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For thousands of Miami-Dade residents, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, plays a vital role in helping families and individuals access healthy food. The federal program, administered in Florida by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), provides monthly benefits that help low-income households buy groceries and maintain stability.
In South Florida, the scale of need is significant. Nearly 3 million Floridians receive SNAP benefits, including more than 224,000 seniors in Miami-Dade County. About 60 percent of local SNAP households include at least one person over age 60, one of the highest rates in the country. For many, especially seniors on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, and families with children, SNAP is essential to maintaining food security and independence.
Beyond supporting families, SNAP strengthens the local economy. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates about $1.79 in economic activity, benefiting grocery stores, farmers markets, and food retailers across Miami-Dade County.
Understanding the program
SNAP provides benefits through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used to purchase approved food items. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and expenses, and recipients must periodically renew their benefits to remain eligible.
Although designed to be accessible, the program can be challenging to navigate.
Applications require detailed documentation, and small errors can lead to delays, denials, or interruptions in benefits. Understanding how to maintain eligibility and respond to DCF notices is critical for keeping benefits active.
Many recipients experience problems such as application denials, benefit reductions, or terminations. These can occur when paperwork is missing, income is miscalculated, or household information is recorded incorrectly. Sometimes, benefits stop even when eligibility hasn’t changed, due to administrative errors or missed deadlines for recertification.
When this happens, individuals have the right to appeal. Timely action is important; most appeals must be filed within a specific period after receiving a DCF notice. Keeping copies of forms, income documentation, and correspondence can make the process smoother.
Legal Services can help
Legal Services of Greater Miami assists residents who experience SNAP denials, reductions, or terminations. The organization reviews DCF notices, helps gather supporting documents, and represents individuals in hearings and appeals. Legal Services also educates the public on eligibility requirements to prevent interruptions and partners with community centers and senior programs to reach those most at risk.
If your SNAP benefits have been denied, reduced, or terminated, or if you need help understanding eligibility or renewal, Legal Services of Greater Miami can provide free guidance and representation. Anyone who needs help can apply online at www.legalservicesmiami.org or call our office at 305-576-0080. There is no cost for services, and staff will check eligibility during the application process.
Monica Vigues-Pitan is CEO of Legal Services of Greater Miami.
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