Food Stamp Application Transparency: Missouri Could Learn From New Jersey
Missouri SNAP/food stamp applicants needlessly wait longer than expected when they apply for well-deserved food assistance because application are hand-written and submitted by mail. Anything that can be done to help workers fill a gap in stagnant wages helps Missouri communities. New Jersey has pending legislation that would provide information to SNAP applicants on when their application was received.
“There is a hunger crisis in New Jersey that is being made worse by a mismanaged food assistance program that leave some families without food waiting up to six months for assistance,” said Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union in a January 26, 2015 NewJersey.com article. “It is unconscionable to make families and children go hungry that long.”
In Misssouri applicants are required to mail or deliver in person hand-written applications to a Social Services office. Once applications are sent, people applying do not receive a notice that Missouri office received the applications. In fact, applicants are instructed to be ready to receive an "interview phone call" to determine eligibility. Missing the phone call could eliminate the applicant from receiving the food assistance benefits. It's a guessing game where your application is in the process.
The New Jersey example is a good idea for Missouri legislators to consider, which would expedite SNAP applications and provide much needed transparency to the applicants.
“There is a hunger crisis in New Jersey that is being made worse by a mismanaged food assistance program that leave some families without food waiting up to six months for assistance,” said Sen. Ray Lesniak, D-Union in a January 26, 2015 NewJersey.com article. “It is unconscionable to make families and children go hungry that long.”
In Misssouri applicants are required to mail or deliver in person hand-written applications to a Social Services office. Once applications are sent, people applying do not receive a notice that Missouri office received the applications. In fact, applicants are instructed to be ready to receive an "interview phone call" to determine eligibility. Missing the phone call could eliminate the applicant from receiving the food assistance benefits. It's a guessing game where your application is in the process.
The New Jersey example is a good idea for Missouri legislators to consider, which would expedite SNAP applications and provide much needed transparency to the applicants.
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