Washington, DC – The Department of Human Services (DHS), Income Maintenance Administration (IMA) announced today that the United States Department of Agriculture has presented the agency with two significant performance bonus awards recognizing superior service delivery by the District’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The SNAP program helps low-income residents and families buy the food they need to maintain good health. Residents apply for benefits by completing a State application form. Benefits are provided on an electronic card that is used like an ATM card and accepted at most grocery stores. As of Oct. 1, 2008, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.

The First Award cites the agency as a Star Performer and is presented to the District of Columbia for having the Best Snap Program Access Index in the Mid-Atlantic Region 2009 (Participation). DC’s rate participation rate was 86.96 percent and the District has received a check of $540,954.

The Second Award cites the agency as being a Star Performer and is Presented to the District of Columbia Best Snap Application Processing Timeliness Rate Mid-Atlantic Region, also in 2009. DC was awarded $358,809 for their timeliness rate of 97.14 percent. “These awards are a tribute to the dedication and professional excellence of the staff and leadership of DHS to serve the most vulnerable residents of the District of Columbia,” stated Deborah A. Carroll, Interim Director, DHS.
In March 2010 the District implemented broad based categorical eligibility which raised the income eligibility limits for SNAP to 200% of the federal poverty rate. This mirrors certain other states including Delaware and Maryland.

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