![]() Throughout the state, Iowans collectively received a monthly sum of $60.4 million in SNAP benefits during this period, with the federal government bearing the total cost. Those who refuse will be kicked off or denied the benefit.Īccording to the Legislative Services Agency, in fiscal year 2022 an estimated monthly average of 287,000 Iowans relied on SNAP benefits. Were this new computerized identity authentication process an option, not a requirement, it would have the potential to increase access for SNAP applicants and would be in-line with USDA regulations.” The legislation further stipulates that Medicaid recipients in Iowa must collaborate with child support services as a prerequisite for obtaining benefits through the program. This requirement would go against USDA regulations for SNAP. The Iowa Hunger Coalition, an anti-hunger association, commented on the computerized identity process, “While this may have the potential to increase access for some people (those with transportation or medical barriers, or without access to the required forms of identification), it also presents a significant access barrier to many people, especially those without internet access, limited credit history or limited English proficiency. The legislation also mandates applicants to undergo a computerized identity authentication process involving a knowledge-based questionnaire composed of financial and personal questions. Moreover, the bill requires agencies to draw on information from federal, state and other sources before deciding on initial or continued eligibility for public assistance applicants or recipients. In fact, a 2016 report by the Urban Institute discovered that states implementing asset tests deterred recipients from maintaining bank accounts or saving for emergencies. Thus, workers will be forced to decide to save for their child’s education or food. This means households with savings, cash or other easily accessible funds above this threshold would be ineligible to receive SNAP benefits. Households with over $15,000 in liquid assets or cash on hand are not eligible for SNAP. Agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services and Iowa Workforce Development must gather new information on registrants to ascertain their eligibility.Īgencies will also conduct an asset test on all members of the applicant’s household to determine eligibility for SNAP benefits. The legislation stipulates that by July 1, 2025, the state administration must revamp its existing system and establish a new computerized eligibility program to check income, assets and identity. The state Senate passed the Republican-backed bill in March and it now heads to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk for her signature. ![]() Jaqueline Benitez, who depends on California's SNAP benefits to help pay for food, shops for groceries at a supermarket in Bellflower, Calif., on Monday, Feb. ![]()
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