Many DTA notices now in 6 languages, Adv Guide, immigrants benefits trainings, WIC

FoodSNAP
03/06/24

Our next SNAP Coalition meeting will be Tuesday, March 26 from 10-11:30.

Many SNAP notices are now going out in 6 languages!

BIG NEWS! DTA is now sending out the Benefit Decision Notice in 6 languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, and Vietnamese (click here for announcement). Before, these notices only went out in English and Spanish. This notice goes out in most situations when DTA benefits are approved, denied, or adjusted (increased or decreased), and in some other situations (these notices do not go out for state SNAP). 

 

If the household’s preferred language on record in their case is one of these 6 languages, the notice will be mailed and available on DTAConnect in that language. If the household’s preferred language is not one of these 6, DTA sends a notice in English (with a babel insert in a number of languages saying to call DTA). 

 

This is a huge language access improvement, and one that has been many years in the making!! To learn more about the Benefit Decision Notice: Click here for slides from MLRI. Please let us know if you see any issues. 

2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide: Online version with individually linked questions  

The 2024 SNAP Advocacy Guide’s online version is now updated (so no need to download the entire PDF!). To navigate by question, see the online SNAP Guide here. 

Upcoming Immigrants and Benefits Training: March 27th

On Wednesday, March 27 from 9:30-3 PM, MLRI and GBLS have an in-depth training on immigrant eligibility for benefits. The training covers: An overview of how immigrants obtain legal status, how to read immigration documents in order to understand a person’s legal status, and updates on federal developments. You will also learn about eligibility for healthcare, state and federal subsidized housing programs, emergency shelter, cash assistance (TAFDC and EAEDC) and the federal SNAP and child nutrition programs. The training is $35 for legal services/advocates. Register here. 
 

Success! WIC funding update.

Over the weekend, Congress released a funding package that included necessary funding to ensure WIC is available to all eligible families across the country. This is great news! Read the statement from FRAC with more information.