I have applied for medical & food stamp assistance. it is over a month later, & I haven’t received anything!

Q) I have applied for medical & food stamp assistance. I have two young kids & a pregnant girlfriend. I was told it would take 7 to 10 days to get my food stamp card in the mail. Here it is over a month later, & I haven’t received anything!! I have turned in all the paper work that was requested! Why have I not got any word of any kind regarding my benefits? I’m unemployed with no money in the bank, I could really use some help!!! Thank you!

A) Usually your case should be decided within 30 days after you have applied for assistance. During that process it’s very important that you keep in touch with your caseworker. Especially if you feel your application is taking too long or you aren’t getting communication. Sometimes thy may be waiting for more information from you. However, if you weren’t alerted by your caseworker that you needed to turn in further verification regarding you circumstances, the fault maybe with the case worker. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service specifically outlines how long an application should take to be reviewed but, unfortunately, it isn’t always so simple. Make sure your application is complete. If your application is not complete your approval or denial will most likely be put on hold. If no one has reached out to you, you may need to go to the office and request a hearing.