Around $182million worth of food assistance is going unused – how to make sure you don’t miss out... - The Sun
A recent audit of California revealed that $182million in pandemic-related food assistance has gone unused.
Reports indicate that as many as 500,000 benefits cards went unused during the 2019-2020 school year.
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The audit was performed by California state and analyzed the use of federal funds by the California Department of Social Services.
The two food aid programs in question are the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) cards and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is more commonly called food stamps.
In California, SNAP is also known as CalFresh.
Which food assistance programs were analyzed?
The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer cards have been provided to families with school-aged children who are eligible for free or heavily discounted meals but haven't been able to receive them during the Covid pandemic.
These benefits are also available to those families who have children under the age of six and also received CalFresh benefits between October 2020 and August 2021.
CalFresh applies to those low-income households requiring assistance in buying groceries.
These programs are managed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
What did the state recommend?
Elaine Howle, who performed the audit, made a handful of recommendations regarding the funding.
"CDSS has effectively overseen the distribution of additional SNAP payments and it initially succeeded in quickly distributing P-EBT payments during the early months of the pandemic ," Mrs Howle wrote.
"However, CDSS has not delivered additional P-EBT payments in a timely manner.
"Families have had to wait an average of more than 200 days to receive payments that replaced missed meals from school year 2020–21.
"CDSS could reduce the risk that families unknowingly miss out on P-EBT payments by notifying schools when families do not use their payments and encouraging schools to follow up with those families."
How can I get my benefits?
If you qualify in California, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you receive your P-EBT card.
First, you want to make sure you've applied for CalFresh, and also for free and reduced-price lunches for your child.
Keep your address updated, and if you need to update it you can do so via the CalFresh website.
The cards have reportedly been sent out from mid-August and will continue to be mailed out through November.
We explain what you need to know about food stamps - and how to apply.
Plus, here are three discounts you can get with an EBT card.
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