SNAP Quality Control

The Quality Control (QC) Unit checks a random selection of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) cases to ensure that the Georgia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services’ (DFCS) Office of Family Independence administers the SNAP program correctly, as required by federal law. This helps ensure DFCS issues timely and accurate benefits, or appropriate case denials/terminations.

What is a SNAP quality control review?

A SNAP quality control review is a review of your SNAP case to make sure that the local office that approved you for SNAP benefits did so correctly by following the rules set forth by the federal government.

Quality control reviews are used by DHS/DFCS to check if:

  • The SNAP program is being run according to state and federal regulations.
  • Your local DFCS office handled your case correctly.
  • The information in your case file is correct.
  • You are getting the benefits you are eligible for.

Why was my case picked?

Your SNAP case was randomly selected for a quality control review. It was not picked because of anything you did or did not do. By reviewing randomly selected cases, DHS can ensure proper administration of the SNAP program.

Do I have to cooperate?

Federal law requires that you cooperate with the quality control review. If you do not give the information requested and/or do not cooperate with the review, your SNAP case may be closed. If this happens, you will be informed for how long your case may be closed.

How does the SNAP quality control review process work?

The following are the main steps in the SNAP quality control review process:

  1. A quality control reviewer will be assigned to look at your SNAP case.
  2. The reviewer will look into the actions that were taken by your local DFCS office.
  3. The reviewer will then contact you to set up either an in person or telephone interview. The interview notice will be mailed to the mailing address you have on file in Georgia Gateway with the date, time, and location of your interview. The notice will also have a telephone number for you to call to reschedule your interview, if necessary. Note: It is very important that your interview be completed in a timely manner. And please make every effort to keep your address up to date in Georgia Gateway.
  4. As part of the interview, you will be asked to provide answers to questions, provide requested verification, and sign a written release of information form. This form gives the reviewer permission to contact other sources (such as banks, employers, landlords and/or utility companies) to verify the information you gave to your local DFCS office. These sources may be asked to give information, such as bank balances, interest income, proof of employment and/or earnings received, and rent and/or utility expenses. Note: It is very important that any requested information be provided as soon as possible.

What happens after the SNAP quality control review?

Once your interview is completed and the reviewer has looked at all of the information from your case file, information you provided, and information from other sources, a decision will be made on whether or not your SNAP benefits were issued correctly. If an error is found, you will be informed by your local DFCS office of any change in benefits.

You will have the right to appeal any change in benefits. Appeal information will be included with your notice.

The results of your quality control review will also be sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which oversees the SNAP program nationally.

Will I have to do any other SNAP quality control reviews?

Federal quality control reviewers from FNS will re-review some of thecases submitted to them by the state. If your case is randomly selected and you are contacted by a federal reviewer, you are required to cooperate with the federal reviewer.

Is my information confidential?

The information you give to a state or federal reviewer will only be used by those who manage assistance programs to determine eligibility and other staff members authorized by law.

How do I know the letter I received is legitimate?

You can confirm the letter's legitimacy by checking the Gateway customer portal; a copy of the letter will be in the notice section. The letter also includes the reviewer's name and contact information.

Where can I get more information?

This web page contains general information about SNAP quality control reviews. For more detailed information, please call the quality control reviewer at the number listed on your interview notice.

 

Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and US Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, it’s Agencies, offices and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at ascr.usda.gov/how-file-program-discrimination-complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the Information requested in the complaint form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

  1. Mail: 
    US Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
  2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
  3. Email: [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.