Really helpful operational analysis! Illinois has a few failsafe rules (at the program level) for missed interviews that are good, though not always followed. I.e. multiple calls + written notice of appointment required before denial, AND, a very helpful rule that if you are denied a benefit, but present evidence on appeal contrary to the reason for the denial, the Department must accept the evidence as though it were presented along with the original application. This includes information that would have been given at a missed interview, which allows applicants the opportunity protect their full benefits. Appeals take time though, so the person would still be left without SNAP for some time. And if you don't have an advocate you probably don't know about the rule. And on occasion the Department will still argue with said advocate about how the rule applies at the hearing. Unfortunate, because I definitely feel for the public servant experience described by slice_of_pi. The workforce deserves so much better.
Really helpful operational analysis! Illinois has a few failsafe rules (at the program level) for missed interviews that are good, though not always followed. I.e. multiple calls + written notice of appointment required before denial, AND, a very helpful rule that if you are denied a benefit, but present evidence on appeal contrary to the reason for the denial, the Department must accept the evidence as though it were presented along with the original application. This includes information that would have been given at a missed interview, which allows applicants the opportunity protect their full benefits. Appeals take time though, so the person would still be left without SNAP for some time. And if you don't have an advocate you probably don't know about the rule. And on occasion the Department will still argue with said advocate about how the rule applies at the hearing. Unfortunate, because I definitely feel for the public servant experience described by slice_of_pi. The workforce deserves so much better.