r/Assistance • u/some_random_kaluna • Jan 21 '19
META ATTENTION: if you live in the United States, the USDA has released February's food stamps -- this wee -- to the general public. Please plan carefully. There will be no more until the shutdown ends.
I live in Nevada. Today is Monday, January 21, 2018. I checked my EBT balance at 2:30 pm Pacific Time and found the full amount on my card.
Plan and buy carefully. THIS WILL BE THE LAST FOOD STAMPS UNTIL THE SHUTDOWN ENDS. Do not waste these.
Important: 2,500 retailers -- cannot -- accept food stamps because they cannot renew their EBT licenses due to shutdown. CALL AHEAD AND VERIFY YOUR STORE WILL ACCEPT. Do not waste energy and time on a failed shopping trip.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-many-stores-cant-accept-food-stamps-during-the-shutdown
10
u/rc1965 Jan 22 '19
Please please make sure you stock up on things that can last even if its dried beans, brown rice, putting bread and MILK in the freezer, powdered milk. ❤
13
u/anorexicturkey Jan 22 '19
When I had WIC with my son I got loads of milk. He was still breast feeding and I didnt drink milk, but I'd pick up the 3 gallons they gave me and freeze it all. Definitely helped when we actually needed it! Just remember when you freeze milk to pour a little out because it expands.
1
12
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
Also search for food pantries if you want, calling 211 or 211.org! Most places don’t ask for anything other than a name, an address and number of people in the household. No income verification
30
Jan 22 '19
Well my Foodstamps got cut, so I’m not getting mine! They said I didn’t do my simplified reporting. Even got a screenshot that shows it was completed before the due date and a tracking number plus it shows in my list of completed reports that it was done. They said they don’t show that I did it! So I’ve been fighting to get a supervisor to talk to with no luck, so idk what the heck we are gonna do! I can reapply they said but with everything, there’s no guarantee I’d get it. I’m literally broke until the end of February and I’ve got 2 daughters to feed! I’m freaking out!
20
u/redfoxvapes Jan 22 '19
Check with your local churches - my mom is part of St. Vincent de Paul and runs a good pantry on weekends. She’s told me that government employees have been coming for help with food and rental assistance and that they’re not all parish members.
Seriously, I’m hoping and praying for all of you that have no checks or food stamps coming in. I know everyone wants this to be over, it never should have gotten to this point. The lifeblood of America is being affected now. It’s just not okay.
6
Jan 22 '19
I did and being such a small town none of my local churches offer a food bank. If I was able to travel I could get help in a bigger city but I can’t. The churches here only help with electric or water bill under $50 and only when funds are available.
Nowhere does rental assistant except for one place and they never have funds or when they do it’s impossible to get. Other then child support on occasion I have no income. You have to have a loss of income and proof you can pay the next month (has to be earned income). I can’t work so I don’t qualify for it besides they are out of funds. They aren’t even getting the funds for electric through the state because of all this nonsense. Shutting down our government is hurting the already poor and struggling. To hell with the wall, this is enough already. I worked for 18 years since I was a teen and now that I need help it’s all falling apart! It’s a darn shame all of it. And thank you btw I’m hoping something will turn around for my family and others being affected by this.
14
u/mypancreashatesme78 Jan 22 '19 edited Jan 22 '19
Utilize food banks and ask on free sites on facebook. Use what cash you can come up with to buy cheap food. Cut back on other things beside food anyway you can. Even if it's not the most nutritious just making sure your kids are fed is important. We are in the same boat here. Only one 17 years old( disabled) child at home but my Aunt who lives with is has cancer and I'm pregnant. We are all going to be in a world of hurt without food stamps. Edit: a letter
4
Jan 22 '19
We only have two here and one you can only go every 3 months and the other gives out a few days worth of food but it’s mostly bad and needs to be thrown out. I haven’t seen any free sites or rather groups on Facebook for my area or anywhere close to us. I’m flat broke waiting on my school money next month if I even get that now with the shut down since it’s a federal loan. I can’t work I’m disabled waiting on disability to come through. Long story but I felt an abusive relationship a few months ago and he was the one working since I can’t.
Sorry to hear about your troubles. I truly hope y’all will make it through this ok, I hope we all do know how it is! My oldest is partly disabled and has a lot of health issues as well and neither of their fathers help (except child support sometimes). I’m on my own no family just us and few close friends who are no better off. It’s crazy right now I truly hope things get better. Wishing you and your family the best of luck and congrats on your soon to be a new addition to your family.
3
u/mypancreashatesme78 Jan 22 '19
Here where we live you are only suppose to use one food bank every 30 days from my understanding. Our food bank does have what they call a free table that you can get things from daily. We only have one food bank in our town too. You could go to your local Facebook for sale page and and post your in need of food. I hope something goes through for you quickly. Our family is all disabled as well and it takes every bit of money we get to pay bills. So I understand. I wish you luck.
