TESTIMONY: Joint Aging/General Welfare Committee hearing titled Oversight – Reducing Food Insecurity in New York City

Testimony: Joint Aging/General Welfare Committee hearing titled Oversight – Reducing Food Insecurity in New York City note: acrobat format

New York City Council
Committee on Aging, Council Member Margaret Chin, Chair Committee on General Welfare,
Council Member Stephen Levin, Chair
January 24, 2017

Testimony by LiveOn NY
Oversight – Reducing Food Insecurity in New York City

LiveOn NY is dedicated to making New York a better place to age. At the core of LiveOn NY’s mission is the desire to support our membership organizations, numbering over 100 organizations that provide 600 community based programs and services for older adults, ranging from individual community based centers to large multi-service organizations throughout all five boroughs. We are pleased to focus our efforts towards promoting better policy which will provide for better aging both today and for the years to come.

LiveOn NY’s Older Adult SNAP and SCRIE Initiatives
LiveOn NY also administers a citywide outreach program that targets older adults in the communities where benefits are most underutilized. This program places friendly and highly-trained retired professionals within low-income, high-needs communities to educate thousands of older adults, including those who are homebound, about food assistance options, and screen and enroll those who are eligible for SNAP, SCRIE and other benefits.

LiveOn NY also staffs a call hotline, (347) 815-5930, staffed by a professional client services team that assists older adults and caregivers with benefits screenings and applications, serving approximately 1,000 clients per quarter.

LiveOn NY respectfully offers this testimony outlining several case examples, challenges and recommendations and looks forward to working with you to address this important issue.

Case examples from LiveOn NY’s outreach team that demonstrate the multiple challenges older adults face with access to food

1. Case 1: Jane Doe is a 61 year old woman from Manhattan. She received Social Security Disability (SSD) and is suffering from memory loss. During screening, the client had extreme difficulty following and understanding the application process. Not only was Ms. Doe exhibiting confusion, but she was also very reluctant to disclose information. She had two social workers assisting her from her senior center but they still needed LiveOn NY's assistance in applying. Ms. Doe had a lot of difficulty with the documentation requirements for SNAP. She had trouble finding appropriate copies of documents and ones that were in good enough condition to use. LiveOn NY’s client service coordinator was able to bridge communication between Ms. Doe., her social worker, and our follow up team. Her documents had to be submitted at different points through the application process. She was eventually approved for $185 per month in SNAP benefits. It is not likely she would have gotten the benefits without assistance.
2. Case 2: Ms. Smith is 75 years old. She lives in NYCHA housing in Queens. She uses a motorized scooter to get around and has some health issues. She has had her fair share of complications with her SNAP case dating back to the first time LiveOn NY assisted her in July 2015. First, her benefits got cut off because HRA had never received an interim report that she says she submitted. We were able to intervene and save her case. She came back to us this Fall to recertify her SNAP. After submitting her recertification as usual, we learned that she was in fact invited to recertify through the IVRS system which is a computerized phone system that allows certain clients to recertify without submitting any paperwork. Because her recertification was submitted already, she could not take advantage of the IVRS option. Shortly thereafter she was denied. HRA said they never received her recertification package. Through mediation with HRA, our client service coordinator was able to have the case reopened after proving that the client was in compliance. She receives $148 monthly in SNAP benefits and did not experience and interruption in benefits. These case complexities are so nuanced: it would be difficult for most to navigate this system without knowledge of the HRA's back-end processes.
3. Case 3: Mr. Jones is 81 years old, living in the Bronx. LiveOn NY has assisted this client for 2 years. He came to us for help recertifying SNAP. He is one of the many SNAP recipients that is experiencing the SNAP NOW recertification telephone interview process, where clients initiate their phone interviews with HRA instead of HRA calling them. The system has been known to keep clients on hold for very long periods. Mr. Jones informed us that he was on hold from 9:30am-2:30pm waiting on the line for the representative. Most clients are unable to wait this long for the rep for a myriad of reasons.

Additional Challenges

1. Many older New Yorkers are poor and food-insecure
   While the United States has experienced a decline in the national poverty rate for older people, New York’s older adults have experienced an increase in poverty with data showing that one in three are currently poor. Further, the average annual income for older New Yorkers is often inadequate to cover the high cost of living in New York but does not allow many to qualify for public assistance benefits.

   Given that research continues to show that most people desire to age in place as they grow into their later years, community based supports are needed now and into the future to ensure that older New Yorkers can age the way that they have lived – like New Yorkers. Additionally, as the proportion of older adults continues to increase in each county, older adults must be a priority within policy, programming and services.

