by John Evans via StateScoop
With more than 40 million Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), state governments have a critical role in providing timely and accurate benefits. Eligibility is based on information such as income, citizenship status, assets and household composition, which is often pulled from different agencies that use siloed systems and data standards.
When outdated systems and inconsistent data practices make it difficult to verify eligibility or process applications, constituents can face delays in receiving the assistance they depend on to meet basic needs. These barriers can be especially harmful for families experiencing financial hardship, creating added stress and uncertainty at a time when support is most urgently needed.