Food stamps to be restored for some

 

By Serena Maria Daniels -- The Detroit News

 

Michiganians who recently have been disqualified from food stamp benefits because of the value of their automobiles might have the assistance restored since the state adjusted its policy, though they'll have to reapply.

 

Department of Human Services case workers have begun contacting about 7,000 food stamp recipients whose asset total was too high when the controversial audit was introduced Oct. 1 to determine if the value of their vehicles is what disqualified them. The Department of Human Services announced in November that a household's first vehicle would not be counted as an asset.

 

"The policy * was changed based on input from our front-line workers, and a concern that many of our clients need a vehicle to both find and sustain employment," said Sheryl Thompson, acting deputy director of Field Operations, in a written statement.

 

"We value that input from those front-line people in this department, who interact with our clients every day," she said. "We will reach out to each of the affected families to determine if they qualify under the new policy for food benefits."

 

When the asset test was implemented, recipients with assets of more than $5,000 in bank accounts, or who own vehicles with market values of more than $15,000, were found to be ineligible for food assistance.

Advocates for the poor criticized the new rule, saying neither the federal government nor most states require asset tests.

 

DHS Director Maura Corrigan cut about 30,000 people shortly after her appointment by Snyder last year. She also ordered enforcement of federal rules that ban most students from the program, and the Legislature passed additional restrictions on prisoners and felons.

 

In November, Gov. Rick Snyder called on DHS to ease up on its asset policy, and the department vowed to adjust the vehicle limit.

 

Advocates are pleased with the change that took effect Jan. 1, but find it discouraging that residents who would now be considered eligible for food stamps have to reapply.

 

"We feel that's another hurdle that the poor have to overcome," said Gilda Jacobs, president and chief operating officer for the Michigan League for Human Services. "Even though unemployment is starting to dip down, the need for food is up."

 

"We've talked to a lot of the food banks, and they're already strapped," she added.

 

smdaniels@detnews.com

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