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Public Benefits Revisited: Expanding Access to TANF & SNAP

Public Benefits Revisited: Expanding Access to TANF & SNAP . October 2011. What Prevents Needy Persons from Seeking and Getting TANF and/or SNAP? . They don’t know about the benefits They don’t think they are eligible Hard (impossible?) to contact caseworker to pursue application

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Public Benefits Revisited: Expanding Access to TANF & SNAP

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  1. Public Benefits Revisited: Expanding Access to TANF & SNAP October 2011

  2. What Prevents Needy Persons from Seeking and Getting TANF and/or SNAP? • They don’t know about the benefits • They don’t think they are eligible • Hard (impossible?) to contact caseworker to pursue application • They think TANF or SNAP amount isn’t worth the effort • Caseworkers suggest that TANF application will delay SNAP/medical assistance

  3. Barriers to getting TANF/SNAP Cont’d • Too Hard to apply • Hard to apply in person • No transportation and offices too far away • Not able to wait in line • Are told they are probably not eligible • Hard to apply on line • Difficult to understand application • Limited or no access to computer or not familiar with computers • Concerned about giving confidential info online • Can’t get to DHS for an application interview • Can’t get required verifications

  4. Barriers to Legal Services Representation of Clients Who have TANF/SNAP Issues • Applicants denied benefits aren’t aware that legal aid representation might be available • Legal aid intake processes discourage them from pursuing legal aid • Inadequate legal aid funding/staffing • Strategies to address? • How to attract funders?

  5. What legal services advocates can do to identify and reach more clients with public benefits issues • Make Intake Access Easier • Help clients presenting other issues apply for SNAP/TANF (use the SNAP calculators, for e.g.) • Develop special projects to assist TANF/SNAP applicants • Work with community partners • Medical-legal partnerships • Outreach and training of social service providers

  6. Particular Strategies • LOLLAF medical legal partnerships • LAFMC project • PSLS DHS benefits outreach and access Project • DHS Framework project—potential to reduce barriers • Some common threads? • Minimize burden on DHS • Maximize community partnership

  7. Other Strategies • Try to minimize burden on DHS staff—help them help client • Develop contacts with supervisors and key caseworkers • Get their direct line telephone numbers and their e-mail addresses • Develop good working relationship so they don’t dread calling you or e-mailing you • Develop contacts with regional supervisors • File Appeals and represent clients in appeals

  8. Other Non-Traditional Public Benefits that are Underutilized • Veterans Benefits for Dependants • Crime Victims Compensation • General Assistance

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