Evaluation Of The Department 's Case For Snap Benefits For Her Household Of Six ( 6 )

Food Stamp is a government-funded program in the United States. This is a program that helps people buy food for their families; in other words, it is a very important program to families living in poverty. It is the nation’s most important program in the fight against hunger. This program was developed in the 1960’s; it is made to improve the nutrition level and food purchasing power of people with low-income. This program is offered to people who cannot afford to buy groceries for their families, regardless of age, color, sex or religion. Food Stamps can only be used to buy food items not hygiene or household items, and it’s offered only on a monthly basis.

SNAP is the foundation of nutrition assistance programs. This program provides over 47 million individuals in nearly 23 million low-income households. The eligibility is not restricted to certain groups of individuals, and because of this, SNAP serves a vast amount of families with children, elderly people, and individuals with disabilities. Others eligible for SNAP include families with adults who work in low-wage jobs, unemployed workers, and those with a fixed income. The SNAP Program assists about 72 percent of people who live in households with children. Nearly 25 percent of households with seniors and individuals with disabilities, are also assisted (Rosenbaum, 2013).

As evidence for the basis of judgments and decisions, evaluated in my own reports and records, I need to show that I accurately and clearly record the judgements and decisions and evidence on which the judgements have been based and where judgement is based on informed opinion. I do record other evidence and reports which support my judgements and decisions and conflict with my judgements and decisions. It is as well very important to clarify events and decisions.

In the United States of America, there is enough food in this country that the total amount of agricultural exports is enough to feed everyone twice over (Dorsch, 2013). The problem is that even though there is so much food in this country millions of people require assistance to purchase the food and feed their families. Dating back almost 100 years, the now called Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) has evolved to keep up with the changing needs of the Country. In 1933 SNAP was built into Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA). The AAA was put into law during the great depression. The purpose of the law was to help farmers deal with the excess supply of crops by having the government subsidize the cost. The government would also distribute these crops to relief agencies and local communities (The History of SNAP). In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Food Stamp Act. With this legislation enacted it was now required to purchase stamps. These stamps also had bonus amounts that were determined by income level. In the 90’s and early 2000s major changes were done to SNAP. The electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card was

an explanation of why and how each decision was made throughout the entire trial. The basis

This writing will be about the usage of food stamps, or maybe I should say the abuse of food stamps. I see a lot of food stamp abuse in my work environment and i would like to find out how they really work and if the system is really abused. I intend to learn and research about the background of food stamps and how the system really got started along with its original intentions. I would also like to research people's personal encounters with them, may it be what they have seen or the stories of the people who actually have them, whether they abuse them or use them for their good.

Daniel is a department of human services worker (DHS). Daniel is close friends with the Yinger family. While reviewing multiple applications at work for renewal of state aid. Daniel realizes the Yinger receives state aid. He determines the families of eight is making $50 over the maximum household monthly income. Daniel informs and questions Ms Yinger about exceeding the $50 dollar maximum household income. Ms Yinger becomes irate that Daniel was questioning the Yinger family, they are barely above the state guidelines. Ms Yinger asked the Daniel if it was fair to allow the family of eight to go without food or health insurance because the family exceeds the minimum household a lot of income by $50. Kindly, Ms Yinger questions and bribes Daniel, she will pay him $50 monthly cash to edit the household expenses and income. Ms Yinger knows that the $50 dollar cash is a smaller loss than the $800 SNAP and full coverage health insurance.

Hernandez completed an office visit to recertify for SNAP benefits for herself and two children. During the visit, Ms. Eastmond completed a Work Number search using Ms. Hernandez’s name and social security number. Upon review of the inquiry, employment and earnings were verified for Ms. Hernandez for 7-Eleven from March 28, 2012 through August 2, 2013. It was determined that she received wages on August 1, 2013 in the amount of $490.73, and on August 8, 2013 in the amount of $357.49. Her rate of pay was $9.50 per hour and her gross income was $16,155.73 in 2012, and $14,411.85 in 2013. Ms. Hernandez’s Medicaid benefit also became effective on August 1, 2013 and extended through July 31, 2014. (See Exhibit

2. Identify two victim resources available locally and nationally. Include the organization’s name and website, and a summary of their services.

