The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has announced the expiration of the waiver of interview requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits). According to the current exemption, which has been in effect since June 2023, those applying for the SNAP benefit will not have to go through the process of interviews with SNAP social workers. However, the exemption will expire on April 30, 2024.
As part of the change process, MDHS will begin notifying households that currently already have SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) that they must recertify and whose certification period will be extended until May 2024, shortly after April 10, social workers will be sending these notifications and scheduling appointments to conduct interviews with the respective households, it is expected that the interviews will be scheduled for the second half of April or early May.
Expiration of the Waiver of Interview Requirements for SNAP Benefits in Mississippi
Once May begins, beneficiaries must undergo another round of interviews, and the waiver is no longer applicable. This process ensures ongoing eligibility and compliance with program requirements, as established by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal entity that funds and coordinate the SNAP benefits with the states.
You must update your phone number by sending an email to your social worker or logging in to AccessMS, remember to use your name as it appears on your EBT card. Most of the interviews will be conducted by telephone. If you apply or must do the recertification before May 1, you will not be asked to participate in the interview. If you are applying for or are due to receive a recertification after May 1, you will have to go through the interview process by a caseworker.
Executive Director Bob Anderson stated that maintaining the integrity of the program and addressing the needs of Mississippians are top priorities at MDHS. “As we approach the expiration of the SNAP interview waiver, we recognize the importance of reinstating interviews to ensure accurate verification of eligibility.”
When Do SNAP Benefits Interviews Start to Be Applied Again in Mississippi?
You must keep in mind that no interviews will be required for new SNAP applicants until May 1, 2024, this means that any household or person seeking SNAP benefits before that date will not be bound by the interview requirements.
The expiration of the waiver and the renewal of the interview requirements are part of MDHS’ ongoing efforts to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of the SNAP program in Mississippi. The interviews that are conducted allow social workers to gather important information, verify eligibility, and provide support and resources to SNAP recipients.
MDHS is committed to serving the citizens of Mississippi and keeping the SNAP program running efficiently, the expiration of the waiver does not affect the eligibility criteria or the benefits provided by SNAP, it simply reinstates the interview requirement for households in SNAP benefits.
For more information and updates about SNAP benefits, log on to the MDHS website at www.mdhs.ms.gov. In addition, to apply for, renew, or upload documents related to SNAP benefits, log on to the Mississippi common web portal at www.access.ms.gov.
