DSS Sued Over Slow Processing Of SNAP Applications

On March 5, 2012, Greater Hartford Legal Aid and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice filed a class action suit on behalf of SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) applicants in the U.S. District Court against DSS for an “ongoing and persistent” failure to process SNAP applications in a timely manner, resulting in the denial of benefits to needy individuals and families. The class includes all state residents who, since March 5, 2009, have applied, are applying, or will apply for SNAP.

Federal law requires the state agency administering the program (DSS in Connecticut) to provide benefits no later than 30 days from the application date. This deadline is earlier for those households with an “immediate need.”

The plaintiffs provided facts showing that the percentage of cases pending for more than 30 days has grown (36% in February 2012). DSS has acknowledged to the federal SNAP agency (USDA—Food and Nutrition Services) repeatedly that it has deficiencies processing applications timely.

The plaintiffs are asking the court to provide permanent injunctive relief and order DSS to meet its statutory obligations.