2
Jan 22 '19
Yeah, we don't have anything like that and like I said the stuff they give once a month is mostly bad or expired. It's really a waste of a trip and time to have to throw almost everything out for fear of food poisoning!
I posted a few times and got nothing but ridicule and hate and people saying I was a bad mom cause I needed help with food and things for our place like toilet paper stuff like that! I did get some help on here though and have made some friends that are more supportive then my own it seems. When your down it seems most run or become “too busy” for you. I'm grateful to have a few close but they can’t help they barely make it themselves. I don’t eat much and I’ll starve to feed them. Just can’t believe the Foodstamp people are doing this to us. We need it more than ever now and it’s like ok what are we gonna do?! It’s frustrating I’m a month or so off from getting my loan trying to make it but we can’t seem to catch a break being this close ya know. I don’t have a penny to my name it truly makes me feel like crap!
8
u/K_Pumpkin Jan 22 '19
They always do this. When I got food stamps this would happen to me every. Single. Year.
Take the papers by hand to the office. At my office you could get a receipt saying you dropped them off. If that’s possible at yours do that. Also call daily. Keep on them.
I never trusted them with mail. Never once did they “get” what I mailed.
Good luck!
2
Jan 22 '19
I did mine online, I never do the ones through the mail because I have no proof I sent it. I didn’t need any documentation or anything like that nor did I get a letter saying I did. I did my re certificate the day before it was due and I have proof I did it. It literally shows on my account online that I completed it and I screenshot it and wrote down the tracking number. They flat out said they didn’t show anything online.
The closet office is an hour away and not only would my car not make it I don’t even have the gas to make it. So that’s not an option and I’ve tried to find a ride but no such luck with that. You have to call a 888 number and leave a message with them and the worker had 2 business days to get back to you and still hadn’t I’ve called several times begged for a supervisor but nope nothing from anyone. They didn’t seem to even care when I called about it. I have a direct office number for them but they never answer it or it gets rerouted to the 888 number.
So I’m kinda in a pinch and not sure how this is gonna pan out. I’m in a small rural area with a food bank you can only go to once every 3 months no matter your situation. There is one other I found it’s once a month but it’s barely two days worth of food and most of it is expired. With my car and gas situation, I can’t travel to other places to get help.
6
Jan 22 '19
r/assistance might help
1
Jan 22 '19
I thought about posting but I've already gotten help once before and didn't know if I should ask. I mean I kinda feel pathetic yea know!
3
3
u/some_random_kaluna Jan 22 '19
What state do you live in? Since you qualify for food stamps, go and hit up every local food bank you can.
Keep calling. Keep bugging them. Run down in person with your proof if you have to.
4
Jan 22 '19
I live in Louisiana and there are only two good banks in my area. One is every 3 months the other is once a month. I went the other day and literally threw away everything except some spaghetti sauce and noodles it was all bad!
I’ve been calling every day and it’s not doing me any good! Like I said I can’t travel in my car to get that far to the office which is like an hour away. Even if my car was able to make it I’m on E so I’m not going far.
We have no other options here I’ve called all over the place with no luck at all. I live in a rural area with a complete lack of resources.
1
Jan 25 '19
Have you checked with your local churches? They often have resources outside of the food banks. Ours used to take up a private food & cash collection anytime someone needed help. No one should be denied food, ever.
8
u/vegeta8300 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
What about disability? Like SSI and SSDI? We have gotten our food stamps early. But, no disability check yet. So I'm guessing that it won't be released early. I'm more worried it won't be released at all. My disability is the only income my wife and I have atm. It being late is one thing. It not coming at all will seriously screw us and I'm sure millions of people too.
5
u/DancesWithPoles Jan 22 '19
I was just at the SS Office last week. They said they were funded separately and therefore not affected.
2
u/vegeta8300 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
That a great to hear. Thanks for the info. I am sure all of us with SS of any kind are relieved. Now hopefully things start up again so everyone else can get paid too.
3
3
u/trinlayk Jan 22 '19
apparently those checks are ok for awhile yet....
but a check that doesn't ever reach near far enough, has to streatch further, as if we get SNAP that pittance now has to last till the end of the shut down.My housemate is currently in temporary Nursing home care while he recovers from an infection. Worrying about how long Medical assistance will hold up.
1
u/vegeta8300 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
Yeah, we are definetly going to have to better plan grocery shopping until this gets sorted out. Not that we aren't frugal already since we need SNAP to begin with. Now having to stretch that out for who knows how long is troublesome.
We do seem to get disability for a while like you mentioned and Vsa82 posted a link above.
Best wishes to you and your family. I hope things get better, and all is ok moving forward. Take care.
