SNAP interview tips/rights, share input w DTA on EBT card, 10/1 COLA

09/30/24

Thank you to all for a robust and informative Coalition meeting last week! Here is the SNAP Coalition meeting schedule for the rest of 2024 (Zoom links to come):

 

  • Tuesday, October 22 from 10-11:30. 

  • Special post-election meeting for community partners: Friday, November 8 from 10-11 AM.

  • Tuesday, December 3 from 10-11:30.

Advocacy tips & rights - the SNAP application interview 

 

At last week’s Coalition meeting, partners shared a few concerns about barriers clients report having their interview. All SNAP applicants must have an interview with DTA, and some may need to have an interview during the Recertification. We wanted to flag a couple of items as follow up:

 

  • DTA should never deny a SNAP application before the interview (unless the applicant voluntarily withdraws their application). If the interview is not done within 30 days from the date of application, DTA denies the application based on the missed interview. 

  • Unless DTA reaches the applicant with a cold call and does the interview shortly after they get the application, DTA must send a notice with a date and time for the application interview. DTA must call the applicant at the date and time of the scheduled interview. If they call and the client does not pick up, DTA must send a Notice of Missed Interview. 

  • DTA should schedule all interviews within 7 days from the date of the application to check if the household is eligible for expedited (emergency) SNAP within 7 days. 

  • When DTA calls the applicant for the scheduled interview with its automated interview calling system, a worker should be available to do the interview within a minute or so - ideally seconds - from when the applicant picks up. 

  • All applicants and households who are doing their Recertification and need an interview have a right to have their interview in-person at a local DTA office - and DTA must tell them about this option. 

 

If you have seen any of these problems or issues in your work, please let me know! Here are MLRI’s tips on how to reach DTA when the Assistance Line is difficult to get through. 

DTA seeking input on revised EBT card design 

 

DTA is working on changing its EBT card design! We are thrilled about this and think changing the card design is a tremendous opportunity to reduce stigma in the checkout line. 

 

DTA is seeking your input on its selection of a new card design. Click here to fill out a survey from DTA with the 3 possible card designs! Please also share this survey with families you are working with. Thank you to DTA for seeking feedback from families and partners. Please fill out the survey in the next week or so. 

SNAP Cost of Living Adjustments - Oct. 1 changes to the SNAP math 

 

Every year certain parts of the SNAP benefit calculation change on October 1 - typically the maximum benefit amount, the shelter cap, the standard utility allowances, and more. 

 

We updated our 1 page worksheet and the excel calculator to estimate SNAP benefit amounts here. Online calculator updates to come. And, check out this handy 2 page document from DTA with the changes for Oct. 1, 2024 in red text. 

 

And thank you to our AmeriCorps fellow, Daniela Londono, for updating the At-A-Glance SNAP charts here! These charts give you a sense of possible SNAP benefit amounts for:

  • Working families 

  • Workers receiving unemployment benefits

  • Households with adults 60+ or members getting a disability benefit, including who  may benefit from the medical expenses deduction 

2024-2025 Basic Benefits Training series

 

Each year MLRI with our partners in legal aid puts on a series of trainings with MCLE on a range of public benefits and issues impacting low-income individuals and families. Here is this year’s schedule, with links to register. Registration is $35 for community groups/advocates/legal services: