TITLE
Title
DHHS- DIVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES - THE STATE OF ECONOMIC SERVICES
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
Heather Skeens (Michelle Brewton
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BACKGROUND
Background
One of Social Services’ four divisions is Economic Services. This division is comprised of Food and Nutrition Services, Family & Children’s Medicaid, Adult Medicaid, Work First, Childcare Assistance and the Energy Programs. These programs support many citizens of Guilford County while they strive to obtain self-sufficiency. Oftentimes overlooked is the benefit and economic impact on businesses and families that these services provide. This presentation will provide a snapshot of how the department manages these critical services, how they translate to enhancing the standard of living for families and the tremendous impact on Guilford County’s economy.
Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)
The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services program administered by Guilford County provides approximately 44,250 families for a total of 98,500 individuals with assistance to purchase food each month. Hundreds of supermarkets, convenience and grocery stores accept EBT benefits. During the FY 2017-2018, approximately $11,039,599 in monthly benefits were issued to eligible households. Social Services Staff manage monthly caseloads and process changes to ensure that recipients receive appropriate amounts of assistance each month.
Medicaid
North Carolina Medicaid is the joint-funded Federal and State health insurance program for low-income families and disabled individuals. Recipients of Medicaid include children, families, and the aged, blind and disabled populations. Approximately 115,335 individuals in Guilford County receive medical assistance through Medicaid programs. During the FY 2017-2018, $463,583,436 were paid to providers for medical services rendered. Eligibility staff manage monthly caseloads and process changes to ensure that eligible recipients receive appropriate healthcare coverage.
Crisis Intervention Program and Low Income Energy Assistance Program
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) and Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) are federally-funded programs that can assist eligible individuals and families with cooling or heating related emergencies and costs. During FY 2017-2018, 5,966 applications were taken for CIP and 8,162 applications were taken for LIEAP. Benefits totaling $566,440 and $1,134,465, respectively, were paid to providers for heating and cooling services.
Subsidized Childcare
The need for childcare in Guilford County is an economic necessity. The Subsidized Childcare program offers low income households access to quality and affordable childcare.
In Guilford County there are approximately 4,712 children that receive subsidized childcare assistance. Approximately 340 local childcare homes and centers are paid for services for these children to attend. During the FY 2017-2018, $21,961,957 in subsidy payments were paid to these childcare providers in Guilford County. 2,010 new children have been served in FY 2017-2018.
Work First Employment Services
Work First Employment Services helps reduce dependence on public assistance through assisting individuals to become gainfully employed and self-supporting. During FY 2017-2018, social workers assigned to the Work First program assisted in 160 employment placements and receive on average 40 applications per month.
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BUDGET IMPACT
Budget Impact
NO ADDITIONAL COUNTY DOLLARS
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REQUESTED ACTION
Requested Action
Receive DHHS - Social Services Division update on the state of Economic Services.
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