A Government Office Without Walls: E-Apps Unit Supports Electronic Application for SNAP Benefits

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

In 2008, the State of New York introduced the MyBenefits.ny.gov website and created an online Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) application tool, which proved extremely successful in providing consumers with increased access to benefits by offering the option to complete SNAP applications online from any computer with Internet access. In response to this technological enhancement, the Suffolk County Department of Social Services (SCDSS) restructured our SNAP application work flow and created a dedicated E-Apps Unit to support the new work flow in order to process electronic applications more efficiently. Suffolk County residents may now complete SNAP applications online and receive prompt telephone follow-up from an E-Apps representative, with eligible recipients often receiving same-day access to much-needed benefits.