A state system upgrade has created a backlog in getting food stamp applications approved. After jumping through the hoops, a Smyrna woman said her Electronic Benefits Card (EBT) never arrived.
In November, Philesha Williams applied for SNAP benefits to help feed her family.
“Life threw a curveball, here I am, what do I do?” Williams said.
It took months, but she was finally approved in January. At one point she was on hold with the Tennessee Department of Human Services for three hours apparently.
“I mean I’ve been literally so depressed, I’ve cried so much, even in the workplace. They’re like: ‘Phileshia what’s wrong?’ And I’m like, ‘Nothing.’ I try to keep a smile on my face. I’m an encourager. To look at me, you wouldn’t know that I have disabling conditions,” Williams said.
The state did a system upgrade in the summer, which created a backlog in processing food stamp applications.
After getting approved for $76 a month, Philesha’s EBT card never arrived. She’s asked for a new card to be sent.