Research Report The Application Process For TANF, Food Stamps, Medicaid and SCHIP
Subtitle
Issues For Agencies and Applicants, Including Immigrants and Limited English Speakers
Pamela A. Holcomb, Karen C. Tumlin, Robin Koralek, Randolph Capps, Anita Zuberi
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This report explores the application and eligibility determination process for immigrants and limited-English speakers for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), food stamps, Medicaid, and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) in six localities across the country. In general, the application process is easiest for Medicaid and SCHIP. There are more points of access for these programs, and outreach for them is more widespread and effective. The complexity of the application process, however, varies greatly across states and within states by locality. Social service agencies use a combination of strategies to provide interpretation for limited English speakers, including: bilingual staff, contracted interpreters, telephone language lines, and reliance on applicants' friends and family members.
Research Areas Health and health care Social safety net Immigration
Tags Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program  Hunger and food assistance Immigrant access to the safety net State Children's Health Insurance Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Policy Centers Center on Labor, Human Services, and Population