SNAP Benefits 2022 Update: The Real Reason Payments Are Delayed in Florida

SNAP Benefits 2022 in Florida are delayed as the Florida Department of Children and Families noted that it has "experienced challenges" in hiring staff.

DCF said that the department continues to increase resources to prioritize processing benefits applications. It includes using volunteers from other program areas to assist, according to a WearTv News report.

The agency added that they have recruited more than 200 new employees since December 2021 with eligibility determinations, noting that they offer overtime to compensate for the efforts of their team.

Two Escambia County women experienced delays in their SNAP benefits approval. They reported their concerns about not being able to provide food and other essential items for their families.

SNAP Benefits Florida Delays

Brenda Powell, the outreach director for Guided Path Foundation, noted in February that they are seeing a lot of delays in the distribution of SNAP benefits in Florida.

Guided Path Foundation is a non-profit that provides outreach services to the community, with Powell helping families apply for SNAP benefits.

She said that there were times that they call in and are on hold for two hours and get disconnected, adding that the shortage "must be phenomenal," according to a WFLA News report.

Earlier, DCF denied the delays and said that applications were processed within 30 days or less.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has vowed to discuss the matter with DCG Secretary Shevaun Harris to expedite the process. The DCF took action two days after.

In December and January, the DCF spokeswoman said that the agency added 125 new team members.

However, Powell said that she has not seen improvement yet.

In February, 546 people put their names on the list of people reporting a SNAP delay.

Yessica Santos of Orlando said that she was three hours waiting for a phone call and never received a callback, according to a Fox 35 Orlando News report.

David Mtetwa of Plant City said that there was a notice that his benefits were being terminated.

He noted that he re-certified his benefits but said that the DCF never completed the process.

SNAP Benefits 2022

SNAP benefits recipients have received emergency allotments equal to the maximum benefit for the household size minus their monthly base benefit since March of 2020.

U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that emergency allotments were authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to help address temporary food needs amid the pandemic, according to a Go Banking Rates report.

State SNAP agencies have had the option to release emergency allotments to all SNAP households if the state meets certain criteria.

U.S. Health and Human Services Department Secretary Xavier Becerra extended the COVID federal public health emergency.

The average benefit per household per month in Florida stands at $127, with 2.85 million recipients. Thirteen percent of the population receives SNAP benefits, according to another Go Banking Rates report.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: DCF delays threaten SNAP benefits for thousands in Florida - FOX 35 Orlando