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FoodSNAP's Blog Archive for November 2014

The latest information on SNAP/ Food Stamp advocacy in Massachusetts.

Upcoming BBT Unemployment Insurance Training - Wednesday, December 3rd: 9:30 - 4 PM

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/25/2014 - 2:07pm

Unemployment insurance (UI) is a critical safety net during periods of joblessness, and it is especially important now to help workers and their families during this recession. This seminar will provide you with the expertise you need in order to help your clients get the UI benefits to which they are legally entitled. Unemployed workers often cannot afford to retain the services of the private bar, and therefore you will provide an invaluable service to your client as a pro bono or legal services representative.

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SNAP Coalition Meeting on December 2nd; Local DTA Offices and Walk-In Clients; Local Food Pantries Running Out of Supplies

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/24/2014 - 5:03pm
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DTA Erroneous Treatment of College Work Study as Earned Income for SNAP; Incorrect DTA "DOR Employment Verification Notices", SNAP terminations: Please flag these cases!

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/21/2014 - 1:14pm
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Seminar at ABCD Boston on 12/2/14: Affordable Health Care too Expensive...for Whom?

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/21/2014 - 1:12pm
See information and flier from Roxanne Reddington-Wilde, Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.  Please RSVP to her at roxanne.redwilde@bostonabcd.org, by November 26 if possible.
 
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MA Veterans May Not Be Receiving Correct Amount of SNAP Benefits - PLEASE flag these cases

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/11/2014 - 2:13pm

This is an unusual post on Veterans Day, but you need to know about it.

In the past few weeks we have learned of erroneous SNAP cases where DTA has been counting the wrong amount of VA Pension in calculating SNAP benefits. The VA Pension program is the needs-based federal program for non-service connected disabled and/or elderly veterans. It appears that many of these veterans many be getting lower SNAP benefits that they are entitled to receive and/or hit with SNAP overpayments as a result of DTA retroactively counting the wrong amount of the VA Pension.

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DTA Assistance Phone Line - unable to take calls today! Are your SNAP and cash assistance clients getting served ??

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/10/2014 - 4:19pm
We are hearing ongoing rumblings of problems getting through to DTA. One example from today from a community advocate:  
 
"Every time I have tried to call DTA'€™s new main number or the recipient services line, I get the same message: âDue to an extremely high volume of calls, we are unable to connect you to a case manager. Please call back again. Then the message directs people to MAP and then… The end –i t hangs up on you!"
 
We are most worried about unassisted clients.  
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Basic Benefits Training on SSI & SSDI Basics - Thursday, November 13th in Boston

Submitted by FoodSNAP
11/03/2014 - 12:26pm
See information below re upcoming training on SSI and SSDI.  Attached also is a flier to share with your colleagues.   For non-profits and community organizations to qualify for the $25 registration fee, click on "Non-lawyer advocate" in the registration form.  This is the appropriate code for ommunity Based Organizations.
 
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