Granted during the period of Welfare Reform there was also an overall decline in poverty there were still significant decreases in SNAP participation researchers suggest could not completely be accounted for by macroeconomic climate. While there weren’t a significant amount of changes in SNAP because of Welfare Reform, Welfare Reform did enact requirements that made legal immigrants unable for benefits unless they have 10 years of work history in the United States. Drug felons were also eliminated from eligibility and those of prime age and able-body were to receive SNAP for only 3 months in a 3 year period. Welfare Reform also produced a work requirement where able bodied individuals had to be looking for employment or keep a job if reasonably able to keep employment. The 1998 Agricultural Bill removed most of the restricted eligibility given to SNAP from Welfare Reform (Hoynes & Schanzebach, 2015; U.S. Department of Agriculture Report No. FSP-01-WEL, 2001; Zedlewski & Gruber,

The OIG provided the PA 600 application for benefits (Exhibit C-1) as verification that the Individual applied for SNAP benefits and was aware of the rights and responsibilities as a SNAP recipient. Also, the PA 600 showed that the Individual was advised of the prohibitions and penalties for violation. The OIG’s witness, IMCW TL also corroborated

Rather than adhering to a strict set of stereotypical rules regarding eligibility, caseworkers should be give more flexibility and latitude to determine eligibility based on each individual’s unique circumstances, such as student status or unemployment situation. Additionally, individuals in the SNAP program should be given more access to programs and resource that could help them escape whatever situation that caused them to require SNAP to begin with, such as the TRA, a benefit extended to those collecting unemployment benefits. In a CATO Policy Analysis article by Michael Tanner he points out that “according to the USDA nearly 18 million American households remain food insecure” and the food stamp program needs reform. (Snap Failure; The Food Stamp Program Needs Reform, 2013, pg. 1) Currently, the law only allows students to receive SNAP if they have a minimum of a 6 hour school load plus work 20 hours and get paid for work. (Points of Eligibility, 2010, Chapter 5 Section 501). These requirements are more than the standard requirements of a SNAP applicant and these requirements need reformed to be more reasonable for more people to get off of the government treadmill. The regular standards for a one person non-child SNAP applicant only has to work 20 hours a week and employment can be on a paid or unpaid basis. The regular standards for a SNAP applicant do not include any school requirement. (Points of Eligibility,

The changes in the SNAP Program that would restrict certain purchases of foods and become more like the WIC Program would affect 45,766,672 individuals. As of now, SNAP participants are able to purchase multiple food items even if they do not have any nutritional benefit. The goal is to increase protein, fruit, vegetables and grain consumption among SNAP participants. When people are low income they tend to buy goods that are cheaper in nutrients. “SNAP participants were least likely to consume any fruits or vegetables compared to those not participating in the program, regardless of cooking frequency.” (Bleich and Wolfson 2015). Increasing protein, fruits, vegetables and grains will have a positive effect on the health of our SNAP participants.

I discussed your case with our Quality Control Supervisor. When determining eligibility the state requires us to use the gross biweekly income and all other unearned income including 6 months of child support that's reported on the disbursement print out. Rent, Health Care cost and summer camp are not part of unearned income and cannot be considered when eligibility is being determined.

On the date to open my SNAP account to purchase food items my food was taken away by the store manager at the checkout counter because without notice my Snap account was mostly cut. I’m a Supplemental Security Income recipient who has been receiving Snap for years without a cut. But last month was recertification for Snap which I had processed online as usually without much changes. I have been receiving from $153.00 to $183.00 a month for at least 24 months but this month I was only allowed $91.00 worth of SNAP food. I had went to the West District, Department Human Services office to confirm the recertification requested sent documents since I had not receive my interview phone call as stated by West District, from representative M. Mosley.