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County braces for benefit questions as partial benefits slated for QUEST cards; energy-assistance routed through county
Summary
Economic-support staff said the county is monitoring error rates and expected call-volume increases after news that a partial share of delayed benefits would be loaded to QUEST cards; staff also confirmed county administration of WHEAP/WEAP energy-assistance and described a business-led family-friendliness workshop.
Economic-support staff briefed the Sawyer County Health & Human Services Committee on Nov. 3 that they are closely monitoring error rates that could affect administrative costs and reported new information about delayed benefits being partially loaded onto QUEST benefit cards.
Staff said a recent message indicated partial benefits would be loaded to clients' QUEST cards at roughly 50 percent, and the county is awaiting clarification on the timing and details of how that will be implemented. Economic-support staff said they expect an increase in phone calls to the consortium when benefits are added and emphasized that county employees run these programs, not federal staff who may be out of the office.
Committee members asked about energy-assistance resources. Staff confirmed the county administers the WHEAP/WEAP energy-assistance program and said residents, including tribal members, should call Health & Human Services for assistance. The committee also noted a Northwest Connections-led "family friendliness" workforce workshop convening businesses to consider policies to retain workers, and staff said county representatives plan to attend.
No motions or votes were taken on benefits or energy assistance during the meeting; staff said they would seek additional details on benefit loading and anticipated call volumes to prepare responses.
