I’m writing to bring you an important update about our efforts to expand SNAP benefits for vulnerable communities. In February of last year, NCLEJ and partner organizations filed a lawsuit against Missouri’s Department of Social Services (DSS), which is depriving thousands of eligible Missourians from receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in violation of federal law. Now, we’re excited to announce that we’ve added two new plaintiffs to our lawsuit.
Here’s what you need to know about the case: Missouri’s DSS runs a dramatically understaffed call center to process SNAP applications. Many applicants wait for hours only to be disconnected before having a chance to complete a required interview to receive benefits. In September, October, and December of 2021, more than 50% of rejected applications were denied because applicants could not complete their interview using the overloaded call system. Additionally, Missouri’s dysfunctional system also leaves people with disabilities shortchanged, because there is no way to request accommodations for disabilities without going through the overloaded call center.
Despite their critical importance to low-income families, public benefits like SNAP can be very difficult to access. Broken application systems like the kind we see in Missouri, as well as unrealistic expectations about the resources of low-income people, lack of accommodations for people with disabilities, and confusing State requirements often prevent far too many eligible people from receiving the benefits they need.
NCLEJ is fighting to dismantle these barriers to access. We believe that access to food, water, healthcare, and essential income are human rights, and we’re committed to realizing that access for all of our nation’s residents. Through groundbreaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing, we’re fighting in the courts and on the ground to get it done.
If you agree with our mission to expand access to public benefits like SNAP, then I’d like to hear from you. The lawyers, advocates, and professional staff of NCLEJ are immensely proud of this work, and we’d be honored to know that you’re standing with us.
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice advances racial and economic justice through ground-breaking impact litigation, policy advocacy, and support for grassroots organizing. We have provided legal representation and support since 1965.
