![]() It’s a lifeline,” said Signe Anderson, senior director of nutrition advocacy for the Tennessee Justice Center.Īnderson said last week that the problems identified months ago haven’t gotten any better for families, who have turned to community organizations like hers for assistance. The reason why people are turning to SNAP is because they’re having a hard time feeding themselves or their families. “As we transition from the old system to the new one, there has been a temporary increase in our processing times that we are actively working to mitigate.”Īdvocates for Tennessee children and families question why the computer rollout was so poorly launched and note frustrations for families are compounded by widespread reports of mistreatment by state employees. “This year, the Tennessee Department of Human Services experienced its largest technology transition since 1992,” Danielle Cotton, department spokesperson, said. State officials blame the rollout of a new computer system in June and an ongoing staffing shortage. The family’s benefits, Bryant would learn, had been cut off in error.Īs the holiday season approaches, thousands of Tennessee families who qualify for food assistance have been cut off from food benefits they rely on families recently out of a job or falling on hard times haven’t been able to successfully access first-time aid. It made me feel like a failure.” Jasmine Bryant, 35, lost access to state food benefits for three months due to backlogs at the Tennessee Department of Human Services. They’re used to me cooking home-cooked meals and fresh food that you can’t really get from food banks. “I did everything I could to make sure the kids didn’t know what was going on,” said Bryant, 35. It would be another three months before the Bryant family was restored to the program that allows the single mom to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and protein for her active, sports-playing kids - ages 13, 11 and 8. And at a nearby local Knoxville benefits office, where many of the electronic kiosks were out of order and in-person windows were closed, there were hours-long waits, rude staff and security guards, and few answers. An online application system was often down. ![]() Her SNAP benefits - formerly referred to as food stamps -had been cut off without notice, despite no change in the circumstances that allow her family of four to access the nutritional help.īryant made multiple calls to the Tennessee Department of Human Services helpline, where hold times stretch to four hours and hang-ups are a frequent occurrence. Jasmine Bryant was caught by surprise at the grocery store in September, when a state-issued debit card to buy food for her three kids was rejected at the checkout counter. People who are exempt for physical or mental health reasons.Note: this story has been updated with additional data on staff vacancies and pending applications provided by the Department of Human Services after publication. Some special groups may not be subject to these requirements including: In addition, able bodied adults without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 20 hours per week in order to receive SNAP benefits for more than 3 months in a 36-month period. Participating in employment and training programs, if assigned by the State.įailure to comply with these requirements can result in disqualification from the Program. Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours ![]() People must meet work requirements to be eligible for SNAP. Your local SNAP office will provide you with information about how to recertify. ![]() Before your certification period ends, you will receive another notice that says you must recertify to continue receiving benefits. ![]() If you are found eligible, you will receive a notice that tells you how long you will receive SNAP benefits for this is called your certification period. If you are found eligible, you will receive benefits based on the date you submitted your application. The interview is typically completed over the telephone or in-person. during the 30 days you must complete an eligibility interview and give proof (verification) of the information you provided. In most cases it takes 30 day to processs your application. Visit the Pre screening tool to see if you qualify: If your State agency determines that you are eligible to receive SNAP benefits, you will receive benefits back to the date you submitted your application. Your household must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. To apply for benefits contact this office during office hours as posted. ![]()
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