the snap task force€¦ · the snap task force meeting of september 2018 prepared by the staff of...

The Research Packet For

THE SNAP TASK FORCE

Meeting of September 2018

Prepared by the staff of Benefits Access,

Food Bank For New York City

39 Broadway, 10th Fl.

New York NY 10006

Tel: 212.566.7855

Fax: 212.566.1463

www.foodbanknyc.org

http://www.foodbanknyc.org/

FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY

S N A P T a s k F o r c e M e e t i n g o f S e p t e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 1 8 Contents of this document are the property of Food Bank For New York City and cannot be copied

in any way, shape or form without permission from its creator.

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) TASK FORCE

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

1. Trends in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Participation Rates: Fiscal Year 2010 to

Fiscal Year 2016………………………………………………………………..…………………………………..

2. Information Collection: Evaluation of Technology Modernization for SNAP Benefits Redemption

though online transactions……................................................................................................................

3. Request for Extension of a Current Information Collection – Evaluation of SNAP Employment and

Trainings (E&T) Pilots……………………..……………………...…………………………………………………

4. Comment Request – Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)…………,…….

New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

1. Information Letter: 18-INF-13: Revisions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Application/Recertification (LDSS-4826) and How To Complete the SNAP

Application/Recertification and Applicant/Recipient Right and Responsibilities (LDSS-

4826A)……………………………………………………………………………………………….………………

2. Press Release: Governor Cuomo Announces Plan to Protect SNAP Recipients’ Access Farmers’

Markets……………………………………………………...……………………………………………………....

3. General Information System 18 TA/DC027: Updated SNAP Standards for October 2018……………

4. General Information System 18 TA/DC028: Closing of the 2017-2018 Home Energy Assistance

Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance Component and Deadline for 2017-2018 Administrative

Funds……………………………………………………………………………………………………………......

5. Local Commissioners Memorandum 18-LCM-15: FFY 2018 Able-Bodied Adult Without

Dependents (ABAWD) Pledge Fund Updated………………………………………………………………

6. New York State SNAP Participation and Benefit Value in June 2018………………………….………….

New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA)

1. Policy Bulletins and Directives…………………………………………………………………………..……….

Policy Bulletin #18-13-ELI: Mailer and Match Action Program (MMAP)....................................

Policy Directive #18-31-ELI: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Change

Reporting Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………..

Policy Bulletin # 18-43-ELI: Stipend Payments From Child Development Study – Exempt for

CA/SNAP Budgeting…………………………………………………………………………………….

Policy Bulletin # 18-48-OPE: Revisions to The Mandated Poster and Signage List For Job

Centers and HRA Express Sites (M-98C) and the Mandated Poster and Signage List for

Non-cash Assistance SNAP Centers (NPA SNAP) Centers (M-99D)……...……………………….

Policy Bulletin # 18-45-OPE: Renewal Process for Home Visit Needed/Homebound

(HVN/HB) Status…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Policy Bulletin # 18-51-OPE: Reminder About an Applicant’s or Participant’s Right To a

Conference to Challenge an Agency Action……………………………………………………….

Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources

1. Report from Food Research and Action Center - How Hungry is America?.……................................

2. Report From Pew Research Center - The American Middle Class Is Stable in Size, but Losing

Ground Financially to Upper-income Families…….…………………………………………………...……

Hunger and Poverty in the Media

1. National News:

“About 2 Million Low-income Americans Would Lose Benefits Under Farm Bill, Study Says”, New York Times………

“Immigrants Drop Subsidized Food, Health Programs – Fearing Aid Will Be Used Against Them”, NBC News……….

APPENDICES

Appendix A: WINR0639 FS Serv Exclusion Report - Case Not Rebudgeted…………………………………………………………….....……

Appendix B: WINR0006 FS Serv Error Report – Case Not Rebudgeted…………………………………………………………………………..

Appendix C: The NYC SNAP Change Reporting Desk-Aid (LDSS-4908 NYC)…………………….……………………………………………..

