Congressman Dan Goldman Works to Remove Barriers to Maintain SNAP Access
In FY2023, Twelve Million of the 33 Million SNAP Applications Were Renewals
Read the Bill Here
Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) joined Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) in introducing the ‘Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Recertification Reform Act’, which would give states and qualifying SNAP applicants the flexibility to waive a recertification interview for current SNAP recipients.
In-person recertification interviews are often obstacles to accessing benefits. Applicants are regularly required to re-submit documentation and re-answer questions, slowing down the process. Agency caseworker backlogs can also lead to applicants receiving written notice of their interview after the agency-assigned interview date.
“SNAP and other nutrition assistance programs are currently covered in red tape – often forcing potential beneficiaries to go without benefits,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “SNAP is a vital lifeline for many working families and seniors across the United States. Removing the recertification barrier to help them maintain access to SNAP benefits means fewer families will go hungry for purely bureaucratic reasons.”
The ‘SNAP Recertification Reform Act’ seeks to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 by allowing states to waive recertification interviews for applicants who have previously established their eligibility.
Furthermore, when an interview is necessary, the bill would provide applicants with the flexibility to complete the interview through various methods—including in-person, phone, or virtual options—thus aiming to reduce the overall administrative burden on both applicants and state agencies.
In Fiscal Year 2023, out of the 33 million total SNAP applications nationally, over 12 million were renewals. By requiring both agency and applicant consent to waive a recertification interview, applicants still have the opportunity to speak with their caseworker to get questions answered or update information in the application paperwork if needed.
Congressman Goldman is committed to addressing food insecurity in NY-10 and across the United States.
This summer Congressman Goldman held a Nutrition Town Hall to discuss food insecurity, share information about New York State’s Summer EBT program and its rollout, and provide residents with application resources.
Earlier this week, Goldman joined Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-02) in sending a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to include a provision in a forthcoming stop-gap funding bill that would allow victims of SNAP theft to continue to be reimbursed from federal funds.
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