More Floridians applying for food stamps

More Floridians applying for food stamps

DECEMBER 10, 2008 - More Floridians are applying for and receiving public assistance than ever before. In November, 1.7 million people received food stamps; 91,000 people received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits; and 1.8 million individuals received Medicaid.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently reported that Florida has experienced the highest food stamp caseload increase in the nation, now 45 percent above the April 2007 level.

Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary George Sheldon called the jump "astronomical" at a news conference with Gov. Charlie Crist on Tuesday.

"That's like adding the caseload of Massachusetts. Governor, to put it differently, Florida just ate the state of Massachusetts," he said.

To help handle the burgeoning number of applicants, Governor Charlie Crist announced the creation of My ACCESS Account, a system that allows food stamp, temporary cash assistance and Medicaid applicants and recipients to check the status of their case online, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Governor Crist and Secretary Sheldon unveiled the account management program which empowers customers with information about their public assistance benefits at their convenience.

"As we continue to work to make the most of state resources, it is encouraging to see state agencies finding new and practical ways to improve customer service for Floridians," said Governor Crist. "Through the My ACCESS account system, we are providing so much more than a service. We are giving Floridians peace of mind."

My ACCESS Account users can check account status, view current benefits, check the date benefits will be available, and print a temporary Medicaid card. Users can also view information regarding their appointments, verifications that may be needed to determine eligibility, a history of benefits and other important information regarding their case. To register for My ACCESS Account, visit www.myflorida.com/accessflorida. The information is available only to individual users who will log onto a secure account with a private, protected username and password.

"Every day the Department works to provide the best customer service to our customers and My ACCESS Account is another important tool to help us do just that," said Secretary Sheldon. "Our current economy and the ongoing needs of our clients only reinforce the importance of our programs and we’re proud to work with Governor Crist to serve those in need."

For more information about the Department of Children and Families’ ACCESS Florida program, visit http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/ess/.