SNAP benefits sent to ex instead of me - how to fix with FSSA?
I just found out my food stamps were sent to my ex instead of me. I went to the office to try and sort it out but I'm not sure what to do next. Has anyone else dealt with something like this? How long did it take to fix?
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QuantumQuasar
Ugh, that sucks! The same thing happened to me last year. It took about 3 weeks to get it straightened out. Make sure you bring proof of your current address and ID when you go back to the office. They might ask for a copy of your lease too.
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Miguel Ramos
•Thanks for the advice! Did you have to fill out any special forms or just talk to someone at the office?
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QuantumQuasar
•I had to fill out a change of address form and provide a written statement explaining the situation. Bring a pen cuz sometimes they run out lol
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Zainab Omar
•3 weeks?! That's crazy. I hope OP doesn't have to wait that long. Food stamps are literally for food, people gotta eat 🙄
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Connor Gallagher
This happened to my cousin. Turns out his ex was still claiming him as a household member. Make sure you clarify with the office that you're no longer living together or sharing expenses.
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Yara Sayegh
I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at the food stamp office. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://claimyr.com/?a=foodstamps
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Keisha Johnson
•Is this for real? Sounds too good to be true. Has anyone else tried it?
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Yara Sayegh
•Yeah, it's legit. I was skeptical at first too, but it saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny when you're dealing with something urgent like this.
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Paolo Longo
•$20 just to talk to someone?! The system is so broken 😤
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Yara Sayegh
•I get it, but think about how much time and frustration it saves. Plus, if you're missing out on benefits, $20 could save you way more in the long run.
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CosmicCowboy
Make sure you document EVERYTHING. Keep a log of who you talk to, when, and what they say. The bureaucracy can be a nightmare to navigate, but having a paper trail helps if you need to escalate the issue.
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Miguel Ramos
•Good idea, I'll start keeping track. Do you think I should record phone calls too?
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CosmicCowboy
•Check your state laws first. Some states require two-party consent for recording. But detailed written notes should be enough.
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Amina Diallo
This is why I always tell people to update their address with EVERY government agency after a breakup or move. It's a pain, but it prevents headaches like this. Hope you get it sorted soon, OP!
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Oliver Schulz
Have you tried reaching out to your local state representative? Sometimes their office can help cut through red tape faster than going through normal channels.
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Miguel Ramos
•I hadn't thought of that. How do I find out who my rep is?
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Oliver Schulz
•Just google '[your state] find my representative' and there should be a website where you can enter your address. Good luck!
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Natasha Orlova
Oof, been there done that. Here's what worked for me: 1. File a formal complaint with the food stamp office. Get it in writing. 2. Provide proof of separate residency (utility bills, lease, etc.) 3. Ask for expedited processing due to hardship 4. Follow up EVERY DAY until it's resolved 5. If all else fails, contact your local legal aid office. They might be able to help for free. Stay persistent! The squeaky wheel gets the grease in these situations. 💪
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Miguel Ramos
•This is super helpful, thank you! I'll start on this list tomorrow.
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Javier Cruz
•Seconding the legal aid suggestion. They helped me with a similar issue last year and were amazing.
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Emma Wilson
smh why is the system always messed up? its like they want people to starve 🙄
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Malik Thomas
Plot twist: what if the ex is using the food stamps? Might want to check on that and report it if they are. Fraud is taken pretty seriously.
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Miguel Ramos
•Oh god, I hope not. We're not on speaking terms but I'll definitely mention this possibility to the office.
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Lydia Bailey
I work at a community center and see this issue come up a lot. One thing that might help speed things up is asking specifically for a "household composition change" form when you go back to the office. Also, if you're really struggling for food while waiting for this to get resolved, check if there are any local food banks or pantries in your area - they can be a lifesaver during situations like this. The whole process is frustrating but you'll get through it!
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