How (DHHS) Discriminate Against Veterans

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is considered to be an office of the Executive Branch of State Government. The Director is usually appointed by the Governor and serves as an advisory to member of the Governor’s Cabinet. DHHS is considered to be one of the largest departments in state government and comprises of five Divisions, which include Aging and Disability Services, Child and Family Services, Health Care Financing and Policy (Medicaid), Public and Behavioral Health, and last but not least, welfare and supportive Services. There are over 5,200 employees who work in the department statewide, which serves as the state’s social safety net. According to their website The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)  main goal is to promotes the health and well-being of Nevadans, through the delivery or facilitation of essential services to ensure families are strengthened, public health is protected, and individuals achieve their highest level of self-sufficiency.

An honorably discharged Veteran, who currently lives in the state of Nevada for over seven years now, received an unexpected notice followed up by a telephone call, requesting snap benefits recertification. So just like the rest of the seventy percent of American currently receiving this benefit during a pandemic, the Veteran fill out the forms as requested, back in April of twenty one.  A few weeks later the Veteran received a notice in the mail stating that there were no eligible children, after receiving a thirty percent reduction cut in food stamp benefits. The Veteran family of four has a minor child.  According to (DHHS) their claiming that based on their record, a family of four is now a family of three and since there is no eligible children in the home, they do not qualify for the snap cash benefits program. Which spells out one thing? Discrimination against an entire Veteran family based on familial status. In a nutshell, the three basic factors DHSS Nevada took into consideration in not only denying but discontinuing federal benefits

1. The Veteran family are not considered to be residents of Nevada after seven years
2. Refusal to acknowlegde a minor as a member of the household
3. Falsifying  a Veteran's earnings in a further attempt to deny them federal benefits they are entitled to, during a pandemic

A few months later, the Veteran receives another notice in the mail informing them that their benefits will cease on September 30, 2021 and to keep receiving benefits without interruption, they must reapply with following information.

Income

1.    Proof of income - 30 day current and consecutive pay stubs not more than forty five days old from the date on the form

2.    Provide a current copy of bank statements from all accounts listed on the forms

3.    Self Employment - A complete copy of most recent tax returns urging the Veteran to request a self employment worksheet

The minimum requirement for the application process would be a name, address, signature and must all be received by September 14th 2021. The Veteran was also informed that an appointment may be scheduled upon receipt of the application form. At this time no appointment was scheduled by phone or zoom call.

After months of countless reapplications, resubmissions and recertifications, the Veteran receive a notice in the mail at their home and mailing address a few week after the termination of all federal benefits, informing them that they are not, never were, or are no longer Nevada residents.  with an URGENT: Welfare Interview Scheduled from: Ambra Gurule <[email protected]> sent Tue, Oct 12, 2021 at 12:23 pm. INTERVIEW NOTICE We have received your application for assistance. In order to process your application you must complete an interview in person at our office. You have an interview scheduled at the Craig District Office, 3223 West Craig Road, Suite 140

HOWEVER, in order to accelerate the processing of your application, beginning tomorrow you may come into the office in person before the scheduled appointment date/time listed above. Interviews are conducted on a walk-in basis during the following times Note: All interviews are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis (including those who arrive at their scheduled date and time). Please be aware that you may experience a wait. If an interview is not conducted, it will not be automatically rescheduled. If you do not complete an interview, your application may be denied. You may be required to provide proof of your household’s circumstances to determine which benefits your household will receive. This proof will be required for all people in your household. It will help the application process if you provide the needed proof prior to or at your interview.

The following items can be provided to meet this requirement for the interview

• Identification/Citizenship
• Earned Income

Expenses

• United States Passport
• Paycheck Stubs or Employer Statement

Shelter Expenses

1. ·  Government Issued Driver’s License/Identification Card
2. If employment has ended in the last 90 days, proof of termination and final pay

Rent or Mortgage Receipt

1. ·  U.S. Military ID (active, dependent, retired)
2.  If unable to work, doctors statement

Current Utility Bill

1. USCIS Verification of Citizenship
2. Self Employment Records/Tax Returns
3. Signed & Dated Landlord Statement
4. Certified United States Birth Certificate

 Proof of Home Taxes & Insurance

1. Unearned & Other Income
2. Nevada Residency
3. Copy of award letter or other statement/verification for:
4. Current Lease or Rental Agreement

Educational Expenses

1. Social Security Benefits (RSDI)
2. Nevada Drivers License
3. Financial Aid Statement from School
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Statement regarding homeless situation

Receipts

1.  Worker’s Compensation
2. Unemployment Benefits

Out of State Benefits

Dependent Care

1. Veteran’s Benefits (retirement, disability, educations)
2. Proof of any benefits received from another state other than Nevada
3. Receipt/Statement from sitter or daycare center with the following information:
4.  Retirement Pensions/Benefits

·  Verification of out-of-state benefits have been terminated

1.  Name of Sitter or Center
2. Child Support Payments – Copy of Court Order

·  Monthly Payment

1. Alimony
2. Resources

Name and ages of persons cared for

• Cash Contributions/Loans
• Bank or Credit Union Statement
• Reason for care
• TANF or other Government Payment
• Savings Bonds

Vehicle Registration

County or Indian General Assistance

• Life Insurance Policies

Court Ordered Child Support

 Educational Income (Government Grants, Student Loans, Scholarships, etc.)

Retirement Account Statements

• Copy of Court Order
• Any other income received by any household member

Trust Documents

• Verification of Payments Made
• Proof of Stocks and Bonds

Proof of Home or Property Ownership