USDA Releases FFY 2013 Data on SNAP Application Timeliness Processing: MA Drops to 39th Worst State in U.S.

FoodSNAP
10/15/14
USDA recently posted the state-by-state SNAP "timeliness processing" data for FFY 2013 (that's federal fiscal year for Oct 1, 2012 to Sept 31, 2013). 
 
According to USDA, Massachusetts fell from 10th in the nation in FFY 2011 in processing SNAP applications to 39th in the U.S. in FFY 2013. With an 83.78% timeliness rate, over 16% of SNAP applications were NOT processed on time. (USDA does not have available FFY 2014 timeliness data, so we cannot confirm if there have been any improvements in the past 12 months. Further the USDA data does not include timelessness processing of SNAP re-certifications.)
 
Federal law requires SNAP applications to be processed within 30 days of application, and within 7 days for expedited (emergency) SNAP. Delays in SNAP processing mean that MA loses out on USDA timeliness bonus awards, but, more importantly, SNAP clients don't get their federal nutrition benefits on time. Hunger takes no holiday!  Here's the available USDA data for 3 years: 
If you become aware of otherwise eligible SNAP applicants who did not receive expedited SNAP within 7 days of application (that means EBT card in hand with benefits loaded), let MLRI know. Expedited cases should get HIGH priority for resolution by local DTA offices. 
 
MLRI continues to hear of many SNAP recipients receiving "Recertification Delay Notices" - with no apparent end in site. These are SNAP recipients who timely sent in their SNAP recertificaton forms (the forms were coded as received timely), but DTA has not put enough resources into processing the SNAP recertification, including conducting an interview and reviewing verifications.  As Coalition members know, DTA will be changing from a "case-based" system to a "task-based" system end of October - which may or may not resolve the recert delay problem. Meanwhile, if you have SNAP clients who receive these Recert Delay Notices and have little or no income (e.g. high SNAP benefit cases), we suggest you call the local DTA office director or assistant director to ask them to immediately pull the SNAP case and move it along - especially if the household has little or no income. Let us know if you need that contact information.