Appendix D: NYCWAY Action Codes for Home Visit (HVN) Homebound (HB) Request Process………………………………………….

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I. UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

1. TRENDS IN SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION

RATES: FISCAL YEAR 2010 TO FISCAL YEAR 2016, JULY 23, 2018 <https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/snap/Trends2010-2016.pdf>

USDA has released data regarding SNAP participation rates for FY16, comparing

them to estimates of participation rates for FYs 2010 through 2015. On average, 47

million individuals were eligible for benefits each month in 2016 and nearly 40 million

received benefits. Overall the program served 85 percent of all eligible individuals in

2016, up thirteen points from 72 percent in 2010. Similar to past years, the lowest

income individuals who are eligible for higher benefits participated at higher rates.

Only 30 percent of those eligible for the minimum benefit ($16 in 2016) or less

participated. Participation rates were higher for children and for individuals in

households living in poverty.

Participation rates for elderly individuals and for those in households with income

above poverty but still eligible were much lower – 45 percent and 42 percent,

respectively. However, participation rates for the elderly varied significantly

depending upon their living situation. The participation rate for individuals in

households with earned income was 75 percent, while that for individuals in

households receiving Social Security Income (SSI) was close to the overall average

at 86 percent. Participation rates rose slightly or held steady for most groups

between 2015 – 2016.

https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/snap/Trends2010-2016.pdf




2. INFORMATION COLLECTION: EVALUATION OF TECHNOLOGY

MODERNIZATION FOR SNAP BENEFIT REDEMPTION THROUGH ONLINE

TRANSACTIONS, JULY 30, 2018 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-073018>

USDA FNS has invited the general public and other public agencies to comment on

testing the feasibility of online purchasing for SNAP through Evaluation of Technology

Modernization for SNAP Benefit Redemption through online Transactions for the

USDA. The report will synthesize findings across pilots. The data collection includes

interviews with key informants, including online retailers and their web service

providers, the designated third-party processor for the pilots, EBT processors and

State Agency EBT coordinators. The comment period end date is September 28,

2018.

3. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF A CURRENT INFORMATION COLLECTION –

EVALUATION OF SNAP EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING (E&T) PILOTS, AUGUST

10, 2018 <https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-081018>

USDA has extended the collection of information period for the purpose of

evaluating the FY2015 Pilot Projects to Reduce Dependency and Increase Work

Requirements and Work Effort. The comment period end date is October 9, 2018.

4. COMMENT REQUEST – DISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE

PROGRAM (D-SNAP), AUGUST 30, 2018

In March 2015, USDA awarded grants between $8.9

million and $22.3 million to 10 Pilots: California,

Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky,

Mississippi, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fr-073018






USDA FNS has invited the general public and other public agencies to comment on

State agencies’ requests to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance

Program (D-SNAP). Comments are due by October 29, 2018.

II. NEW YORK STATE OFFICE OF TEMPORARY

AND DISABILITY ASSISTANCE

1. INFORMATIONAL LETTER 18-INF-13: REVISIONS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL

NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) APPLICATION/RECERTIFICATION

(LDSS-4826) AND HOW TO COMPLETE THE SNAP

APPLICATION/RECERTIFICATION AND APPLICANT/RECIPIENT RIGHTS AND

RESPONSIBILITIES (LDSS-4826A), JULY 30, 2018

<http://otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/r2018/INF/18-INF-13.pdf>

Informs social services districts that the LDSS-4826 and LDSS-4826A have been

updated with language for collecting data necessary to meet the federal SNAP

Employment and Training (E&T) reporting requirements:

LDSS-4826 Update: The following information will be added to the

“EDUCATION/TRAINING AND LANGUAGE” chart on page 4:

“Highest School Grade Completed” was added as a column in the chart.

Districts should direct applicants and/or recipients to indicate the highest

grade each adult in the household who is 16 years of age or older, actually

completed.

The primary language column was changed from – “Is English the individual’s

primary language?” To “What is the individual’s primary language spoken?”

The instructions for the chart were updated to explain how the “Highest School

Grade Completed” should be entered.

