Des Moines Art Center Free Membership Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible for a free Des Moines Art Center Membership?
A: You are eligible if your household income is within the limits of the Federal Income Chart shown below.

Federal Income Chart
2007 – 2008

Household Size	Yearly	Monthly	Twice Per Month	Every Two Weeks	Weekly
1	$18,889	$1,575	$788	$727	$364
2	25,327	2,111	1,056	975	488
3	31,765	2,648	1,324	1,222	611
4	38,203	3,184	1,592	1,470	735
5	44,641	3,721	1,861	1,717	859
6	51,079	4,257	2,129	1,965	983
7	57,517	4,794	2,397	2,213	1,107
8	63,955	5,330	2,665	2,460	1,230
Each Additional Person:	6,438	537	269	248	124

Q: What income do I need to list on the application?
A: Income is money received on an ongoing, regular basis. This should include your gross earned income, which means all money earned before deductions (income taxes, employee’s social security taxes, insurance premiums, etc). Wage garnishments and child support that comes out of your check should be included in your gross income. Income includes: earnings from work, child support payments, alimony payments, pensions, retirement, and social security. For example: if you baby sit every week you should count your earnings as income. However, if you infrequently baby sit, it is not necessary to include this as part of your gross wages.

Q: I don’t have a set income. What amount should I put there?
A: If the hours you work vary from week to week, you should take two of your paychecks and average them together to get your total income for the period.

Q: Who should I include as members of my household?
A: You must include all people living in your household, related or not (such as grandparents, other relatives, or friends). You must include yourself and all children who live with you.

Q: Will the information I give be checked?
A: Yes, we may ask you to send written proof. If requested, acceptable proof includes:

Jobs: Paycheck stub or pay envelopes that shows the amount and how often pay is received; letter from employer stating gross wages and how often they are paid; or business or farming papers, such as ledger or tax books.
Social Security, Pensions, or Retirement: Social Security retirement benefit letter, statement of benefits received, or pension award notice.
Unemployment, Disability, or Worker’s Comp: Notice of eligibility from State employment security office, check stub, or letter from welfare agency.
Child Support or Alimony: Court decree, agreement, or copies of checks received.
Other income (such as rental income): Information that shows the amount of income received, how often it is received, and the date received.
No income: A brief note explaining how you provide food, clothing and housing for your household, and when you expect an income.
Military Housing Privatization Initiative: Letter or rental contract showing that your housing is part of the Military Housing Privatization Initiative.

Q: Where can I get an application?
A: Four ways:

By calling Lauren Rusco, Art Center Membership Manager, at 515-271-0327
At the Information Desk at the Des Moines Art Center
Oakridge Neighborhood
Orchard Place

Q: Where do I submit the application?
A: Applications must be submitted to the Des Moines Art Center. You may drop the application off or mail it to: Lauren Rusco, Des Moines Art Center, 4700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312.

Q: How long does it take to get approval?
A: Once applications are received by the Des Moines Art Center, they are approved or denied within ten business days.

Q: If I don’t qualify, can I reapply at a later date?
A: Yes, you may reapply if a change in household status occurs, such as decrease in household income, increase in household size or a household member becomes unemployed. You may also reapply if there is a change in program criteria.

Q: Who should I talk to if I disagree with the decision made about my application?
A: You should call the membership department directly at 515-271-0327 to hear an explanation of the decision. The Des Moines Art Center is prohibited by law from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Decisions are made based on review of application and availability of free memberships.

Q: What benefits will I receive with a free membership?
A: You will receive all benefits of the Individual or Household membership, based on your membership status. Please refer to the membership brochure for a complete list of benefits. Eligibility in the free membership program may also make you eligible for a studio education scholarship. Scholarships are awarded based on eligibility and availability. Please call Nicole James, Studio Programs Coordinator, at 515-271-0335 to find out more about classes and scholarships.

Q: Who will know that I am receiving a free membership to the Des Moines Art Center?
A: The only people who will know that you have received a free membership are employees working in the membership department at the Des Moines Art Center. Your membership card will not state your free membership status.

Q: Do I have to reapply for a free membership each year?
A: Yes, memberships are good for one calendar year. Each year you will need to fill out a new application with current income information. When your membership is about to expire we will send you a new application.

If you have other questions or need help, call Lauren Rusco, Membership Manager, 515-271-0327.
Si necesita ayuda, por favor llame al teléfono: Lauren Rusco, 515-271-0327.
Si vous voudriez d’aide, contactez nous au numero: Lauren Rusco, 515-271-0327.

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