SNAP recipients want more transparency on verification requirements

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

SNAP recipients are wary of the new SNAP verification requirements set to roll out on Oct. 1.

The change will require applicants and recertifiers to bring documentation for their expenses instead of self-reporting.

Proof will be required for:

• Shelter costs, such as rent, mortgage and utilities
• Dependent care or childcare expenses
• Countable resources, such as money in a bank account

"There are minor things that, if there is no reason to question what the family was saying, like how much they spend on child care or things like that, they would need to provide extra documents," said Lucas Caldwell-McMillan who is the chief of policy staff with Empower Missouri. "This is now really requiring extra verification of child care expenses, rent a whole host of things."

According to a press release from the Missouri Department of Senior Services, the changes are meant to "strengthen program integrity and ensure accurate eligibility decisions."

The department adds a one-time notice is currently being mailed to all SNAP participants.

According to the Missouri Budget Project, the Mid-Missouri county with the lowest rate of households on SNAP is Osage County with around 5%. The county with the highest rate is Randolph County with around 15% of households.

SNAP recipients Ashley Berry and Richard Eudy were unaware of the changes, with both asking for more transparency and clear announcements of changes.

"If nobody knows about it, how are they going to do the things properly that they need to do?" Berry said. "You have to have all this stuff and that could be a pain in the neck if you don't know what you really need."

Eudy also voiced concern over the additional files backing up the application process.

"I hate it when they just shuffle paperwork, that's the biggest problem," Eudy said. "I mean, wait, wait, wait, wait."

McMillian argues that the change will make it harder for working families to gather documents and would hinder the state's accuracy.

"It [documents] can be lost, you can turn in the paperwork and it can be sitting at a desk of an overworked SSA staff member who didn't have time to process it in time for your recertification date, there's a whole kind of a whole host of point-breaking points," McMillian said.

He added the change also comes ahead of Missouri's winter season, where many SNAP recipients experience what Empower Missouri calls "Heat or Eat."

"Which is exactly what it sounds, which is older folks choosing between purchasing groceries or keeping their heat on, and we know that they're going into the winter months when the energy costs are higher than ever," McMillian said.

McMillian recommends that recipients who want to make sure their documents are in order should visit a Social Security Department office in person if possible. The Social Services Department also recommends sending complete documents.

Acceptable forms of verification include bills, receipts, lease agreements, bank statements or written proof from the person or business being paid.

"That way you can make sure you're getting the right documents the first time, because part of it, too, is, 'no, that didn't work. I need a different document' in the going back and forth."