KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Some East Tennessee families are being forced to choose between paying rent and feeding their families.
Geanne Morris and her husband, Paget Morris, have stuck together for 40 years. They're now in their 70s and are on a fixed income receiving SNAP benefits.
"I received my renewal notice. I've filled it out and we took it down to the office over here on Middlebrook Pike, the day before Thanksgiving," Geanne said.
But the benefits never kicked in and Morris called to check on her application. She said a kind lady picked up the phone.
"So, they couldn't find it, but she found it and she put it in the right place," Geanne said. "And the next thing I heard was that my food stamps had been denied, canceled, whatever it is they do."
Geanne had to reapply.
The Department of Human Services said there are some common mistakes along the way to watch out for. A statement detailing common mistakes they find on applications is available below.
"Many customers are submitting multiple applications after not receiving a response within the typical 30-day response period. Duplicate applications significantly increase our application workload given we are required to review every application, even duplicates. As such, we kindly ask that customers refrain from submitting duplicate applications.
In addition, we would like to make note that our caseloads are managed statewide. We often see customers go into their local county office for a response or action, however, their case may be assigned to someone who sits in another county. As such, it is strongly encouraged for customers to access the One DHS Customer portal for submitting needed documents and checking their case status as it will significantly help to streamline case processing times."
As we work to streamline processing for SNAP benefits, we would like to reiterate that customers can track and manage their cases online using the One DHS Customer portal which has the capability for customers to create an online account and upload documents needed to complete their cases. It is extremely helpful if customers upload all required documents through the One DHS Customer portal prior to the interview. By doing this, cases could be completed during the interview process.
For more information, on the SNAP application process and required documents needed, please review the TDHS website. "
Dottie Lyvers, the Director of the Community Action Committee on Aging, said they can help.
"We have a program here that helps individuals enroll in SNAP and also with their redetermination. So, hopefully, they can get additional benefits if needed," Lyvers said. "While waiting for SNAP benefits, connecting them to food pantries is a large part of that. If we know about any kind of emergency assistance that may help get them over that hump, we can do that as well."
Geanne and her husband survive with checks from social security. They met when she was his music teacher back in the 1980s.
Now, they have a whole family together and are hoping to afford to survive.
"Oh, I get dividends from an insurance company of $12.98 every quarter," Geanne said. "Well, we just gonna get along the best we can."