Attorney’s Office throughout this multi-state investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Bethanne M. “We appreciate the commitment and investigative assistance provided by our partners at the Department of Justice’s Civil Division and the U.S. Harrington for the Eastern District of Washington. “Together with our partners in the Justice Department’s Civil Division and the USDA, we will continue to investigate and hold accountable those who misuse and wrongfully obtain SNAP funding.” “While it is shocking these claims where submitted by the Florida Department of Children and Families, the state agency entrusted with assisting vulnerable and needy individuals, I commend the agency for correcting its conduct, cooperating with our investigation, and resolving its liability for its past actions,” said Acting U.S. “This settlement is an example of the department’s commitment to ensuring that taxpayer funds are spent appropriately so that the public can have confidence in the integrity of vital programs like SNAP.” Boynton of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “SNAP provides important benefits to help families in need,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Until 2008, SNAP was known as the Food Stamp Program. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Thirteen percent of the population receives SNAP benefits, according to another Go Banking Rates report.The Florida Department of Children and Families (FDCF) has agreed to pay to the United States $17,500,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act in its administration of the U.S. The average benefit per household per month in Florida stands at $127, with 2.85 million recipients. Health and Human Services Department Secretary Xavier Becerra extended the COVID federal public health emergency. State SNAP agencies have had the option to release emergency allotments to all SNAP households if the state meets certain criteria. Department of Agriculture noted that emergency allotments were authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help address temporary food needs amid the pandemic, according to a Go Banking Rates report. SNAP benefits recipients have received emergency allotments equal to the maximum benefit for the household size minus their monthly base benefit since March of 2020. He noted that he re-certified his benefits but said that the DCF never completed the process. Yessica Santos of Orlando said that she was three hours waiting for a phone call and never received a callback, according to a Fox 35 Orlando News report.ĭavid Mtetwa of Plant City said that there was a notice that his benefits were being terminated. In February, 546 people put their names on the list of people reporting a SNAP delay. However, Powell said that she has not seen improvement yet. In December and January, the DCF spokeswoman said that the agency added 125 new team members. Ron DeSantis has vowed to discuss the matter with DCG Secretary Shevaun Harris to expedite the process. She said that there were times that they call in and are on hold for two hours and get disconnected, adding that the shortage "must be phenomenal," according to a WFLA News report.Įarlier, DCF denied the delays and said that applications were processed within 30 days or less.įlorida Gov. Guided Path Foundation is a non-profit that provides outreach services to the community, with Powell helping families apply for SNAP benefits. READ NEXT: SNAP Benefits 2022: Schedule of April Payments in Oregon, Emergency Allotments Revealed SNAP Benefits Florida Delaysīrenda Powell, the outreach director for Guided Path Foundation, noted in February that they are seeing a lot of delays in the distribution of SNAP benefits in Florida. They reported their concerns about not being able to provide food and other essential items for their families. Two Escambia County women experienced delays in their SNAP benefits approval. The agency added that they have recruited more than 200 new employees since December 2021 with eligibility determinations, noting that they offer overtime to compensate for the efforts of their team. It includes using volunteers from other program areas to assist, according to a WearTv News report. SNAP Benefits 2022 in Florida are delayed as the Florida Department of Children and Families noted that it has "experienced challenges" in hiring staff.ĭCF said that the department continues to increase resources to prioritize processing benefits applications.
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