County staff: SNAP changes and energy-assistance funds are already reducing some seniors' benefits

Food and nutrition staff at Mitchell County Department of Social Services told the board that early effects of recent federal and state changes have reduced benefits for some seniors enrolled in the simplified nutrition program for SSI recipients.

Speaker 5 explained how the simplified program treats SSI recipients and seniors, noting that the certification period for that program has typically been three years and that changes to benefit tiers have led to reduced monthly benefits for some clients. "I had one lady that had went from the $166 to the $104. She called flat upset," Speaker 5 said, describing a case where the county reworked the case under regular SNAP rules and increased the benefit but flagged the change as disruptive to seniors. The speaker said some recipients can be moved to the regular Food and Nutrition program to secure more benefits when appropriate.

On energy assistance, Speaker 5 said the county has received slightly less than $60,000 since July 1 for cooling and heating assistance and has used about half of that, leaving roughly $32,000 available. The speaker described ongoing intake procedures (cooling vs. heating groups) and a crisis-intervention pathway for individuals at immediate risk of losing heating or cooling.

The speaker said the county was still waiting on state direction about the low-income energy assistance program for the upcoming winter season and advised constituents to contact the DSS office with questions and complaints.

Board members thanked staff for helping affected seniors and encouraged residents to seek county assistance if they experience benefit reductions.