Injury or illness can keep individuals out of work and facing financial challenges, and applying for long-term disability benefits can be complex and long-winded. Disabled or injured workers in Wisconsin can take steps to secure the benefits deserved in a time of need. Recently it was noted that, as Wisconsin’s FoodShare program begins to take a hit, many long-term disability recipients may be affected.
As Congress considers cuts to alleviate the inflating federal debt, programs such as FoodShare and state food stamp distribution will take a hit. The supplemental program took effect this month and signifies the end of an increase to benefits since 2009. In 2009, an economic stimulus bill passed that allowed the provisions of food stamps to increase as a means to help families affected by the recession.
Funding of the program came from Wisconsin taxpayers. The total amount of funding being cut is variable based on the total recipients per household. For example, one woman affected by the cuts is on disability and has four children. She will now look to other means of public assistance such as the use of a local food pantry.
If an individual thinks they could be affected by the reduction to the current food stamp program in Wisconsin, there are possible solutions available. Many centers of distribution are looking to increase local food drives to help in the effort. Long-term disability recipients face enough challenges and deserve to have their rights protected. If disabled or injured workers are having trouble with a claim or receiving long-term disability payments, professional assistance can also prove beneficial..
Source: jsonline.com, Reduction in food stamp benefits will affect 1 in 7 state residents, Jason Stein and Georgia Pabst, Nov. 2, 2013
