Final Public Charge Rules Ensures Immigrants Can Access SNAP On December 23, 2022, a final public charge rule will go into effect that cements public charge policy in the longstanding 1999 interim field guidance. This rule is the result of action taken by the Biden Administration to reverse a 2019 public charge rule that had a chilling effect on immigrants and their families, causing them to avoid vital public benefits that safeguard nutrition, health, housing, and economic security. With a permanent block of the 2019 rule in place, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can no longer consider an individual’s use or potential use of SNAP, Medicaid, and other public benefit programs as part of a public charge determination. To help immigrants and their families feel safe accessing nutrition and food programs, community organizations should continue to reach out to local immigrant communities to share this important update. Much work still needs to be done to rebuild trust with immigrants and reverse the damage of the 2019 public charge rule. Visit our website for more information and resources related to public charge. |
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EBT Card Skimming and Phishing Scams Impacting SNAP Participants in NYS The United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) and New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) issued alerts about ongoing EBT card skimming and phishing scams resulting in the theft of SNAP benefits. SNAP participants should take measures to safeguard their EBT cards and report stolen or skimmed cards immediately to the EBT Customer Service Helpline at 1-888-328-6399, www.connectebt.com, or the ConnectEBT mobile app. Read more about these scams and actions SNAP participants can take to protect their benefits. |
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SNAP Medical Expense Deductions: Updated Resource and Upcoming Lunch & Learn Adults age 60 and over and people with disabilities who qualify for SNAP may be entitled to a larger monthly benefit by deducting out-of-pocket medical expenses over $35 per month. These costs are often significant, and reporting them in the SNAP application process can mean more help paying for food each month. Our updated SNAP Medical Expense Deductions Desk Guide & Worksheet offers more information about medical expense deductions and outlines the documentation needed for each deductible medical expense type. Providers who would like to learn more about SNAP medical expense deductions are invited to attend an upcoming lunch-and-learn. Grab your lunch and join the SNAP and Seniors Professional Network to review must-know information that SNAP caseworkers can use to prepare documentation and maximize SNAP budgets for participants. Lunch & Learn: SNAP Medical Deductions
Thursday, December 8, 12 p.m.
Register here >> |
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