LDSS-4826A Updates:

Section 7: “EDUCATION/TRAINING AND LANGUAGE” has been updated to

explain how to complete the “Highest Grade Completed’ section of the chart

and that the provision of highest school grade collected in the chart is

voluntary.

Changes under the section “AN APPLICANT/RECIPIENT OF SNAP HAS SEVERAL

RESPONSIBILITIES:”


http://otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/2018/INF/18-INF-13.pdf




o Language was added for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents

(ABAWDs) to contact the district immediately if they are meeting the

ABAWD work requirement;

o Language referencing Good Cause for an ABAWD not meeting the

ABAWD work requirement was added

o “Immediately” was added to the document directing ABAWDs to

contact the district to regain SNAP eligibility.

2. PRESS RELEASE: GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES PLAN TO PROTECT SNAP

RECIPIENTS’ ACCESS TO FARMERS’ MARKETS, JULY 27, 2018

<https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-plan-protect-

snap-recipients-access-farmers-markets>

Governor Cuomo announced that New York State and the Farmers Market

Federation of New York have reached an agreement with Novo Dia Group (mobile

application vendor) to enable SNAP recipients to continue to use their benefits at

farmers’ markets across the state through the rest of the farmers’ market season.

Governor Cuomo issued a letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue urging federal

action on the issue.

The USDA awarded the new contract that provides SNAP EBT equipment and services

for farmers’ markets to a company that does not support mobile, cellular based

transactions. With no replacement technology in place and no foresight by the

federal government to anticipate the situation, both SNAP beneficiaries and farmers

would have suffered.

New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and the Office of Temporary

and Disability Assistance will continue to work on a more permanent solution.

Under Governor Cuomo’s direction, New York had made tremendous progress to

expand and improve SNAP usage at farmers’ markets while decreasing operating

costs, as a record number of farmers’ markets throughout the state now accepts

SNAP benefits. In addition, in 2014 the New York farmers’ markets made the transition

to current smartphone SNAP/EBT processing to increase efficiency and reduce

operating cost.

3. GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM 18 TA/DC027: UPSTATE AND NYC – UPDATED

SNAP STANDARDS FOR OCTOBER 2018, AUGUST 22, 2018

<http://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2018/18DC027.pdf>

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-plan-protect-snap-recipients-access-farmers-markets

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-plan-protect-snap-recipients-access-farmers-markets

http://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2018/18DC027.pdf




In compliance with updated federal requirements, SNAP standards will change in

New York State effective October 1, 2018. Notable changes are summarized below:

Shelter cap value has increased from $535 to $552

Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) amount for Heating/Cooling has increased from

$791 to $800; the Utility SUA has also increased from $300 to $316

Standard deduction based on household size has increased to $164 for

households with 1-3 people, $174 for households with 4 people, $204 for

households with 5 people and $234 for households with 6 or more people,

Federal poverty limit (FPL) thresholds have been adjusted as follows:

Certain households receiving SNAP under NYSNIP1 may have their benefits

adjusted as a result of these changes, per the benefits matrix below:

1 New York State Nutrition Improvement Project




4. LOCAL COMMISSIONERS MEMORANDUM 18-LCM-15: FFY 2018 ABLE-

BODIED ADULT WITHOUT DEPENDENTS (ABAWD) PLEDGE FUND UPDATED,

AUGUST 30, 2018

<http://otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/2018/LCM/18-LCM-15.pdf>

Provides an update to the 100% allocation of ABAWD Pledge funds in FFY 2018 for

districts that do not have a full county based ABAWD waiver. The USDA approved

additional ABAWD waivers beginning March 1, 2018, which required a redistribution

of ABAWD pledged funds.

Districts are required to evaluate the ABAWD status of each individual applying for

or receiving SNAP. All districts, including those that have a federally approved

waiver of ABAWD work requirements, must record each SNAP applicant or

recipient’s ABAWD status on WMS.

