Cannot deny food stamp benefits when recipient unable to comply with renewal interview.
Topic: Public Assistance, Decided by: Judge Oakley
Docket Number: ***** , Decision Date: January 24, 2014
Attachment: Click here to download the decision.
Docket Number: ***** , Decision Date: January 24, 2014
Attachment: Click here to download the decision.
In the absence of refusal to comply with the renewal process, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) could not disqualify Petitioner from food stamp participation for merely failing to complete the interview portion of the renewal application process. Petitioner never received the scheduled interview call, and Respondent’s non-functioning communication channels stymied Petitioner’s efforts to reschedule. As the error was due to the agency, upon establishment of eligibility, benefits will be restored to the initial month of loss.