DHS forced to make changes to SNAP program due to budget cuts

Oklahoma City (KOKH) — Benefits provided to low-income Oklahomans is being slowed after statewide budget cuts, the state agency overseeing the program said.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP, is changing the way it replaces cards. Cards were available immediately, but now cards have to be provided through a third party, delaying them for a week.

In a typical month, about 25,000 cards are issued. Of those, 15,000 represent replacement cards.

The change will delay card processing by about seven days, the Department of Human Services said.

DHS cut $45 million from its budget this year.

DHS was forced to cut at least $45 million to balance it's budget last year as well.