5. GENERAL INFORMATION SYSTEM18 TA/DC028: CLOSING OF THE 2017-2018

HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (HEAP) COOLING ASSISTANCE

COMPONENT AND DEADLINE FOR 2017-2018 HEAP ADMINISTRATIVE FUNDS,

AUGUST 31, 2018

<http://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2018/18DC028.pdf>

Informs social services districts that Friday, August 31, 2018 is the closing date for the

2017-2018 HEAP Cooling Assistance Component (CAC). Mail-in applications

postmarked on or before the closing date must be processed. Applications

received after the CAC closing date must be denied.

6. NEW YORK STATE SNAP PARTICIPATION AND BENEFIT VALUE IN JUNE 2018

<https://otda.ny.gov/resources/caseload/2018/2018-06-stats.pdf>

According to the latest data from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

(OTDA), SNAP participation across New York State decreased slightly from May to

June 2018. Benefits also saw a slight decrease during this time-period. In New York

New York State receives annual allocations from the USDA to

support SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) administration

which includes an ABAWD Pledge fund allocation. The ABAWD

funds are available to districts that do not have a federally

approved full county ABAWD waiver or have declined a waiver for

calendar year 2018. The funds are 100% federal funds and are

distributed based on the estimated percentage of ABAWDS residing in non-waived areas of each district as compared to the

total estimated number of ABAWDS residing in non-waived areas

statewide. Two districts in New York State had their ABAWD

waivers status updated in March 1, 2018 resulting in a redistribution

of ABAWD Pledge Funds.

http://otda.ny.gov/policy/directives/2018/LCM/18-LCM-15.pdf

http://otda.ny.gov/policy/gis/2018/18DC028.pdf




City, 1,607,466 individuals received $233,289,479 in SNAP benefits. The average SNAP

benefit received by NYC households was $253.

III. NEW YORK CITY HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION

1. POLICY BULLETINS AND DIRECTIVES

POLICY BULLETIN #18-13-ELI: MAILER AND MATCH ACTION PROGRAM (MMAP),

JULY 13, 2018

Informs the Mailer and Match Action Program (MMAP) staff, who process certain

case actions as a result of the periodic reporting process, computer matches,

worklists and mass re-budgeting reports, of their responsibility for reviewing the reports

and making any required changes.

Periodic Report with No Changes

If the MMAP Worker determines that there are no changes to be made, they will

input a comment in POS that the household has complied with the periodic reporting

process and there were no changes. MMAP staff are not required to do a new

budget for cases with no changes.

PERSONS HOUSEHOLDS BENEFITS

MA

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New York State 2,787,447 2,769,827

-0.64% 1,565,561 1,557,053

-0.54% $379,476,000 $377,714,895

-0.47%

New York City 1,618,164 1,607,466

-0.66% 928,314 923,170

-0.56% $233,654,515 $233,289,479

-0.16%

Rest of State 1,169,283 1,162,361

-0.59% 637,247 633,883

-0.53% $145,821,485 $144,425,416

-0.97%

AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE AVERAGE BENEFITS PER HOUSEHOLD

MA

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New York State 1.780 1.789 0.50% $242.39 $242.58 -0.08%

New York City 1.743 1.732 -0.63% $251.69 $252.70 -0.40%

Rest of State 1.835 1.822 -0.71% $228.83 $227.84 -0.51%




Periodic Reports with Changes

MMAP staff must process information submitted on a completed periodic report that

will result in a decrease or termination of benefits (even if the change is not verified)

unless the change is due to a decrease in a deduction (non-move shelter expenses,

medical or dependent care expenses). Households whose benefits will increase as

a result of information submitted cannot receive an increase in benefits until

verification of the change has been provided. When a change reported on the

periodic report will result in an increase in benefits but no documentation to verify

the change was included, the MMAP Worker must generate the Notice of

Documentation Required – Change in Household Circumstances (W-132S). The W-

132S informs the household that they must verify the changes. The W-132S will be

mailed automatically to the household with a due date of 15 days, with the SNAP

Documentation Guide (W-129G) and a postage paid return envelope addressed to

the Home Center. A household’s case cannot be closed for failure to submit

documentation along with the Periodic Report. The MMAP Worker must complete

the case without applying the unverified changes if those changes would have

resulted in an increase in benefits. If verification is submitted at a later date, the

changes will be acted upon.

