I have applied for food stamp more than a month ago and have submitted all I’ve been asked for within my power but caseworker continues to ignore my calls and give me snap..

Q) when I receive only 84$a month and am 76 yrs old and my life partner is 74 we have worked all our lives in Massachusetts and paid our taxes and they want to give us 84$ i know people getting a lot more i no immigrants getting snap and did nothing for our country its not fair that we have to live on our social security checks and every month make a choice pills or food Please help ? And tell me what to do we need our country back

A) I understand your frustration and concern about the delay in processing your food stamp application and the seemingly low benefit amount you’ve been offered. Here are some steps you can take to try and resolve the situation:

1. Follow up with your caseworker:

• If you haven’t heard back from your caseworker in a reasonable amount of time, try contacting them again. You can do this by:
  • Leaving a voicemail clearly stating your name, case number, and the issue you’re facing.
  • Sending an email summarizing your situation and requesting an update.
  • Visiting your local SNAP office in person.

2. Appeal the decision:

• If you are unhappy with the benefit amount you were offered, you have the right to appeal the decision.
• The specific process for appealing varies by state, but you can typically find information on how to do so on your state’s SNAP website or by contacting your local SNAP office.
• When appealing, be sure to gather any relevant documentation that supports your eligibility for a higher benefit amount.

3. Seek legal assistance:

• If you are having difficulty navigating the system or feel that your rights are being violated, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance.
• Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal aid to low-income individuals and families. You can find a list of legal aid organizations in your area by contacting your state’s bar association or by searching online.

4. Additional resources:

• The National Consumer Law Center has a website with information on SNAP eligibility, benefits, and appeals: 
• The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) also has a website with information on SNAP: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/
• You can also call the national SNAP hotline at 1-800-211-1996 for assistance.

Important notes:

• It is important to avoid making generalizations about immigrants and their use of SNAP benefits. Immigrants are just as likely as any other group to be eligible for SNAP based on their income and household size.
• Focusing on the nationality of others receiving benefits does not address the specific issue you are facing and may create unhelpful divisions.

I hope this information is helpful. Please remember that I am not a legal expert and cannot provide legal advice. However, I hope I have provided you with some resources and steps you can take to try and resolve your situation.