Dear friends-
Has anybody received this information concerning SNAP benefits in Washington State and the government shut down? My concern is that we need to be proactive in the event this shutdown continues such as helping those who receive SNAP benefits
to budget for a bi-monthly disbursement, which is happening in February as well as providing resources to food insecurities. Please see the link below to read the latest update from DSHS.
Economic Services Administration
Latest News
Partial Government Shutdown
UPDATE 01/16/2019:
Today (Wednesday, 1/16/2019) the Community Services Division will have limited services beginning at 1 pm. Due to the federal government shutdown, some of our computer systems will be down in order to issue February food benefits early.
This impacts Community Services Offices and our call center.
Between 1-5 pm today, we are not able to process Applications, Eligibility Reviews, Change Reporting and Verification.
During this time, people can still submit information online, in-person or at the CSO drop box. WorkFirst and Aged/Blind/Disabled and Housing and Essential Needs case management services, as well as applications for Childcare programs are
not impacted.
UPDATE 01/15/2019:
What are the impacts to Basic Food assistance?
On January 8, 2019, we were directed by USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to issue February benefits by January 20th. We are working with the vendor to put February SNAP benefits on EBT cards by the 20th. You can learn more from the
news release here: https://bit.ly/2Fvkjme
What are the impacts to cash benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate impacts to cash benefits or services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance (SFA) and the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program (ABD).
What would happen with Work training programs?
If you are participating in Workforce training programs funded through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) there are no anticipated impacts to services, at this time.
What would happen with disability benefits (SSDI)?
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) rules and regulations. Currently, there are no anticipated impacts to benefits due to the federal government shutdown.
If you have questions regarding child care payment, please contact the Department of Children, Youth, and Families at https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/contact-us - option 2 should get you in touch with someone within the child care team.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.
UPDATE 01/10/2019:
What are the impacts to cash benefits such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)?
At this time, we do not anticipate any immediate impacts to cash benefits or services through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), State Family Assistance (SFA) and the Aged, Blind or Disabled Program (ABD).
What are the impacts to Basic Food assistance?
On January 8, 2019, we were directed by USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) to issue February benefits by January 20th. We are working quickly to understand and implement the guidance we received, and further details will be coming.
What would happen with Work training programs?
If you are participating in Workforce training programs funded through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) there are no anticipated impacts to services, at this time.
What would happen with disability benefits (SSDI)?
The Disability Determination Services (DDS) is contracted to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to adjudicate medical eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) rules and regulations. Currently, there are no anticipated impacts to benefits due to the federal government shutdown.
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as we learn more.
Kelly M. Blucher
Manager of Community Engagement & Outreach
Goodwill of the Olympics and Rainier Region
Desk: 253.573.6853
Cell: 253.302.2347
www.goodwillwa.org
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