Prison Match Processing

Welfare Management System (WMS) is programmed to automatically close single

person SNAP cases found on the Prison match. The single person cases are run

against the file from OTDA. If there is a match with the Client Identification Number

(CIN) and case number on the Prison match, WMS will close the case using closing

code F63. MMAP receives a monthly Exception Listing of Prisoner Closings from the

NYS Department of Correctional Services and Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Social Security Administration Mass Re-budget (MRB) Exception Processing

Each December a mass re-budget is run in WMS to update the cases with individuals

in receipt of RSDI/SSI or Veterans Benefits. Included in the MRB is the automatic

recalculation of all pending budgets affected by the Retirement, Survivor’s, Disability

Income/Supplemental Security Income (RSD/SSI) Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

A Notice of Mass Change is sent to all participants whose SNAP benefits will be

reduced effective January for the following year because of the increase in RSDI/SSI

income.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Heating Cooling Standard Utility Allowance

(HCSUA) MRB




The HEAP HCSUA MRB is a mass re-budget of HEAP eligible cases when the full SUA

has to be issued. The cases appear on the WINR0639 exclusion report and the

WINR00006 error report sent to MMAP every month from OTDA. See Appendices A

and B.

POLICY BULLETIN #18-31-ELI: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

(SNAP) CHANGE REPORTING RULES, JULY 13, 2018

Informs staff that SNAP households are subjected to the following reporting

requirements:

New York State Nutrition Improvement Project (NYSNIP)

NYSNIP households have 48-month certification periods and are not required to

report any changes during this period. These households are sent an Interim Report

(NYC) (LDSS-4836) at the end of the 23rd month of their certification period which

must be completed and returned by the tenth day of the 24th month, even if there

are no changes to report.

Ten Day Change Reporting Households

Non-NYSNIP households subject to ten-day SNAP change reporting rules are required

to report the following changes with ten days after the end of the calendar month

in which the change occurred:

Changes in any source of income

Changes of more than $100 a month in the household’s total income

Changes in household composition

Change in residence

Change in rent/mortgage and heating/cooling expense

Change in the amount of court-ordered child support payed out

ABAWDS whose work hours go below 80 hours per month.

Non-NYSNIP and non-ten day SNAP change reporting households not specifically

identified in the bulletin are six-month reporters and subject to six month reporting

rules.

Workers should utilize The NYC Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Change Reporting Desk-Aid (LDSS-4908 NYC) for information on SNAP change

reporting rules. See Appendix C.




POLICY BULLETIN #18-43-ELI: STIPEND PAYMENTS FROM CHILD DEVELOPMENT

STUDY – EXEMPT FOR CA/SNAP BUDETING, JULY 30, 2018

Informs HRA staff that Program Incentive Payments (PIP) received by participants in

the “Child Development Study” are exempt as income and resources when

determining eligibility. PIP fund will be issued monthly to research study participants

through a prepaid debit card. The Child Development Study started in July and is a

multi-year medical research study in which low-income households receive monthly

incentive stipend for their participation.

PIP payments are not intended to meet the participants’ basic needs such as food,

clothing and shelter, therefore the monies are exempt as income. The payments

would be considered resources in the month received, but under broad-based

categorical eligibility rules, most households are not subject to the resource test.

POLICY BULLETIN #18-48-OPE: REVISIONS TO THE MANDATED POSTER AND

SIGNAGE LIST FOR JOB CENTERS AND HRA EXPRESS SITES (M-98C) AND THE

MANDATED POSTER AND SIGNAGE LIST FOR NON-CASH ASSISTANCE

SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (NPA SNAP) CENTERS (M-

98D), AUGUST 2, 2018

Informs HRA staff that the “Mandated Poster and Signage List for Job Centers and

HRA Express Sites” (M98c) and “Mandated Poster and Signage List for Non-Cash

Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NCA SNAP) Centers” (M-98d)

forms have been revised.