2. Older New Yorkers are consistently under-enrolled in public benefits due to barriers and difficulties with the application process
   Within New York, older adults and adults with disabilities are consistently “under-enrolled” in public assistance benefits. Among those living with hunger, the under-enrollment rate of SNAP benefits is around 40%. This underutilization is consistent among other benefits as well. Among the top barriers for benefit utilization particularly among older adults include stigma or misunderstanding, language barriers, apprehension about the process and government systems, and physical obstacles such as travel distance or unwelcoming environments.

   Because LiveOn NY works directly with older adults and their caregivers through our outreach, as well as the feedback we receive from our members who do benefits outreach, we see first-hand these issues that contribute to under-utilization.

   LiveOn NY commends HRA for their steps forward make the benefits screening process more efficient through SNAPNOW. However older adults still face some unique challenges with the process. First, as illustrated through Mr. Jones’s case above, many older adults have reported a very long wait time on hold when using the SNAPNOW phone system. Older adults often use pre-paid phone plans and cards, so they do not have the ability to remain on hold for extended periods of time, let alone endure the inconvenience of sitting on hold for hours.

   Second, we applaud HRA’s recent upgrades to ACCESSNYC, as well as allowing the ability to upload documents through mobile devices. This has proven to be very efficient and useful for advocates, caregivers and client representatives. However, as processes advance with technology, HRA should be cognizant that older adults themselves may not be able to access these services.

LiveOn NY’s Recommendations

1. Support a shortened SNAP Application form for older adults
   As demonstrated by the above case examples, as well as the underutilization statistics, LiveOn NY recommends that HRA consider using a streamlined SNAP Application form for older adult applicants. Because older adults’ incomes generally remain stagnant, or even worse, decline over time, removing one of the initial barriers to application for benefits would help older adults, as well as reduce the immense amount of time that often multiple caseworkers need to spend per applicant.

   Several states have explored the usage of a shortened application form for older adults through pilot programs. LiveOn NY recommends that HRA explore this option, as well as related waiver options to streamline the process for older adults.

2. Introduce and adopt legislation to establish a per meal reimbursement for senior center congregate and home delivered meals based on the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) for food costs in NYC
   Per meal reimbursement for congregate and home delivered meals does not reflect the increasing costs for food. Legislation that would establish an automatic reimbursement increase annually based on NYC’s annual CPI for food costs would not cause an undue burden on the budget, and would ensure that these major nutritional programs for older New Yorkers will be able to purchase nutritional food to serve a diverse population.

3. Form an HRA Senior Task Force to address the barriers to enrollment for older adults
   LiveOn NY applauds the New York City Department of Finance (DOF) for their foresight in establishing a SCRIE Task Force which includes stakeholders from the government as well as community based organizations. LiveOn NY has been active with this Task Force and it has been a valuable experience to discuss challenges and recommendations to strengthen the SCRIE program. LiveOn NY also participates on a SNAP Task Force with the Food Bank that has been very beneficial to generate ideas to help strengthen the SNAP program.

   LiveOn NY recommends that HRA form a senior-focused task force, which would include governmental representatives, beneficiaries, stakeholders from the community and caregivers, among others, to discuss barriers and practical solutions to increase access to benefits for older adults, including SNAP. Older adults are also often accessing benefits across multiple systems and departments, so a Task Force could explore cross-department challenges and solutions. LiveOn NY would welcome the opportunity to participate in this Task Force.

   LiveOn NY thanks City Council for the opportunity to provide this testimony, and looks forward to working with you on to make New York a better place to age.

Winter/Spring Training Schedule Announced

LiveOn NY is pleased to announce our Winter/Spring Training Schedule.  We are offering eight great trainings on Fiscal matters- budgets, cost allocation, etc., a reboot of our New Directors training, certifications in Evidence Based Falls Prevention and Mental Health First Aid for Older Adults as well as a special event on Dementia.  Two trainings will provide the opportunity for LMSWs and LCSWs to receive Contact Hours for Continuing Education. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER

New York State Budget Update

What is Happening:

This week, the Governor released his proposed 2017-2018 Executive Budget. Below is a brief update. Please stay tuned for more details as they become available and how you can get involved.  Of note:  

• Over $13 million in cuts and cost shifts affecting the State Office for the Aging (SOFA).
• Proposed language that threatens Title XX Funds that are used to fund senior centers.
• Last time this was proposed several years ago, upwards of 100 senior centers would have been closed if the proposal went through. LiveOn NY was part of concerted effort to fight it then, and we will do so again vigilantly.  
• Language to prevent financial exploitation of older adults, an issue LiveOn NY has been working on for several years. 
• The addition of $125M in capital funding for affordable senior housing, another key issue for LiveOn NY.

