Food Programs

2010

Mass Law Reform Institute
FS Policy Update: Mass SNAP Outreach Initiative and Resources; Boston Bounty Bucks

Tuesday 29 June 2010 Coalition Topics

2010 Food Stamp Advocacy Guide

We have posted the interactive e-book version of the 2010 Food Stamp Advocacy Guide to the MassLegalServices.org website. This interactive version has live links to the state and federal policy materials and regulations that are referenced in the Guide, so you don't need to do separate searches to find the primary source material. The best way to access the guide is from the following link: www.masslegalservices.org/FoodStampSNAPAdvocacyGuide From this link, you can access the e-book and downloadable pdfs. You can also go to this link to order a hard copy (bound version) of the book (and all other MLRI books) from the mcle website.
Note also that links to all of the advocacy guides can be found here: www.masslegalservices.org/LegalAdvocacyGuides and as a Quick Link on the home pages of both the public and the private sections of MLS (private sections available only to Legal Services members with log in).
Thanks to my MLRI colleagues Rochelle Hahn and Sandra Quiles for creating these e-books!
Patricia Baker, Mass Law Reform Institute, 99 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111 — 617-357-0700 x 328

Update on DTA Foodstamp/SNAP Guidelines

1) Simplified FS/SNAP Calculator: If you know the FS/SNAP financial rules, it cannot get much easier than this! SNAP Director Phuoc Cao has kindly shared with MLRI his personal (and colorful) FS/SNAP Excel calculator. This is not an official DTA SNAP calculator, but it is quick and even easier to use. We thank Phuoc for giving us permission to share it with you! — FS/SNAP Excel calculator
Two important caveats: The calculator does not screen out households with income over the applicable gross income tests. You will need to know which gross income test applies to which household: 200% FPL for most households, 130% FPL for childless households with adults ages 18 - 60 and not pregnant, NO gross income test for elder/disabled households (but latter must be under asset test if income exceeds 200% FPL).
The calculator does not do the Bay State CAP alternative calculation These features are included in the MLRI Food Stamp/SNAP calculator, along with slightly more detail on certain deductions and charts, and a print out option that is similar to DTA client notice. You can find the MLRI excel calculator at: http://www.masslegalservices.org/FoodStampCalculator So, with those caveats, enjoy!
2) At A Glance Charts on Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits for One and Two Person Households: Thanks to our wonderful AmeriCorps Member, Zainab Manasawala, attached are two charts (and a FAQ) with some quick FS/SNAP benefits math for seniors and persons with disabilities based on rent variables and the standard medical deduction. These give you a ball park of the possible benefits using sample unearned income. If shelter or medical expenses are higher, the benefits will be higher (up to the maximum amounts). These charts may be useful to folks doing FS/SNAP outreach in senior centers and community settings where having sample amounts can help persuade a senior or person with disabilities to file. Disabilities Information
3) New FRAC Report: "Smart Choices in Hard Times": This newly released report from the Food Research Action Center (FRAC) describes many of the key options and choices that states, cities, schools and human services programs have to leverage substantial additional federal nutrition benefits for low-income people. FRAC's "smart choices" focus on the SNAP/Food Stamps, National School Lunch, School Breakfast, summer nutrition, after-school, and Child and Adult Care Food programs. In particular, this report highlights many of Massachusetts state SNAP/Food Stamp policies and practices - which section was drafted by Massachusetts advocates.
For a link to the full "Smart Choices" report, go to http://frac.org/smart_choices_hard_times.htm
Patricia Baker, Mass Law Reform Institute, 99 Chauncy Street, Boston MA 02111 — 617-357-0700 x 328
email: pbaker@mlri.org

2009

The Division of Transitional Assistance (DTA) recently issued guidance with respect to two very important USDA approved waivers. Kudos to the USDA, members of our Congressional Delegation and all of the community and statewide organizations that weighed in support of these two waivers.
In summary:
1. Fewer face-to-face interviews at FS/SNAP application and recertification: USDA has agreed to allow Massachusetts to use phone interviews (vs face-face interviews) for virtually all households, and to allow DTA to do so without having to document a hardship reason in the case record.
A household need NOT attend an interview at the local DTA office unless the household wishes to be interviewed in person, or unless there is a really good reason for DTA to schedule one in person (e.g., if the information on the application is questionable and cannot be resolved by phone, if the household does not have a phone or if there are security concerns due to domestic violence).
DTA has also clarified for staff that an in person interview cannot be required if the client is limited English proficient or has communication difficulties or disabilities. FS/SNAP workers are advised to use language lines for three-way calling, to use TTY lines, allow for an authorized rep to assist or make other accommodations if the household prefers to have a phone interview. On the other hand, if a household does want a face-face interview, that is always an option!
(Attached is Field Ops Memo 2009-63 implementing this new policy.)
2. NO interview required for certain elder and disabled households at FS/SNAP recertification: Every 12 or 24 months, most FS/SNAP households must have their benefits recertified (reviewed) by DTA to ensure they are still eligible, including a mandatory interview either by phone or in person. This USDA approved waiver means that Massachusetts has become the first in the nation waiver to totally eliminate the interview at recertification of the FS/SNAP benefits for elder/disabled households who do not have earnings.
Under the terms of the waiver, there will be no interview if the recertification form is received on-time, includes required proofs, and the household appears eligible to continue receiving FS/SNAP benefits. (If the household appears ineligible, an interview will be scheduled to provide an opportunity to clarify information that could lead to eligibility, e.g., a household could report high income that in fact turns out to be a one-time lump sum payment). In its submission of the waiver, DTA estimated that roughly 42,000 FS/SNAP elder/disabled households could benefit from this policy change.
(Attached is Field Ops Memo 2009-64 implementing this new policy with a handy flow chart showing
how the recertification and interview process will work.)
Patricia Baker, Mass Law Reform Institute, 99 Chauncy Street, Boston MA 02111 — 617-357-0700 x 328
email: pbaker@mlri.org

SNAP Benefits Guidelines Update

Your SNAP Benefits Are Going Up!

Slide Sample 1 shows a calculation with limited expenses verified.
Slide Sample 2 shows a calculation with additional expenses verified and the positive impact on client benefit amount.

USDA FNS Northeastern Region newsletter

At the Table — Winter 2008-09

Food Stamps — Project Bread

The FoodSource Hotline's hours have been extended. The new hours are:
Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 7 PM and Saturday, 10 AM - 2 PM
FoodSource Hotline
1-800-645-8333

Helping Hands / Fall 2008

Project Bread — Status Report 2008

Good News for Seniors - Help is Available to Beat the High Cost of Food

Senior Food Stamp 2009 Application Form

Helping Hands / Summer 2008 - Some updates in the Food Stamp Program