Governing for Results 2 - Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Social and Health ServicesApplying for assistance quicker and easierAt the Burien Community Services Office, the application process for FoodStamps and Aid for Families with Dependent Children took about 25 days. Firsta written application had to be completed, and then an appointment for aninterview was made. Applicants sometimes had to wait two weeks for theirinterview. If they didn't bring all the necessary documentation to the interview,their application was put into pending status until needed documentation wasprovided. This cumbersome process impeded the Work First message andquick entry into the labor market.Staff developed a new process that allowed applicants to walk in and get helpthe same day. Staff interviewed the clients and entered information directly intothe agency’s new Automated Client Eligibility System, foregoing the writtenapplication.Results★ Application time for Food Stamps has been reduced to four days.★ Applications for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families can be completedwithin six days.★ Customers received the WorkFirst message and needed assistance 19 to 21days sooner.★ Reduced the amount of paper used.Team members: Pat Smith, Donna Meixner, Becky Middleton, Carolyn Treiber,LouAnn Carlson, Donna Metz, Peggy Anderson, Denise White, ChristinaAnderson, Karl Allison, Barbara Pietron, Kathy LaBrec, Anne Jennings, MiriamTorres, Shelly Watanabe, Janet Baz, Debbie Stolberg, Darrell Taylor, DebbieJohnson, James Hunter, Susan Conley, Nick Espinoza, Mike Nguyen, MikeMorris, Connie Harris, Lisa Yanagida, Linh Thai, Debbie Davenport, Ray Grothe,and Hector Martinez.CONTACT: Bill Wegeleben, (360) 902-086543