What We Are Doing:

Leaders from LiveOn NY, The Association on Aging in New York and LifeSpan will meet with key Senators and Assemblymembers on February 7 in Albany to discuss the potential impact of the proposed budget and the the importance of fully funding aging services.  We will also highlight our $177 Million Multi-Year Budget Request. The goal of our request focuses on modernizing long term care services and supports for older New Yorkers.  Click here to review our budget proposal.

What You Can Do:

1. Join LiveOn NY in Albany on Tuesday February 7 and meet with your legislators to discuss your program and the Aging Services Budget Request.  If you are planning on going to Albany, please contact Andrea Cianfrani at LiveOn NY at acianfrani@liveon-ny.org or 212-398-6565x233 so we can measure our impact and provide you with information and talking points for your meetings.  
2. Set up meetings in February with your state legislators in the district offices to discuss your aging programs.  We are counting on your help and  It is important to meet with your legislators this year to be part of LiveOn NY’s presentation of the budget agenda.  We will be providing talking points and questions to ask your legislators - stay tuned.
3. Call your legislators’ offices and tell them to support aging services and to prevent cuts, and send them the link to the budget ask.
4. Invite legislators to your program in February so they can see your important work and the need for funding and why any cuts would be so devastating..
5. Let LiveOn NY know of the events you are holding, meetings you have and key relationships you have developed with legislators or who are supportive of aging programs so we can continue to build a supportive network. Contact Andrea Cianfrani at LiveOn NY at acianfrani@liveon-ny.org or 212-398-6565x233 

Important Links:
How to find information on your legislators:
Click here to find your New York State Assemblymember
Click here to find your New York State Senator

Event: Winter Theatre Benefit

Join us for Dinner and the highly anticipated production of Othello!

Wednesday, January 11th from 5:30pm-10:00pm

NYTIMES REVIEW: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/20/theater/david-oyelowo-othello-new-york-theater-workshop.html

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW - SPACE IS LIMITED 

Tickets are $250.00 per person

About the Show:

NYTW Usual Suspect and Tony Award winner Sam Gold returns to NYTW to direct David Oyelowo (Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Histories, Selma, Queen of Katwe) in the title role and Daniel Craig (Betrayal, Spectre) as ‘Iago’ in William Shakespeare’s Othello.
 
Othello runs approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes with one 15-minute intermission.
 
Single tickets for OTHELLO are sold out.

Click here for more information!

ALERT: Off the Fiscal Cliff Campaign

LiveOn NY is starting a new Campaign - OFF THE FISCAL CLIFF - and we need your help today. Here are the details:

• What we are advocating for: 1) Continued outreach efforts to spread awareness about the NY Rent Freeze Program AND 2) A policy change within the NY Rent Freeze Program so that rental costs are capped at 1/3 of a senior's income and for those already enrolled - a rollback to the 1/3 level.

• Purpose: LiveOn NY works closely with key partners including the NYC Department of Finance, Department for the Aging & Human Resource Administration to make sure each eligible older person is aware of the NY Rent Freeze Program. The public-private partnerships that are addressing under-enrollment in the program are a critical way to spread the awareness. We want to ensure these efforts continue and expand outreach, as we know that seniors are overburdened in housing costs. Often paying more than 50% of their income on rent, whether they are enrolled in NY Rent Freeze (SCRIE/DRIE) or not. Because the Rent Freeze Program is one of the key tools to preserve affordable seniors housing AND allows older adults' to remain at home as they age - we must ensure that NYC improve its policies to help seniors off the fiscal cliff.

• Who we are targeting: New York City and State Elected Officials, Policymakers and other key stakeholders

What you can do!

SIGN ON TO THE CAMPAIGN TODAY (Click here)

FORWARD THE SIGN-ON LINK TO YOUR CONTACTS

SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA (info below)

More Facts about the issue:

• 200,000 older New Yorkers are on waiting lists for affordable senior housing, for an average of 7 years
• 4 out of 10 seniors report not knowing about NY Rent Freeze
• Too many seniors find out about their eligibility during an affordability crisis
• Almost 60% of seniors who are enrolled in SCRIE continue to experience heavy rent burden, with average annual incomes between $11,000 and $12,000. They find out about the benefit too late and cannot have the benefit “rolled-back” to an affordable level.
• NYC must rollback and cap rents at 1/3 of household income to help seniors off the fiscal cliff.
• Click here to check out our infographics highlighting the alarming SCRIE statistics.

Sign our Campaign. Share on Social Media. Be an Advocate