Governor Gregoire Announces Washington Awarded $2.9 Million Bonus for Reducing Food Stamp Errors

For Immediate Release: July 5, 2007

OLYMPIA � Governor Chris Gregoire today announced that Washington�s department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has been awarded almost $3 million in a federal performance bonus for reducing errors in delivering food stamp benefits.

�This is the second year in a row that Washington has received a cash reward for high standards of accountability,� said Governor Chris Gregoire. �This continued outstanding performance means that we are saving money for taxpayers by efficiently and accurately delivering services.�

The federal program in Washington is called Basic Food and is administered by DSHSs Economic Services Administration. Eligible clients are given debit-like cards called �Quest Cards� that are used to purchase food.

The $2,913,859 will be deposited into the state�s general fund.

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics, Washington�s error rate dropped from 2.72 percent in federal fiscal year 2005 to 2.59 percent in fiscal year 2006. This is a huge improvement from two years ago when the state�s error rate was 7.62 percent. Washington now ranks fourth nationally for its accuracy rate.

Errors can occur if a family is receiving benefits but are not eligible or the benefits are too high or low. Caseworkers must apply strong oversight in order to avoid errors and try to ensure that clients report income changes.

Background on Washington�s Basic Food Program:

• The federal government fully funds the state�s food stamp program and pays for about half of the administrative costs to run the program.
• The program helps an average 500,000 low-income Washington residents each month obtain a more nutritious diet by supplementing their income. During federal fiscal year 2006, $600 million worth of food stamp benefits were used to purchase groceries at local businesses across the state.
• Benefits are based on family size and income. For example, a family of three with gross earnings of under $1,744 a month would be eligible.
• Applications for food stamps can be made at any DSHS Community Services Office (CSO) or online. Find links to a list of offices and online applications on the Washington Basic Food Program Web site at: https://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/f2ws03esaapps/onlinecso/food_assistance_program.asp.

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