Tennessee Department of Human Services Recognized for High Performance and Accuracy in SNAP Program
DHS Excels Nationally in Program Integrity and Customer Service Measures for the Second Year in a Row
NASHVILLE- For the second consecutive year the Tennessee Department of Human Services (DHS) has been recognized nationally as a leader in accuracy for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recognized DHS as having the sixth best SNAP payment accuracy rate in the nation. DHS’s accuracy rate is 98.92%. The USDA measures the rate of overpayments and underpayments in SNAP cases. The measurement is directly related to customer service and program integrity (reducing risks for fraud, waste and abuse).
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program serves approximately 1.2 million Tennesseans including over 500,000 children. SNAP provides nutritional assistance to children, the elderly, the disabled, the unemployed and working families and individuals. The primary goals of the program are to alleviate hunger and malnutrition while establishing or reestablishing self-sufficiency.
“This administration is focused on making state government more customer-focused, efficient and effective for Tennessee taxpayers. We want to congratulate Commissioner Hatter and the entire department on this recognition and thank them for all of their hard work and dedication to serving Tennessee,” Gov. Bill Haslam said.
“At DHS we have a strong focus on program integrity and customer service. We strive to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars by identifying opportunities to become more efficient while maintaining high performance. I want to extend a special thanks to our staff – frontline and management – for working hard to make sure our SNAP program accuracy is one of the best in the nation for the second year in a row,” DHS Commissioner Raquel Hatter said.
“I personally want to commend Tennessee for their achievement, and encourage you to continue your efforts to improve program integrity and the overall administration of SNAP,” said Under Secretary Concannon. “I also appreciate Tennessee's efforts and success in payment accuracy for SNAP recipients. Proper administration of this important nutrition assistance program results in public confidence as we work together to provide services to low-income people.”
DHS’s achievement is accompanied by a performance bonus from the USDA of approximately $2.6 million, which must be invested in technology, program integrity, and administration linked to the provision of SNAP.
The Department of Human Services mission is to offer temporary economic assistance, work opportunities, and protective services to improve the lives of Tennesseans. Learn more at http://www.tn.gov/humanservices .
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
CONTACT: Stephanie Jarnagin
OFFICE: 615-313-4707