2
u/Vsa82 Jan 22 '19
Yes we still get them according to this. https://www.businessinsider.com/government-shutdown-2018-social-security-checks-still-paid-2018-1
1
u/vegeta8300 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
That took a large weight off my shoulders. I don't know what we would have done if I wouldn't be getting my SSDI. Thanks for the info!
18
u/Cloudstar86 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
Yeah my fiancé got his. I did not - I had to recertify and who knows if anything will happen with mine since I sent it out last week :(
So after this, we get to worry about food.... one extra expense....
4
Jan 22 '19
[deleted]
4
u/Cloudstar86 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
Yeah I’m applying for other jobs. My state only gives me $15 a month... so realistically it isn’t a lot they give me in general but still... $15 can help in a pinch.
2
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
Anybody who renewed in January and are still eligible will be issued Feb 1st - 10th
1
u/Cloudstar86 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
Hopefully haha my state moves at the pace of a snail but hopefully they’ve gotten quicker with the shutdown lol
1
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
I really hope so 😔 our county workers are all calling in here so whenever we have patients who have questions and we call them, we’re on the phone 30-45 minutes compared to 1-5 min tops..
1
u/Cloudstar86 REGISTERED Jan 22 '19
Oh man. This is just so frustrating. I’m sure all the states are struggling with demand!
1
u/rc1965 Jan 22 '19
My friend had to recertify and left several voice mails and got no call back. Unfortunately she wont be receiving hers.
1
6
6
Jan 22 '19
We had to recertify this month and got approved on the 19th so hopefully we get our our usual day like everyone is saying. But food stamps are already hard to stretch for the month, people are gonna have a rough time not using them in January and lasting through February.
9
5
u/Letterpressedpoetics Jan 22 '19
I’m in Nevada too, I should check my balance. My brother recertified and got his letter saying he was approved for another 3 months too. I hope this shutdown ends soon.
6
u/some_random_kaluna Jan 22 '19
Nevada's Department of Welfare and Social Services have said they'll keep accepting applications, so keep re-certifying. And plan as best you can.
3
u/Letterpressedpoetics Jan 22 '19
I will have to re-certify soon. I’m trying to help out with furloughed employees as much as I can at work. If you need anything, I’m in LV. Just send me a pm! :)
3
3
u/Little420ne Jan 22 '19
I am still waiting on my EBT card in the mail. I was approved over two weeks ago. :(
7
Jan 22 '19
we got extra, is that what this is?
23
u/CUTIEJUDY Jan 22 '19
From what I understand, Its not extra, Its Feb benefits. They were given out early.
9
Jan 22 '19
Oh boy, that's pleasant and horrible at the same time
6
1
u/autmnleighhh Jan 22 '19
It depends on the area.
Some states are giving their recipients extra. I don’t know how they’re doing it, but they are in my state.
1
4
u/bannedprincessny Jan 21 '19
ive not recieved february.. did i get left out?
3
u/trex005 Jan 21 '19
What state?
1
u/bannedprincessny Jan 21 '19
i live in ny. everybody else did get theirs ... ill just have to inquire tomorow.
hopefully i wasnt left out for some reason.
2
u/trex005 Jan 21 '19
Do you know when your renewal is? Is it possible you missed it for February?
1
u/bannedprincessny Jan 21 '19
i did just recert on friday. that could be it. i just hope i wasnt too late to get the deposit. any words about cash benefits and rent checks by any chance?
fingers crosed.
2
2
2
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
The 28th should be the very last day they give them. So you have a few days to receive them
1
u/bannedprincessny Jan 22 '19
the automated system says febs foodstamps have been applied.
idk. im sure i fucked up somewhere where it wouldnt normally be a problem but for this shutdown.
1
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
Did you renew this month by any chance? If so, then they’ll be issued in February.
0
u/bannedprincessny Jan 22 '19
i did. i renewed on friday. im sure thats what the delay is.
1
u/3lbowMacar0ni Jan 22 '19
February 1-10th they’ll issue renewals
-6
u/bannedprincessny Jan 22 '19
oh good. so everyone else gets theirs a half month early, and ill get mine exactly as usual.
thanks obama.
2
2
u/IckySweet Jan 22 '19
I recommend to follow the press releases on the USDA website about your March food assistance benefits. They have press release information.
Here's the link to USDA press release about your 'early' February food assistance benefit- https://www.fns.usda.gov/pressrelease/2019/000319
Here's USDA page link- https://www.fns.usda.gov/FY19Lapse
watch for a 'press release' about your MARCH food assistance. If 'government' is still closed they'll probably do the same- have States request MARCH 2019 federal money in mid-February.
0
62
u/[deleted] Jan 22 '19
Is this part of the American shut down? Why aren’t you guys rioting in the streets yet?