Paperwork confusion.

[notalwaysright]

I don't understand why applying for food stamps was so different this time from last time. Last time (just last year, in 2015) they were able to verify employment over the phone no problem. This time the information on their computer is very outdated (from 2009) and the employer is listed as inactive, but I'm listed as an active employee. I feel like this happened last time, but the lady was somehow able to fix it. This time she couldn't and now I have to get additional paperwork including a phone number they can use to verify employment. She called my store and my manager already told them that they can't do any verification at the store level and gave the number for HR, but the lady said it was automated and she couldn't get verification that way. I don't even know where to start to try to figure out contact information. This is a large company, I'm sure many people get food stamps, I feel like there is an easier way.

So I really don't know if I'm going to be able to get benefits. Also, I thought I had to work an average of 20 hours per month, but the lady said I need 4 paystubs (that's 8 weeks, I'm paid every other week) which average 20 weeks. I won't be at a high enough average for several more weeks if I have to submit 4 paystubs. Last time everything was done during the interview and I had benefits immediately. I also have to submit a letter saying what financial aid I receive, but I think last time I mailed that to them, so that was my bad for forgetting. I realize I sound a little whiny I just wanted to vent a little.

[notalwaysright]

(just wanted to end my whine-fest)

Yesterday I finally got myself to the DSHS. Managed to get there right when they opened. I only had to wait like 5 minutes, and the lady was very helpful. It turns out that she COULD verify my employment on the computer. She showed me the way the information was listed on her screen, and it took her a few seconds but there is a tab which toggled to my current employment info. So that was good. Then she explained the four pay stub thing, which I don't really agree with, but whatever. I said, I don't think I'll qualify if it looks back four pay stubs (8 weeks, not 4 weeks as I was hoping)

She agreed that it probably wouldn't approve me, but put everything in anyway. It did approve me?! And for more than I was expecting, basically the max I can get. AND. It went back to the original date that I applied.

This is a huge weight off my shoulders right now, serious. I haven't technically graduated yet, and I'm trying to figure what to buy for interview clothes. Also, trying very hard not to think about interviews because it makes me really panicky. I'd been kinda avoiding going in to the office, because it's a depressing place and I figured I'd have to wait a long time. Lesson learned: Go talk to them in person.