What's new at MLS

A number of changes in "SNAP math" went into effect October 1st to implement the annual cost of living adjustments (COLA). The gross, net and 165% income eligibility standards have increased slightly (note that the 200% level has remained the same; this generally changes in the spring, not…

As kids head back to school, we wanted to share a few important factoids about the National School Lunch Program (NLSP) that may help more families get free and reduced-price school meals. Free/reduced-price meals are available to low income children enrolled in a public, charter, parochial or…

DTA just released guidance on the process for issuing SNAP replacement benefits due to Hurricane Irene. The guidance identifies the 91 cities and towns for which verification of loss of power or collateral contace of loss is not required. SNAP recipients residing in other cities and towns may also…

1. EOHHS Virtual Gateway Team to Conduct "My Accounts Page" training at June 28th SNAP Coalition Meeting: We are pleased to report that staff from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Virtual Gateway team will be conducting a one-hour training on the My Accounts Page…

1. SNAP Outreach Grants: USDA has just announced the availability of SNAP Outreach grants, with special focus on seniors and the Hispanic population. Here's the link, (which includes information on prior grantees): fns.usda.gov/snap/outreach/grants.htm [Editor's Note: Link is no longer…

DTA has just issued guidance to provide food stamp/SNAP benefits to households that lost food due to the June 1st tornadoes and power outages. DTA has been granted a waiver to provide automated replacement benefits to certain households and is implementing existing state policy to respond to…

1. DTA Voter Registration Procedures: DTA recently issued Operations Memo 2011-18 which describes the local DTA office procedures for assisting SNAP and cash assistance applicants who come in person to the DTA office with voter registration. SNAP applicants who are both 18 + and U.S. citizens should…

We understand folks are busy on many levels with the state budget, fundraising activities, etc. We wanted to update you on one of the items in tomorrow's Coalition meeting agenda re when a SNAP household must provide verification to DTA of "questionable information." The following…

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…