Sistah Nedra Update

Update on the situation. Looks like money won't be needed just yet. I explain why.Some general info for Nedra and for others in her situation:FOOD STAMPSWHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED? * Identification * Proof of citizenship or refugee status. * Legal immigrants with permanent residence status ("green card") should call to ask what documentation is required. * Proof of earned and unearned income * Documentation of countable assets (bank account statements, title of car, car loan information, stocks, bonds, CDs, etc. * Social Security numbers for everyone in the household. * Verification of your shelter expenses, such as rent receipt or lease and utility bills.EXPEDITED FOOD STAMPS (also known as EMERGENCY FOOD STAMPS)Some people can get Food Stamps within seven days of the date they apply. To qualify for Expedited Food Stamps person must: * Have income less than $150 per month and assets of $100 or less. * OR have monthly rent/mortgage and utility expenses that are more than total monthly income plus liquid assets. * OR be a destitute migrant or seasonal farm worker * ID is the only documentation required for the first month of expedited food stampsELECTRONIC BENEFITS TRANSFER (EBT)All Food Stamp benefits are issued into the recipient's EBT account. If your last name starts with A-F, you will receive benefits on that 1st of the month; G-N on the 2nd, and O-Z on the 3rd. Benefits are issued on these dates even if it's a holiday or weekend.When granted Food Stamps, you must go into the DSS office to pick up your card and to pick your Personal Identification Number (PIN). This number is your secret code that allows only you to access your benefits. If you give this number to someone else, they can access your benefits if they have your card. Keep your PIN number safe and do not keep it with your card. Benefits removed from your EBT account will not be replaced.WHERE DO PEOPLE APPLY? * Apply for Food Stamps at the DSS office that serves your town. * If disabled and unable to go to a DSS office, you can request that an authorized representative apply for you. * People who apply for or receive SSI can apply for Food Stamps at the Social Security office located nearest their home.HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET FOOD STAMPS?In emergency situations, person may be eligible for Expedited Food Stamps, which can be obtained within 7 days instead of 30 days. (See EXPEDITED FOOD STAMPSThe DSS office must act on applications within 30 days of the date a person signs an application. Eligible households will have benefits in their EBT account within four days of the date that DSS grants their application.The 30 day period begins the day that the applicant SIGNS the application. Also, the first month of food stamps are prorated from the day that the application is signed, so it is very important to at least put name and address on the application and SIGN it, even if the applicant needs to provide more information and/or documentation to support the application.ADVOCACYFor information concerning legal rights or for assistance with an appeal call Legal Aid.

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