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FS/SNAP Policy Updates: SNAP Recert Delays, GI benefits, New "Agency ID"

Submitted by FoodSNAP
03/15/2011 - 3:02pm

1. FS SNAP Recertification Delays: DTA issued guidance that effective March 1st BEACON will automatically close Food Stamp/SNAP cases due for recertification that DTA cannot process on time - even if the household submitted its recertification form on time and did everything else it was requested to do. Here’s the DTA Operations Memo instructing staff on the auto closure policy: http://www.masslegalservices.org/node/35698.

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DTA Improves Access to Case Info by Phone; Customer Service Tracking

Submitted by FoodSNAP
01/26/2011 - 10:56am

TO: Food SNAP Coalition Members
FR: Pat Baker

At yesterday's Food SNAP Coalition meeting, we discussed a number of technology improvements to improve customer services for clients. Here are the highlights -

1. New Phone Access for Food Stamp/SNAP and Cash Assistance case information:

The following message is from MLRI AmeriCorps Fellow, Kelly Love:

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Mass Ranks in Nation's Top 10 for SNAP/Food Stamp Participation !!

Submitted by FoodSNAP
01/05/2011 - 3:48pm

GOOD NEWS !!! Congrats to DTA and all the members of the Food SNAP Coalition!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Song, Paulette (EHS)
Sent: Wednesday, January 05, 2011 2:44 PM
To: Song, Paulette (EHS)
Subject: MASSACHUSETTS RANKS IN NATION'S TOP TEN FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) PARTICIPATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2011

CONTACT: Paulette Song, 617-573-1610; paulette.song@state.ma.us

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Proposals to restrict SNAP purchases, criminalize cash purchases; EBT grocer data

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/22/2010 - 12:00am

REMINDER: The November Food SNAP Coalition Meeting is Tuesday, November 30th from 10 to Noon. FNS Regional Administrator James Arena DeRosa will be joining us for this meeting. This will be the LAST Food SNAP Coalition meeting for 2010. An agenda will go out under separate email.

The following are address three important food/SNAP issues swirling around the country and the Commonwealth:

1) The Food Stamp/SNAP soda controversy:

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Identity verification at food pantries (TEFAP food)

Submitted by FoodSNAP
10/20/2010 - 4:41pm

As Coalition members know, over the past year we have received complaints throughout the state that a number of local food pantries were requiring households to produce photo IDs as a condition of food distribution. The demand for a photo ID was affecting a wide range of low income persons - both U.S. citizens and immigrants alike - who lacked a photo ID due to homelessness, theft, domestic violence, fear of showing expired documents, or simply lack of any photo ID even though they had other forms of identification.

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Update on Required Proofs (Verifications ) for FS/SNAP Households and Sample Forms

Submitted by FoodSNAP
10/20/2010 - 2:27pm

At the October 6th Western Massachusetts Food SNAP Coalition meeting, a number of community groups noted that SNAP/Food Stamp applicants are still being asked for proof of shelter expenses (rent or home ownership) even though the shelter cost information provided by the household is not questionable. A number of Coalition members also noted that the Virtual Gateway SNAP application has no question that allows a household to claim shelter costs, child care or other expenses and asked for a sample form clients could use.

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DTA to close two local offices - North Adams and Milford

Submitted by FoodSNAP
09/15/2010 - 12:00am

Below is an email communication from Commissioner Kehoe sent earlier today announcing the closing of two local DTA offices - North Adams and Milford. If your organization works with low income clients living in the Central and Western Mass communities served by these two DTA offices, it is important to discuss with DTA ways to ensure clients continue to have access to DTA staff and services. The Commissioner's email indicates that DTA is going to explore satellite offices in these two areas.

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