City woman 1st in state to seek food stamps online

Jennifer L. Lambert, Watertown, was at the North County Children's Clinic on Thursday to pick up her WIC benefits when she was talked into becoming a part of history.

With her 10-month-old daughter, Corinna, by her side, Mrs. Lambert became the state's first resident to apply online for food stamps.

"I've known about food stamps, but never thought we were eligible," Mrs. Lambert said. "If we're eligible, we'd take it. Any help is appreciated when we have a hungry munger on our hands."

Jefferson County is the first to offer an online application process to its residents, with 10 other counties expected to follow suit by this fall. Officials estimate there are 5,000 to 6,000 households here that may be eligible for the benefit but have not applied.

For now, the application cannot be completed through a personal computer. But three agencies — the Community Action Planning Council, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the county Office for the Aging — have offered staff members at their sites to help residents access the application.

Elizabeth A. Berlin, executive deputy commissioner for the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, was at the kickoff ceremonies Thursday. She said she believes the online application will most help working families who have little time during a weekday to wait in line for benefits.

"There are a lot of families who are working but still struggling to make ends meet," she said. "As we're seeing an economic downturn, the food stamps program and programs offered by our agency are essential."

The participating agencies also plan to set up application stations at local workplaces and make their facilitators available for evening appointments.

"For many of our low-income working families, taking a day off to apply for food stamps means a smaller paycheck at the end of the week," said Laura C. Cerow, county Social Services commissioner. "By bringing the application process to them and making it available at their convenience, they do not have to lose time away from their job or their family."

The application takes about 15 minutes. Social Services employees follow up each application with a phone call to confirm other necessary details. A decision is given to each applicant within 30 days.

Steven E. Binion, county Office for the Aging director, said his employees will be recontacting the 1,600 elderly residents who applied for the Home Energy Assistance Program benefits last year and encouraging them to apply for food stamps. He expects about 80 percent will be eligible.

The state recently launched myBenefits, a Web site that allows residents to determine eligibility for other benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the free and reduced-price school lunch programs.

For more information on the new online application, call or visit the Community Action Planning Council, 518 Davidson St., at 782-4900. Senior citizens can call the Office for the Aging, 250 Arsenal St., at 785-3191.