Nikita Chase is single mother with two children at home. She claimed that she hasn’t received her food stamps since October.
“You are supposed to receive it on the first of the month, but you aren’t getting anything. She said that there is no communication. “So everyone’s just sitting there, waiting, up high. You don’t get any answers when you call.
During the pandemic , the state made it easier for people to apply for food stamps. Also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or SNAP) benefits,. The program was used by more then 80,000 Alaskans last year.
Many Alaskans were asked to resubmit their paperwork this fall.
Chase claimed she did it in October, but has not received a reply.
The first time she reached out to the Alaska Division of Public Assistance for help, she said she was the one-hundred-and-eleventh caller. She didn’t get a call back. She waited hours on hold the second time.
“Four and a quarter hours!” I was just trying to get in touch with someone who informed me that 18,000 cases needed to be handled. This is what’s happening to many people. They’re not receiving these SNAP benefits so they will have to choose between feeding their families or paying their bills.
Chase claimed she cannot pay her electric bill because she spent the money on food for her family. She claims this happens right prior to a cold snap in region — or the holidays.
She said that she won’t be hosting a large Christmas dinner, and that things are much more tight. “I am concerned about when I will be eligible for food stamps and food benefits. I don’t know when it will happen. Instead of being able to purchase a lot fresh produce at the grocery store, everything is either frozen or canned.
Chase lives in Tenakee Springs in Southeast Alaska. It can take some time for her to send her paperwork via mail. She is afraid that she will be the last in a long line.
“Around Thanksgiving you know, I call back. These people are my first point of contact. They basically said that there was nothing they could do. She said that she would wait and see.
In remote areas, it can be especially difficult to wait. Chase’s dollars will go further if she shops at Juneau. However, there are only two ferries to Juneau this year. If her food stamps are not approved by then, Chase will have to wait until March to get a ferry. Many smaller towns lack the resources and food pantries of urban centers.
Luke Vroman, the Juneau homeless shelter, The Glory Hall, said that “I have definitely heard news about people not getting food stamps.” “Even yesterday, a client of mys mentioned that she was told it could take months for her food stamps approval.”
He stated that The Glory Hall should know about backups in the event they have to prepare more meals.
They need to make a statement, because there is definitely buzz. Vroman stated that people have realized that the system isn’t operating as it should be.
Ernie Hard assists people with social services at Bartlett Regional Hospital. He’s also hearing from clients who don’t get food stamps. His colleagues and he tried calling Public Assistance but were forced to wait as Nikita Chase was.
He said, “I’ve seen it together with my coworker. They’ll put you on hold and let me know that you are number 236 and have a three-hour wait line.”
Hard stated that he has a lot of contact with employees at Division of Public Assistance and that he is sympathetic to their concerns because the department is lacking in staff.
He said, “The people there were super kind and helpful.” They are overwhelmed, however. This is hard for everyone. It’s hard for them and for those who need it.”
KTOO has not received any comment from the state’s Division of Public Assistance over the past week. KTOO visited Shawnda O’Brien’s office but she declined to give an interview. She stated that the department was still deciding what information should be shared with the public.
The department does not know how many people are still waiting for food stamps or how long the wait is expected to take. The department has not yet said whether SNAP recipients will be able to receive the money they waited for.
Are you still waiting for SNAP benefits to kick in? KTOO would love to hear from you. Use this form to send Claire Stremple a message:
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