The division of state government that handles food stamps has made progress in eliminating the backlog of thousands of Alaskans waiting for aid, but it still has work to do. (via AlaskaBeacon)
A sign for a store that accepts food stamps and exchange benefits transfer cards is seen in this 2019 photo.
That’s still a long way from the target, which is to get them all done within 30 days, but division Director Deb Etheridge said on Monday that it shows things are going in the right direction. In other words, things are still slow because the division is working against a deficit. Etheridge said that the division finished processing the part of its backlog that is recertifications — those accounted for most of the The backlog of new applicants is down also, to about 5,500 people and families. Of those, roughly 255 are expedited applications, which are supposed to be processed within 10 days. Applications qualify to be expedited for several reasons, including extreme financial need.
“You won’t see the improvement in timeliness in new applications or expedites on that chart, but you’ll see it in recertifications,” she said. “That’s all part of the strategy.”During the height of the backlog, people waiting more than a month for food stamps could enlist pro-bono help from Alaska Legal Services to ask for a hearing to get the state to process their applications. Demand for the service was so high early in the year that the group took on extra volunteer attorneys to help.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alameda Fourth of July parade attracts thousands, including new American citizensTens of thousands packed Alameda city streets for the Independence Day parade. For veterans and a family from Afghanistan, the patriotic colors and American flags hold special meaning as new citizens.
Read more »
British Army to get new anti-drone gun sights thanks to new contractThe British Army has announced its intention to acquire Israeli-made drone-tracking SmartShooter SMASH gun sights to provide anti-drone fire control for soldiers.
Read more »
What’s New in New England This Summer, From Maine to Rhode IslandWe have the scoop on a top-to-toe revamp of a Nantucket grande dame, elegant picnics at Gilded Age mansion, buzzy new restaurants, and more.
Read more »
Communities preparing for July 4th celebrations in New York and New JerseyPreparations are underway across the Tri-State Area for the return of many Fourth of July traditions. Workers were loading in the big bangs for Ossining's River Jam Concert Series. Monday marks opening night at Louis Engel Waterfront. VMurdockTV reports.
Read more »
Former Rep. Mondaire Jones announces new election bid in New York | CNN PoliticsFormer Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones announced Wednesday that he is running for Congress in New York’s 17th District, the seat he previously represented before redistricting thwarted his reelection plans last year.
Read more »