Thousands not told of food stamp expiration because of printing error

By Cy Ryan

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009 | 3:22 p.m.

A printing error is being blamed for the state’s failure to notify an estimated 7,000 low-income Nevadans that their food stamp benefits expired at the end of July.

The state Division of Welfare and Supportive Services said food stamps are provided for a 12-month period and individuals must then reapply. The division sends out letters 45 days before the food stamp benefit is to expire.

Division Administrator Romaine Gilliland said his agency is calling every one of the 7,000 people to determine if they are still eligible.

“We are committed to getting essential food assistance to our clients as soon as possible,” he said.

Ben Kieckhefer, public information officer for the Department of Health and Human Services, said six of 26 batches of letters were misprinted on June 16.

There had been a few phone calls earlier this week but the division did not learn of the full problem until Wednesday, he said.

Gilliland said any food stamp recipient who didn't receive the August benefits should submit an application or mail an application. Their applications will get priority handling, he said.

Applications can be printed off the division’s Web site at dwss.nv.gov or people can get an application by calling the district office in Las Vegas at 486-1646.

The average benefit is $271 and nearly 210,000 individuals are in the program. The benefit is deposited directly onto an electronic transfer card, similar to a debit card. The recipient uses it to buy food.