The Location in Center description was changed to “Prominently displayed and in all

applicant/participant waiting areas” for the following forms:

“Will You Still Receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) After

Cash Assistance” (LDSS-4996);

“Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits Complaint

Procedure” (LDSS-8036).

M98d Revisions Only:

The last sentence that appears under the title on each page now reads: “Only

employee mandated signs are required at SNAP Telephone Interview Processing

Services (TIPS) locations”;

The Location in Center description was changed to “Prominently displayed and in all

applicant/participant waiting areas” for the “SNAP Right to File” (LDSS-4995) form.

POLICY BULLETIN #18-45-OPE: RENEWAL PROCESS FOR HOME VISIT

NEEDED/HOMEBOUND (HVNA/HB) STATUS, AUGUST 10, 2018




Informs HRA staff of the process for renewing Home Visit Needed/Homebound

(HVN/HB) status for participants whose HVN/HB status was approved for more than

180 days. In addition, informs staff of the modifications made to the New York City

Work Accountability and You (NYCWAY) system.

Thirty days before the participant’s HVN/HB exemption status expires Action Code

19EN (HVN/HB Exemption Expiration Notice) will post on the case in NYCWAY and

NYCWAY will generate and mail the following to the participant:

Notification of Expiration of Home Visit Needed/Homebound Status (FIA-

1028K);

Home Visit Needed Request – Clinical Assessment (CAS-103) Form;

HIPAA Authorization for the Disclosure of Individual Health Information Form

(CAS-605); and

A postage-paid return envelope.

For participants who request a renewal of HVN/HB status, the Action Code 192Q

(HVN/HB Exemption Renewal Request) will be posted in NYCWAY. If the participant

provides documentation, the worker will scan and index the documents into the

case record. For participants who do not respond to the renewal notice within

twenty (20) days after the 19EN has posted, the Action Code 19ND (HVN/HB

Medical Documentation Not Returned) will automatically be posted. The 19ND

notifies staff that outreach is required on this case. In addition, Action Code 19ND

will also post 20 days after the 192Q Future Action Date (FAD) if the 192Q is open

and no supporting documentation is submitted.

The Worker must offer assistance if the applicant has not provided updated

medical documentation. If assistance is accepted by the participant he/she must

complete the following forms:

Home Visit Needed Request/Activities of Daily Life – Client Information Form

(CAS-102);

Home Visit Needed Request Clinical Assessment Form (CAS-103); and

HIPPA Authorization for the Disclosure of Individual Health Information Form

(CAS-605).

See Appendix D (NYCWAY Action Codes for Home Visit Needed (HVN)

Homebound (HB) Request Process.

POLICY BULLETIN #18-51-OPE: REMINDER ABOUT AN APPLICANT’S OR

PARTICIPANT’S RIGHT TO A CONFERNECE TO CHALLENGE AN AGENCY

ACTION, AUGUST 13, 2018

The policy reminds staff about the client’s right to a center conference to review an

agency’s decisions. When a client contacts a center in person or by telephone to

inquire about an agency action, HRA staff must remind client about the availability

of a center conference. Client concerns may be resolved via case conference




without having to request a Fair Hearing. The right to request a Fair Hearing always

remains an option even if a center conference is requested. The Center Director’s

designee will conduct center conferences.

When a client contacts the On Demand Center or a center other than the Home

Center for a conference, staff should instruct clients to call the HRA Infoline at (718)

557-1399. The Infoline representative will give clients the contact information for

their home center. If a client calls an Eligibility Specialist (ES) on the telephone, the

ES should try to connect the client to the Center Director’s designee before

providing the designee’s telephone number.

During the conference the designee will listen to and evaluate the client’s

concerns, and as part of the evaluation will:

Go over the case record information;

Review documentation in the case record or newly submitted documents;

and

Discuss the issue with the Group Supervisor/Eligibility Specialist

After the evaluation, the designee will decide to either resolve the action or explain

why the agency action is correct.

