Transcript Food Bank of the Albemarle

Food Bank of the
Albemarle
SNAP Outreach Program
What is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(formerly Food Stamps)
• SNAP is administered by USDA
• SNAP is the cornerstone of the federal food assistance programs,
serving more than 45 million
people each month
What is SNAP?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
(formerly Food Stamps)
• Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to buy food at grocery
stores or a growing number of Farmers’
Markets
• SNAP puts benefits on the card monthly
Benefits of SNAP
Applicant may
be eligible for
additional help
with other
expenses such as
phone, heat
Helps buy more
food each month
and lets people
choose healthier
foods
Frees up money
that can be used
for other items,
such as utilities
and medicine
For every dollar
spent in FNS
benefits, nearly
two dollars goes
back into the
economy
SNAP benefits
also provide a
subsidy to
farmers and
increase
activity in local
grocery stores
Hunger Facts in NC
• 1 in 5 children go hungry in NC
• 35% of hungry families have had to
choose between paying for food and
their rent/mortgage
“Hunger in America 2010″ (released Feb 2, 2010). Feeding America.
“Food Hardship in America 2011″ (released Feb 2012). Food Research and Action Center.
Who Can Apply for SNAP?
Anyone may apply for
SNAP
Common Myths About SNAP
MYTH: You cannot receive SNAP benefits if you have
a job.
FACT: Individuals may work and still receive SNAP
benefits.
Read more on our website: http://www.afoodbank.org/
Eligibility for SNAP in NC
The County Department of Social Services determines income limits a
household must meet.
People in
household
200% Gross
Income
130% Gross
Net Income
Income
1
$1916
$1245
$ 958
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
$2586
$3256
$3926
$4596
$5266
$5936
$6606
$1681
$2116
$2552
$2987
$3423
$3858
$4294
$1293
$1628
$1963
$2298
$2633
$2968
$3303
Income limits are updated every year. (Table updated October 1, 2013)
Why SNAP
Outreach?
Introduction
to SNAP
Program
• SNAP is the cornerstone of the Nation’s
nutrition safety net
• Many of our neighbors are unaware of their
eligibility or need help to access benefits
Outreach
Goals
Introduction to SNAP Program
Increase participation through:
•
Training that covers benefits, eligibility & application assistance
•
Pre-Screening: http://www.snap-step1.usda.gov/fns/
•
Distribution of educational materials, answering questions
•
Positive SNAP messages, reducing stigma surrounding SNAP
Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP
• Client engagement differs on the population & environment
• There is no hard and fast rule on how to determine who
needs SNAP
• Small agencies function best with a one-on-one approach
Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP
Ask if they currently receive SNAP
• Not getting SNAP? Why?
• Have they applied before? How long ago?
• Be Sensitive…It’s important to not pressure clients,
especially when others are near
Identifying Potential Applicants for SNAP
• Many people at pantries are slow to trust because of
circumstances in their lives
• Let them know you are there to help. Some people just need
someone to listen
Successful Outreach Strategies
Increase Awareness
• Brochures, Postcards or Mailers
• Target certain audience (seniors, working families, immigrants & students)
• Can be available in alternate language depending on community demographics
• Available for free download from USDA website
http://snap.ntis.gov/download.aspx
Successful Outreach
Introduction
to SNAPStrategies
Program
Application Assistance
• Talking to people about SNAP in person
• Application assistance at mobile pantries, community events
• Taking the applications directly to DSS reduces dependency on transportation
(you may also fax them into the county DSS office)
• Inform people about online application through ePass
https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
Successful Outreach
Introduction
to SNAPStrategies
Program
Host a Volunteer Site
• Pre-screen Clients
• Provide a semi-private space for FBA staff and/or volunteer to conduct
application assistance at the site
Talking Points
YOU CAN FILL OUT JUST A BIT OF INFORMATION!
If you’re unable to complete the entire application, for any reason, complete just
the first page-fill in your name, address and signature
Include a phone number where you can be reached. This alone gets the process
started
Talking Points
SOMEONE YOU TRUST MAY APPLY FOR YOU
Someone you trust (who knows your finances) may apply for you instead. You
can fill out a form to allow this person to apply for you
You may have an authorized representative shop for you using your EBT card
Talking Points
YOU CAN COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE
• You can complete your application online in NC (typing), rather than by hand.
• Go to: https://epass.nc.gov/CitizenPortal/application.do
1. Click on “Apply for Benefits”
2. Create an NCID
3. Activate the NCID account
4. Log in on the citizens portal
5. Complete the application
Talking Points
YOU MAY REQUEST A TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
If you’re unable to attend an in-person interview at DSS, for any reason,
you can request that your interview be conducted by phone
Don’t let transportation or
mobility issues get in your way
There are options!
Talking Points
BENEFITS BEGIN THE DAY APPLICATION IS
RECEIVED
• The clock starts ticking the day that DSS gets the
application-benefits will start then (retroactively), if approved
• DSS has 30 days to process an application, or 7 days to process an
emergency application
Tracking Outreach Strategies
Why?
Tracking outreach efforts is an important
aspect in helping families get benefits.
We will be able to share the additional
benefits your county receives, meals, &
local economic activity that are results of
outreach.
Tracking Outreach Strategies
When?
