Medicaid Opt Out checkbox of the FRAM Application Preferences is marked. |
Opt Out SCHIP | If this box is marked, the guardian has indicated he/she does NOT wish to be contacted by SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) regarding insurance benefits. This option will only display if the Display SCHIP Opt Out checkbox of the FRAM Application Preferences is marked. |
Permission Name | The name of the established district permission(s). This section is only available if Permissions have been created within the Permission Preferences tab. |
Share Permission | This indicates whether or not the parent/guardian allows the district permission to share their child(ren)'s free/reduced eligibility with other district staff members. This section is only available if Permissions have been created within the Permission Preferences. |
| State Eligibility Code | This data is used for state reporting only. |
Certified Type
| Certified Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Income | Type of approval based on household income. The Eligibility can be Free, Reduced or Paid. |
| Categorical | Type of benefit based on participation in federal programs such as SNAP/FDPIR/TANF. The Eligibility should be Free. |
| Override | Type of approval based on the district selecting to override the assigned Eligibility for student on a Meal Benefits Application. |
| Runaway | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student's runaway status. The Eligibility should be Free.
|
| Homeless | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student's homeless status. The Eligibility should be Free.
|
| Foster | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student's foster status where the child is living in a foster home or another type of facility which deems the student as foster. The Eligibility should be Free.
|
| Migrant | Type of approval based on confirmation approving the student's migrant status.
|
| Even Start | Type of approval based on the student participating in the Federally-funded Even Start Family Literacy Program for preschool/pre-kindergarten children. |
| Head Start | Type of approval based on the student being enrolled as a participant in a Head Start program.
|
| RCCI | Type of approval based on the student attending a residential child care institution (RCCI) that participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and/or School Breakfast Program (SBP). |
| Early Childhood | The Local Education Agency (LEA) can use this designation if the LEA is participating in a CAACFP program. |
| Medicaid | Type of approval based on the household receiving Medicaid benefits.
|
| Declined | This status is used to track households who decline free/reduced eligibility benefits. This status is collected in some state's for state reporting data. |
| Denied | This status is used to track households who are denied free/reduced eligibility benefits. This status is collected in some state's for state reporting data. |
| Did Not Apply | This status is used to track households who did not apply for free/reduced eligibility benefits. This status is collected in some state's for state reporting data. |
| Socioeconomic Status | Type of approval based on an Educational Benefits Application processed via non-food service department staff. This Certified Type is only allowed with an Eligibility Type of SES. |
| SNAP | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. All students identified as members of the household are categorically eligible for free meals or milk. |
| TANF | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) assistance. All students identified as members of the household are categorically eligible for free meals or milk. |
| FDPIR | Type of approval based on confirmation from a local agency through direct certification that the household receives assistance from the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). All students identified as members of the household are categorically eligible for free meals or milk. |
Create New Eligibility Records
If a student's eligibility is not created by processing an Eligibility or Meal Benefits Application or by importing through the Eligibility Import Wizard, it may be entered manually.
Sync Eligibility to State
In districts linked to a Campus State or Regional Edition installation, certain district-level eligibility information is synched state-level Eligibility tool. District-level values from the following fields will be automatically synced to the state level when an eligibility record is created, updated, or deleted:
- Eligibility
- Eligibility Type
- Source
- Certified Type
- School Year
- Start Date
- End Date
- State Eligibility Code
Manually Enter a New Student Eligibility
- Click New in the action bar.
- Select the School Year to which the Eligibility should apply.
- Enter or select a Start Date and End Date for eligibility.When adding a new eligibility, do not overwrite existing eligibilities. Overlapping Start/End Dates are not allowed; therefore, the previous eligibility automatically adjusts to end before the new eligibility begins.
Point-Of-Sale users only: If a student's eligibility changes, existing transactions for those students will NOT be updated. If transactions exist with an Eligibility that has been edited or overwritten, a district staff member must manually modify those transactions in the student's account Journal. - Select the Eligibility Type.
- Select the Eligibility, Source, and Certified Type for the student.
- Mark the Opt Out Medicaid/SCHIP checkbox(es) to waive contact from the organization(s) if the student's guardians should not be contacted by the Medicaid/SCHIP agency.These fields will not be displayed in all districts. Districts control whether these fields display by selecting options in the FRAM Preferences tool.
- Select the Yes or No Share Permission radio button (if the district has added Permissions) to identify whether the parent/guardian is allowing the district to share their children's free/reduced eligibility with other district staff members.
- Click Save.
Edit Student Eligibility Meal Status
When an error is made in the entry of a student eligibility status, you can edit that information from this tab.
The exception to this is when the initial eligibility information was processed via the FRAM Household Applications or Online Applications tools. When these tools were used to set up a student’s Eligibility, information displays as read-only and cannot be modified or deleted from here.
To edit a record, select the record from the list in Eligibility.
Delete Eligibility Records
When an Educational or Meal Benefits application is processed through the FRAM Household Applications and Online Applications tools, the resulting eligibility is automatically populated. These records display as read-only information that cannot be deleted.
- Select the record to delete.
- Click the Delete button. A confirmation window displays.
- Click OK.
View Modifications Made to an Eligibility Record
To view who last modified the Eligibility record and on what date, select the record within Eligibility and scroll to the bottom of the Eligibility Detail panel.
The hover will indicate who modified the record and on what date for any of the following reasons:
- A new manual record is entered or a change is made to an existing record within the Eligibility tool.
- Entry of a Meal Benefits Application or Educational Benefits Application via the Household Application tool or via Online Meal Benefits Application.
- Use of the Eligibility End Date Wizard.
- Use of the Eligibility Import Wizard to run a manual or Batch Import. If New File Import is selected and the new file is uploaded with no change to the mapping, the person who selected New File Import and uploaded and imported the new file will appear as the Modified By person and date.
- When a Scheduled Import is run, the name of the last user who edited the mapping of the import selected to run from the Eligibility Import Wizard will be the Modified By person and date.
If the fields for modifiedBy and modifiedDate are null for a record within the POSEligibility table, the hover will display "Modified By: Unknown" with no date indicated.
If a user saves an existing eligibility record where Modified By and Modified Date were null and the user did not make any changes, the record will retain the user who saved the record as the Modified By and Modified Date. This will only happen for the first time a null record is saved without changes. This will not happen if the record is not null and is saved without any changes being made.
A student's free or reduced meal eligibility is maintained in the Eligibility tool