IV. Reports and Notable Items from Other Sources

1. REPORT FROM FOOD RESEARCH AND ACTION CENTER:

HOW HUNGRY IS AMERICA?, AUGUST 1, 2018 <http://www.frac.org/wp-content/uploads/food-hardship-july-2018.pdf>

According to a new report released by Food Research and Action Center (FRAC)

the national food hardship rate for all households increased from 15.1 percent in

2016 to 15.7 percent in 2017. FRAC analyzed Gallup data, looking at which

Americans answered “yes” to the question “Have there been times in the past 12

months when you did not have enough money to buy food that you and your

family needed?” nationally, regionally, at state level and at local level (by

Metropolitan Statistical Area, MSA).

http://www.frac.org/wp-content/uploads/food-hardship-july-2018.pdf




The food hardship rate for households with children rose from 17.5 percent in 2016

to 18.4 percent in 2017. Nationally, the food hardship rate for households with

children is 1.3 times higher than for non-children households.

Though the economy continues to recover from the Great Recession, tens of

millions of Americans still are being left behind by the failure of the economy to

provide family-supporting wages and the failure of government to respond with

adequate initiatives to boost wages and public programs for those struggling.

In every part of the country a substantial number of households is struggling with

hunger. At least 1 in 7 households suffered from food hardship in 2016-2017, in 24

states and the District of Columbia, and in 63 out of 108 MSAs in the study.

The rise in the national food hardship rate in 2017 is significant. After the height of

the recession, the national food hardship rate had fallen from nearly 18.9 percent

in 2013 to 15.1 percent in 2016.




Though the economy continues to recover, tens of millions of Americans are being

left behind by the failure of the economy to provide family-supporting wages and

the failure of government to respond with adequate initiatives to boost jobs, wages

and public programs for those struggling. The nation’s unemployment rate

continued to fall in 2017, but wages were largely stagnant, and support for our

safety net (i.e. SNAP, Medicaid and Affordable Care Act premium subsidies) were

under attack.

The national food hardship rate for households with children was almost one-third

higher than that for households without children. At 18.4 percent, 1 in 5 households

with children said that there were times in 2017 when they did not have enough

money to buy food.

High food hardship rates now can no longer be attributed to the Great Recession

or the pace of the recovery, reflecting rather the nation’s long-term failure to

address poverty and hunger. The path to reduce suffering caused by hunger,

poverty, and reduced opportunity is clear:

Higher employment rates;

More full-time jobs and jobs with hours and schedules that fit the needs

of working parents;

More child care and other supports to make work more feasible and

family supporting;

Better wages and job benefits;

Stronger income supports for those out of work, unable to work, or

earning low wages, through improved unemployment insurance, TANF,

refundable tax credits.

Strengthened nutrition programs

Strengthening nutrition programs means broadening eligibility, improving access

among those who are eligible (only 4 out of 5 eligible people receive SNAP

benefits and barely half the eligible children receive school breakfast), and

upgrading benefits amounts, especially in SNAP.

2. REPORT FROM PEW RESEARCH CENTER




THE AMERICAN MIDDLE CLASS IS STABLE IN SIZE, BUT LOSING GROUND

FINANCIALLY TO UPPER-INCOME FAMILIES, SEPTEMBER 6, 2018

<http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/09/06/the-american-middle-class-

is-stable-in-size-but-losing-ground-financially-to-upper-income-families/>

Half (52%) of American adults lived in middle-class households in 2016. This is

virtually unchanged from the 51% who were middle-class in 2011. While the size of

the nation’s middle-class remains stable, financial gains for these households

during this period were modest compared with those of higher-income

households, causing the income-disparity between the groups to grow.

The recent stability in the share of adults living in middle-income households marks

a shift in a decades-long downward trend. During 1971 to 2011, the share of

adults in the middle class fell by 10 percent. But that shift was not all down the

economic ladder. The increase in the share of adults who were upper-income

was greater than the increase in share who were lower-income over that period,

a sign of some economic progress.

