The Ellis County Press: State investigating matter

State investigating matter
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Editor on 12/17/2009 11:48:00


STAFF REPORT
_The Ellis County Press_
ENNIS - The former roommate of a Department of Health and Human Services
caseworker alleged that her one-time co-resident of reselling food stamps to
close friends and those the Ennis office on North Kaufman rejected.
State officials have seen an influx of applicants for food stamps due to
mounting job losses and the recession economy.
A visit to the HHS office at 2707 N. Kaufman to inquire about the allegations
was met with Ennis officials referring questions and inquiries to the state
office in Austin.
The communications director for HHS, Stephanie Goodman, did not return requests
for comment as of press time.
Aside from the caseworkers former roommate, several residents in Ennis also told
_The Ellis County Press_ of the food stamp re-selling, describing how a $100
food stamp card could be sold for $50 outside of normal business hours.
Activations of food stamp applicants that were previously rejected were the
basis of how the caseworker was able to re-sell the cards and have HHS networks
show "residents who are receiving benefits, even though theyre not," according
to the former roommate who requested anonymity.
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Maximum Monthly Food Stamp Amount
Family Size
Monthly SNAP Award
1
$ 200
2
$ 367
3
$ 526
4
$ 668
5
$ 793
6
$ 952
7
$1,052
8
$1,202
For each additional person, add:  $150