New Food Stamp Updates for Homeless Service Providers

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1) Homeless individuals can receive SNAP, even if they get meals at a shelter.

The following groups are eligible for SNAP, even if they receive the majority of meals where they live:

  • Residents of public or private shelters for homeless persons

  • Women with or without children temporarily living in a shelter for battered women

  • Residents of federally subsidized housing for the elderly

  • Residents of a drug or alcohol treatment center

  • Disabled or blind individuals living in group homes If you know someone who was denied SNAP because they received meals at a shelter in Cuyahoga County, call the Customer Relations Unit at 216-802-2810. You can also help them file an appeal from any county by emailing bsh@jfs.ohio.gov or calling 866-635-3748. They can also apply for legal help from the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland by calling 888-817-3777.

2) The 3-month time limit for SNAP is returning on April 1, 2020 in most counties.

Individuals age 18-49 who are not disabled, pregnant or living with children must meet another exemption or comply with work requirements to keep receiving SNAP. Homeless individuals who are “mentally or physically unfit for employment” can receive an exemption, but may need help to prove it.

3) Anyone unable to attend an in-person “work assessment” at 1641 Payne Ave (VEB Building) can request a good cause exemption by calling 216-987-6820.

Only 20% of SNAP applicants required to attend an in-person work assessment appointment show up. Many do not receive the appointment letter, do not have transportation, or do not understand that the appointment is required. Without calling to claim “good cause” for missing the appointment, their SNAP case will be closed.

4) Those who receive “expedited SNAP” must submit all requested verification to keep getting SNAP beyond the first month.

Individuals qualify for “expedited SNAP” if they earn less than $150 per month or have bills higher than their income AND have less than $100 in cash or a bank. They can receive SNAP ($194 for 1 person) within 7 calendar days as long as they prove identity and have an interview. All other verification requested must be turned in within 30 days to keep getting SNAP.

Questions? Email Rachel Chaill, Consultant for the Benefits Access Partnership rachel@rcahillconsulting.com

GENERAL INFORMATION ON APPLYING

  • Online at www.benefits.ohio.gov, call 1-844-640-6446 or go to one of the local Neighborhood Service Centers. If you call, wait for the prompt, “Apply for Benefits.” Do not choose Customer Service.

  • The Greater Cleveland Food Bank can also help you apply. Call 216-738-2067.

  • If you make less than $150 a month or your bills are higher than your income AND you have less than $100 in cash or a bank, you can get Food Stamps within 7 days. You will need to have an interview and prove your identity right away. Other documents can be turned in later.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

INTERVIEW: You can call the Contact Center (1-844-640-6446) at any time to complete your interview. You should probably wait at least 2 days after your application to make sure it is in the system. You should get a letter setting an interview time. You will probably have to wait on hold when you call, even if you are calling at your appointment time. Even if you miss your appointment, you can call the Contact Center at any time to complete the interview.

TURN IN DOCUMENTS: At your interview the representative will tell you which documents you need to submit to prove your identity, income, residency, or immigration status. If they ask you to submit documents, take those documents to the closest Neighborhood Service Center within 10 days. Write your name and case number or social security number on all of the documents. Get a receipt that shows you submitted the documents. Keep that receipt. You can also fax your documents to 216-987-7700. Your local library will fax these documents for free. Wait 5 days to call and check if your documents were received. If you cannot get the documents, Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services must help you gather the needed information.

Molly Martin