Financially middle-class households in the U.S. were better off in 2016 than in 2010

for the median income of middle-class households increased from $74,015 in 2010

to $78,442 in 2016, by 6%. Upper-income households (where 19% of Americans

adults live) fared better than the middle-class as their median income increased

from $172,152 to $187,872, a gain of 9% over this period. Lower-income

households (29% of adults) experienced an income gain of 5%, about the same

as the middle class.

Recent gains notwithstanding, the median income of middle-class households in

2016 was about the same as in 2000, a reflection of the lingering effects of the

Great Recession and an earlier recession in 2001. The median income of lower-

income households in 2016 ($25,624) was less than in 2000 ($26,923). Only the

income of upper-income households increased from 2000 to 2016, from $183,680

to $187,872.

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/09/06/the-american-middle-class-is-stable-in-size-but-losing-ground-financially-to-upper-income-families/

http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/09/06/the-american-middle-class-is-stable-in-size-but-losing-ground-financially-to-upper-income-families/




Although the wealth of upper-income households has more than recovered from

losses experienced during the Great Recession, the wealth of lower and middle-

income households in 2016 was comparable to 1989 levels. Even as the

American middle class appears not to be shrinking, it continues to fall further

behind upper-income households financially, mirroring the long-running rise in

income inequality overall.

V. Hunger and Poverty in the Media

1. NATIONAL NEWS

“ABOUT 2 MILLION LOW-INCOME AMERICANS WOULD LOSE BENEFITS

UNDER HOUSE FARM BILL, STUDY SAYS”, NEW YORK TIMES, SEPTEMBER 6,

2018

<https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/us/politics/trump-farm-bill-congress.html>

With the Farm Bill currently in committee, nonpartisan research firm

Mathematica, analyzed the impacts of proposals from the House to change

eligibility and enforce new harsh work requirements. Mathematica reports nearly

two million low-come Americans would like benefits under the House provisions in

the Farm Bill. This does not include potential changes to work requirements.

“About 34 percent of seniors in the program, or 677,000 households, would lose

benefits under the proposal, according to the study. More than one in 10 people

with a disability, another 214,000 households, would also lose eligibility.” The

president has been vocal of his support for new work requirements in the Farm Bill

while three of the four top ranking conferees are opposed to any major changes

to SNAP. The same week that Mathematica’s reporting came out, the USDA

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/us/politics/trump-farm-bill-congress.html




reports that 15 million Americans live in food insecurity- not know where their next

meal is coming from.

“IMMIGRANTS DROP SUBSIDIZED FOOD, HEALTH PROGRAMS – FEARING

AID WILL BE USED AGAINST THEM”, NBC NEWS, SEPTEMBER 8, 2018

<https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/immigrants-drop-subsidized-food-

health-programs-fearing-aid-will-be-n906246>

Though largely anecdotal, stories from immigrant communities of families

removing themselves from SNAP, WIC, CHIP, and other public assistance roles in

fear of the President’s new Public Charge rule through the United States Citizenship

and Immigration Services. Leaked documents indicate that the White House is

considering expanding the definition of what would qualify an immigrant seeking

U.S. citizenship, green cards, or temporary visas as a “public charge.” The leaked

draft would include immigrants who use any type of public benefit as a public

charge- thus jeopardizing their own and their family’s chances at citizenship.

Confusion around the change- which has not been confirmed nor taken effect,

has led to sharp declines in the programs. The administration has defended the

plan to expand the definition by citing that immigrant households are “driving the

federal debt and deficit and unfairly taking benefits away from vulnerable U.S.

citizens and communities.” At this time, no changes have been made to the public

charge rule and no official documents have bene released. When the time comes

there will be a public comment period for opposition or support of the change.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/immigrants-drop-subsidized-food-health-programs-fearing-aid-will-be-n906246

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/immigrants-drop-subsidized-food-health-programs-fearing-aid-will-be-n906246




APPENDIX A




APPENDIX B




APPENDIX C




APPENDIX D




THE FOOD BANK FOR NEW YORK CITY

2018

the snap task force€¦ · the snap task force meeting of september 2018 prepared by the staff of...

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