We ask that the tracking form be sent the first of
every month (from the previous month)
Available on our website: http://www.afoodbank.org/
Paper Tracking Form
FNS Monthly Report
Interactions
Month:
__________
Agency:
________________________________________
County:
________________________________________
Contact Name:
___________________________________
Contact Phone:
___________________________________
Contact Email:
___________________________________
Non-pantry
Total
Pantry
Applications Completed
Total
Online
Paper
Phone
Assistance
Number of Fliers Distributed: _______
Individual Applications
Name
Date of Birth
Name
1
10
2
11
3
12
4
13
5
14
6
15
7
16
8
17
9
18
Date of Birth
Send Tracking Form to Us
• Via Email [email protected]
Subject: Tracking Form (Month)/Agency
Attach: Send Tracking Form as Attachment
• Mail in your Tracking Form:
Food Bank of the Albemarle/Attn: Amanda Sawyer
PO Box 1704, Elizabeth City, NC 27906-1704
• Fax Tracking Form:
(252)335-4797
Attn: Amanda Sawyer
Subject: Tracking Form (Month)/Agency
Resources
FNS4NC http://fns4nc.org/fns4nc_welcome Resource Library - Download materials & FNS applications
NC Department of Health and Human Services http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/local/index.htm
Food Bank of the Albemarle - Visit Us Online! http://www.afoodbank.org
USDA http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
Feeding America http://www.feedingamerica.org
State Hotline Phone Number for Questions: 1-866-719-0141
Getting Started with SNAP Outreach
• Every agency is unique and there are a range of
activities-it’s easy and worthwhile
• We can provide materials and training
• We are a source of support and will be here to guide
you
What is the Application Process?
• Client’s Consent Form
• Paper Application
• Electronic Application (ePass)
Obtain Client’s Consent
• Please obtain signed client consent for Application Assistance
• The consent form is available for download from our website
http://www.afoodbank.org/
• This allows county’s DSS to share results of the application with us
• Please retain consent forms in a locked/secure location
Client Consent Form
NORTH CAROLINA ASSOCIATION OF FEEDING AMERICA FOOD BANKS
CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION
I hereby authorize the North Carolina Association of Feeding America Food Banks and its outreach partners to release specified information to the
North Carolina Division of Social Services to track my Food and Nutrition Services application for SNAP benefits. This information shall include my
name, date of birth, sex, county and the number of persons in my household. I understand this information will be released to track the approval or
denial of my application, the benefit amount if I am approved, and the reason for denial if I am denied benefits.
I understand that a food bank staff member may contact me about my application.
I understand the contents to be released, the need for the information, and that there are statutes and regulations protecting the confidentiality of
authorized information.
I hereby acknowledge that this consent is truly voluntary and is valid for three years. I understand that I may cancel my consent at any time except
for the information that has already been released before I cancel it.
__________________________________
Client / Authorized Representative Printed Name
_______
Client / Authorized Representative Signature
______________________
Date
_____
Witness (Necessary only if client signs with an "X")
Date
What is the Paper Application Process?
Page 1: Start Here
•Write on the application for the clientthis will speed up the process.
•Print clearly
•Make sure the client signs & dates the
application
•You do not need to sign the application
unless the applicant signs an “X”
What is the Paper Application Process?
Page 2:
•This page asks about everyone who lives
in your client’s house
•This includes those that live with your
client, even if they are not relatives
•List information for everyone who lives
under the same roof as your client
Indicate if your client
wants the individual
included in his/her
benefits.
What is the Paper Application Process?
Pages 3-7:
• Refer only to individuals that your client wants included in their FNS
benefits
For example:
Suzy lives with her husband, 2 children & mother. She only wants herself,
her husband & 2 children included in the benefits
Include everyone – herself, husband, 2 children & mother on page 2
Include only herself, husband & 2 children on pages 3–7
• If the client does not know the answer – write “Unknown”
What is the Paper Application Process?
Page 8:
•Double check that the client signed
and dated the FNS Application
•You do not need to sign the
application (“Witness Signature”)
unless the applicant signs
with an “X”
What is the Paper Application Process?
Confidentiality:
• Make sure the application is in a sealed
envelope to protect personal information
• Record Name, Address, DOB, Ph # and
Date app was taken on the tracking form
• Get it to DSS within 24 hrs
What is the Online Application Process?
Start Here:
www.epass.nc.gov.
1. Click on “Apply
for Benefits”
What is the Online Application Process?
•
Create an
NCID
•
Activate the
NCID
account
What is the Online Application Process?
• Log into the
citizens portal
• Complete the
application
What’s Next?
 The County’s DSS will schedule an interview to
verify ID, income, assets and expenses
 The applicant should provide a RELIABLE
means for which DSS may contact them
FACT
Not doing the interview is the #1
reason Applicants do not receive
SNAP Benefits.
 DSS may do an Interview by phone
 An authorized representative may also do the interview in certain
circumstances (i.e. limited transportation, disabled)
What to Bring to the Interview
 An ID, such as driver’s license, social security card, or alien papers
 Proof of address
 Proof of any child care costs
 Proof of any child support paid
 Proof of money received monthly; pay stubs, Bank Statements
 Proof of monthly expenses