![]() Keeping the number of pending applications/renewals down is an all-hands-on-deck effort that includes assistance from managers and others who do not typically carry a caseload. We’re thankful to have support from state government leadership to fund workforce initiatives that have allowed us to hire new caseworkers and pay for technology advancements to improve our efforts in the interim. Nonetheless, we continue to explore ways to secure more flexibility from our federal regulators to process cases more quickly and efficiently. Though we have communicated with our federal counterparts frequently and urged them to grant these waivers multiple times, many of them have remained pending for about a year. ![]() We will continue to have open conversations with our federal partners and stress the importance that the remaining waivers be approved, knowing they will have an immediate and beneficial impact on families awaiting benefits, if approved. We still have a pending waiver that would allow a similar ex parte process, and we are only asking for the same flexibility that we’re granted in other areas (as in the case of CMS allowing for automated renewal of Medicaid in some cases), but the same federal actors have not rendered the necessary decisions and our hands continue to be tied. In early June, our federal regulators denied the waiver that would’ve allowed the use of innovative technology for on-demand SNAP interviews for renewals. ![]() Senior leadership has met with and urged our federal regulators to approve several waivers that would allow us to process cases faster through new technology and automation. We are working as quickly as possible to get all applications/renewals processed, and are actively hiring to fill positions so we can serve our clients more expeditiously, but we are also being hampered by federal rules and requirements which prevent us from streamlining this process. The Department of Human Services released this statement: The agency is also actively hiring to fill positions but is being impacted by federal requirements. Georgia SNAP benefits are deposited into accounts between the 5th and 23rd of each month based on the last two digits of your ID number.DHS says its workers are working as quickly as possible to get all applications and renewals processed. Free or low-cost landline or cell phone service is another benefit available through the federal Lifeline program. Your EBT card can also be used for free or discounted admission to hundreds of museums, aquariums and zoos nationwide through the Museums For All initiative. Georgia SNAP recipients can sign up for an Amazon Prime EBT discounted subscription for $6.99 per month, which is over 50% off. SNAP provides additional perks, including discounts on certain products and services. If you are 60 years or older, live on a permanent fixed income and meet certain income requirements, and no members of your household are working, you may qualify for Senior SNAP. Georgia has a simplified application process for seniors. If you prefer a paper application, you can send the completed form by mail or bring it to a DFCS location. Residents can apply online by visiting the Georgia Gateway website or calling the Customer Contact Center at 87.
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