Iowa Food Assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Emily Upchurch Food Assistance Outreach Specialist The Food Bank of Iowa

Hunger Facts In 2016, 41 million people struggled with hunger in the United States, including 13 million children. One in eight Iowans and one in five Iowa kids struggle to access enough food for themselves and their families. Households with children are more likely to be food insecure than those without children. Hunger hinders health, growth, education, and work performance

Food Bank of Iowa: About Us

Food Assistance What is Food Assistance? Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Federal aid program administered by USDA. Benefits are distributed by the Iowa Department of Human Services. Provides food-purchasing assistance with an EBT card Fiscal Year 2016: 381,000 Iowa residents, or 12% of the state population (1 in 8) 44,129,000 participants across the U.S. (14% of population, 1 in 7)

Food Assistance What Are the Benefits of SNAP? Receive a monthly benefit to purchase food Flexibility to choose the types of food the client wants to cook Ability to use at Farmer’s Markets Ability to buy plants and seeds Calendar Year 2017: Average Monthly Benefit in Iowa For Each Household: $228.69 For Each Recipient: $108.25 Per Person per Meal: $1.16

Food Assistance Who Benefits from Food Assistance? Iowa SNAP Participation: More than 69% of participants are in families with children More than 25% of participants have elderly or disabled family members More than 52% of participants are in working families

Food Assistance Who Qualifies for SNAP?

Food Assistance How Does Someone Enroll in SNAP? Outreach Worker On-site to educate individuals about SNAP On-site to assist individuals in applying Food Assistance Hotline Apply for SNAP over the phone Number: 1-855-944-3663 Online DHS Application Paper Applications are discouraged.

Food Assistance What Is the Application Process? Learn about SNAP & Income Guidelines Complete an Application Submit Application Phone Call from DHS Interview with DHS Gather & Submit Supporting Documents if Requested Decision Made on Case Receive EBT Card Complete Recertification Process 6-24 Months Later

Food Assistance Application Deductions Earned Income - 20% of all gross income Standard deduction based on household size Dependent care deduction when needed for work, training, or education Child Support Deduction Medical expenses for elderly or disabled members Must be more than $35 per month and must be paid by the applicant. Utility Deduction Shelter Deduction

Food Assistance Work Requirements All adults 18-59 are required to work part time or agree to accept a job if they are offered one Some exceptions ABAWD – Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents Person between the ages of 18 and 49 who has no dependents and is not disabled Can only receive SNAP for 3 months in 3 years ABAWD eligibility beyond the time limit: Must work at least 80 hours per month, participate in qualifying education and training activities at least 80 hours per month, or comply with a workfare program (unpaid work through a special State-approved program)

Food Assistance Non-Citizen Eligibility Most non-citizens must be in a qualified alien category and meet one additional condition Children under 18 are eligible even if their parent(s) are not States may not deny an entire household just because a non-citizen member is ineligible due to his/her immigration status. State agencies are not required to verify the immigration status of anyone who is applying for SNAP on behalf of others in their household A non-citizen that is currently a qualified alien is potentially eligible for SNAP benefits regardless if he/she was undocumented previously Qualified alien category: Lawfully admitted for Permanent Residence, battered non-citizens, asylees under the Immigration and Nationality Act, Refugees under INA, Trafficking Victims, etc. Additional Condition: 5 years of residence (has lived in the U.S. as a qualified alien for 5 years), children under 18, blind or disabled and receiving benefits or assistance for their condition, etc.

Food Assistance Common Questions How long will it take DHS to contact me? How much will I get? Will I have to travel for my interview with DHS? My income fluctuates month to month. Can I still apply? “I don’t work during certain times of the year.” My benefits stopped and I don’t know why. Can you help? I have a paper application at home I will fill out.

Food Assistance How Can You Help? Education Hotline Number – 1-855-944-3663 Outreach Worker – 515-350-2132 eupchurch@foodbankiowa.org

Food Assistance DHS Phone Numbers DHS Status Change Line/ Customer Service: 1-877-347-5678 Monday – Friday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Any changes the client has such as income, change of address, etc. Need a new card with a change of address Lost/Stolen EBT Card: 1-800-359-5802 Need a new card with no change of address Can check benefits to be added a few days prior to add date Polk County DHS: 515-286-3555 1900 Carpenter, Des Moines Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions about the Status of an Application: Local County Office

Questions? Contact Me: Emily Upchurch Food Assistance Outreach Specialist Direct: 515-867-2890 Cell: 515-350-2132 eupchurch@foodbankiowa.org www.foodbankiowa.org