August 6, 2020 – As of Wednesday, Aug. 5, more than 2,000 SNAP recipients had files that were not complete and must take immediate action to submit documentation to receive benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps feed families. The program experienced a surge in applicants across the state and country starting in late March. People who applied in March must turn in redetermination paperwork this month in order to receive September benefits timely.
The SNAP program, like other assistance programs, requires information to be updated at regular intervals to maintain eligibility. In El Paso County, 3,200 SNAP redeterminations were due in July for August assistance. As of this week, 2,072 of those were not updated in the system.
Documents required for redeterminations (RRRs) may be submitted via PEAK at http://www.colorado.gov/PEAK, or in-person at El Paso County Department of Human Services at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road. Those whose cases that are current do not need to take action.
Those receiving assistance are required to submit every six months updates and changes that could impact their eligibility. Some federal and state operations were adjusted started in March in response to the pandemic. Temporary waivers were approved to ease program operations and protect the health of participants.
“SNAP allows families who are struggling to purchase food and important nourishment for children,” said Julie Krow, executive director of the El Paso County Department of Human Services. “It also provides an efficient boost to the local economy. Most households redeem their monthly SNAP benefits quickly and close to home.”