A Fox television station in the Kansas City area reported recently they had received tips that some people in Kansas are not getting money loaded onto their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
See the story: https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-residents-having-issues-receiving-snap-benefits/
EBT is the electronic debit card system used to access the official Food Assistance Program in Kansas, which is the state’s name for the federal United States SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), according to the KDCF website.
Fortscott.biz went to the local Department of Children and Families in Fort Scott to find out more.
The spokesperson at DCF, Fort Scott, said she was unable to give information and sent a request to the Kansas Department of Children and Families media relations spokesperson.
In a nutshell, the answer is yes, there have been delays for some people because of requirements by federal and state laws that need longer processing times for case updates, along with increased workload and staffing shortages.
Erin La Row, MBA, who is the Deputy Director of Media Relations, responded with the following in an email:
“My colleagues in Fort Scott said after seeing the FOX 4 story, you were looking for information about delays clients may be facing with receiving their SNAP Food Assistance,” she said in the email.
“Some clients are experiencing delays in receiving their benefits due to longer processing times for required case updates, including recertifications, change reports, and interim reports. We understand how important these benefits are to the individuals and families who rely on them, and we recognize the hardship and uncertainty that delays can create.”
She listed several factors contributing to longer processing times.
“Increased seasonal workload and staffing shortages, and the time required to obtain and review required verifications —such as shelter and utility expenses— to ensure benefit accuracy and reduce error rates. Some of these factors are related to new requirements put in place by the U.S. Congress and Kansas Legislature.
“DCF is committed to reducing processing times. The agency has implemented overtime opportunities and continues to prioritize recruitment and training to strengthen the eligibility workforce, reduce wait times, and improve service for Kansans.”
Result of 2025 Laws
The U.S. Congress in 2025 enacted the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, with the effect trickling down now to the local level.
To learn more about this legislative act, click below.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 reduces federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $187 billion through 2034 and establishes stricter eligibility standards nationwide, according to a Public Broadcasting Service story: