Once stigmatized, food stamps find acceptance

[Roon]

A decade ago, New York City officials were so reluctant to give out food stamps, they made people register one day and return the next just to get an application. The welfare commissioner said the program caused dependency and the poor were “better off” without it.

Now the city urges the needy to seek aid (in languages from Albanian to Yiddish). Neighborhood groups recruit clients at churches and grocery stores, with materials that all but proclaim a civic duty to apply — to “help New York farmers, grocers, and businesses.” There is even a program on Rikers Island to enroll .
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35341899/ns/politics-the_new_york_times/

I live in Colorado and my food stamps were cut off with a three day warning. I didn't return a requested document to them quick enough and they shut me down. They tell me I am free to apply again..

That being said, it is being reported here in Denver in the local news that our food stamp program ranks 52nd in the country (including the two territories) and now I have to dive right into the middle of the mess and apply again. There's a three week backlog in the cases and it's probably going to be a month and a half before I see food stamps again.

I am disabled and they certify me for a year, normally. But this time they got a bug up their ass and started picking on me.

[leftofcool]

1. This is ridiculous!

The only document that should be required is a W2.

[Roon]

2. When I apply I have to bring in

A driver's license, utility bill, award letter from SS,and a lease. I take that back,they don't look at your documents when you apply. You have to set up an appointment and come back a few days later and THEN they make copies of your paperwork,process your ap,and send you home.

It can take weeks for an EBT credit to go through.

[madokie]

3. its a shame that we have this going on in this country

If you need assistance all it should take is asking for it, no if, and or buts about it. If a person needs assistance give it to them, no questions asked.