As part of a new initiative, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will work together to improve the nutrition security of elderly and low-income households in the US.
The cooperation is intended to integrate Supplemental Security Income and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, according to a statement released by the SSA and USDA on Wednesday.
According to a news release, the objectives are to increase effectiveness, enhance food and nutrition security, and “remove the barriers families experience to get the government help they need.”
SSA To Allow SSI Applicants To Apply For SNAP Benefits
The Social Security Administration will inform SSI applicants and beneficiaries of their SNAP eligibility to achieve this.
The agency will assist a family with its SNAP application when it applies for or obtains SSI, in other words. By federal law, the Food Nutrition Service of the USDA will provide the SSA a credit for the time and materials used for SNAP applications and screenings.
A government program called SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, helps low-income families buy food. Despite being a part of the USDA, it is managed state-by-state.
The federal SSI program provides cash to aged, blind, and handicapped persons with little to no income to satisfy their basic requirements for food, clothes, and housing.
Acting SSA Commissioner Kilolo Kijakazi stated that security is dedicated to lowering obstacles and ensuring those eligible for benefits receive them.”
Read more: IRS sets new rule: Anyone with $600 income must report, file for taxes
SSI Applicants And SNAP Beneficiaries
“It’s simpler for individuals to get the resources they need when we work with USDA to develop more effective methods to apply, communicate information, and help SSI families apply for SNAP assistance.”
To make it simpler for SSI recipients to complete their SNAP applications, the expanded collaboration will also test alternatives to paper-based applications by increasing the use of electronic applications and telephone signatures.
The USDA will get more information on the amount of SSI candidates who do not receive SNAP benefits and when they usually give up on the application process.
Read more: The IRS may still owe you money for any of these reasons
