This morning I tried to apply for food assistance. When I got to the office I waited in line just to obtain an application. I understand where JFS is coming from in the sense that they want applicants to have the necessary forms to correctly apply for the benefits they requested. When I finally got to the counter the receptionist answered all of my questions in a polite but rushed manner. As I sat down to fill out the application, I did not know what to write in some of the blanks even after going through pre-training. From this I realize the importance of receiving individual attention when completing these applications.
After completing the application, I once again stood in line to turn it in. This time, the line was even longer. After turning it in, they told me that a my application will be given to a case worker and asked me again to take a seat. There is really not much available to pass time in this office- no magazines, no televisions, no wireless internet. So I turned to people watching. I very much enjoyed watching children sharing their toys starting temporary friendships in the waiting room. I don't think someone who was taking time off of job to get this taken care of would have found any aspect of the wait pleasing. Finally, my name was called.
The case worker who helped me was nice enough. She was helpful in explaining things to me and allowing me to correctly apply for food assistance. However, she noticed my grandmother, who lives with us actually does receive benefits. Thus, she told me that I will need to see another case worker and of course, wait. Waiting this time took seeming twice as long. I overheard an angry client complaining on the wait and how the receptionist was doing a unsatisfactory job. The client was talking about the receptionist in third person and making sure the receptionist overheard. My name was called by a friendly case worker who was apologetic about my wait. I immediately like her. She explained that the organization was under-staffed this morning. She also informed me the children under the age for 23 who live with their parents do not quality for "foodstamps". I was almost glad that at least I won't have to wait in that building anymore. On the way down the elevator I heard another client saying that she was in the hospital and she won't be able to work again. She explained how she was very disappointed that she didn't qualify for emergency food stamps. Once thing I noticed was that even at JFS, everyone calls food assistance food stamps. I know it is just a technical term, but my experiences at pre-training have led to think the food stamps can carry a negative stigma.
This was a very eye opening experience and I am very glad that I am required to go through the process.
Hmm...I thought it was people under 21 who aren't eligible for food stamps without counting their parents' income. At least, that's what was in our Benefits guides for OBB training. Maybe take one more look into that, just to double check!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great example of what an experience at an understaffed and over worked Jobs and Family Services is like for an average person who is applying for food assistance. And this is another reason that The Benefit Bank is very important. The Benefit Bank will reduce the lines and the wait time at Jobs and Family Services all over Ohio.
ReplyDeleteSit one time with a counselor with The Benefit Bank and you will complete your application and be given a list of what to take with you to Jobs and Family Services and when you go to your appointment you have everything you need to complete an application.
With our economy the way it is they are doing massive cut backs at JFS so they are severely understaffed and over worked. so the Benefit Bank is a tool to help people access public benefits.
Keep up the good work Krupa!