Appendix G3 - Focus Group FAQ (Revised)

APPENDIX G3 - Focus Group FAQs

OMB No. 0584-XXXX

Expiration Date: XX/XX/XXXX

The Assessment of Contributions of an Interview to SNAP Eligibility and Benefit Determinations

Focus Group Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

WHAT IS THE STUDY ABOUT? The purpose of this study is to find out about your experiences with [STATE]’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program). As part of the study, we want to learn about your experiences with different stages of the SNAP application process and understand what makes completing the application difficult.

WHO IS CONDUCTING THIS STUDY? The study is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), the federal agency that oversees SNAP. Mathematica Policy Research, an independent research company located in Princeton, NJ is conducting the study.

HOW WAS I SELECTED FOR THE STUDY? / HOW DID YOU GET MY NAME? You were selected from a list of people provided by [STATE]’s SNAP office who began a SNAP application in the last several months, but were unsuccessful in qualifying for benefits. To better understand how this occurs, we are having discussion groups with people like yourself who were denied benefits during the application process.

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN THE STUDY? Your participation will help to improve the SNAP application process. Information about your experiences can help policymakers improve the program.

WHAT WILL I BE ASKED TO DO? You will be asked to attend a discussion group to share your experiences with the SNAP application process. There are no right or wrong answers, so we want you to tell us exactly what you think.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TAKE? The session will last about an hour and a half. At the end of the discussion, we will give you $30 for your participation. This incentive will not affect your potential eligibility for SNAP benefits in the future.

HOW IS THE INFORMATION GOING TO BE USED? WHO WILL SEE THE INFORMATION? All information you share with us will be kept private and used only for research purposes. Your name will not be used in any reports and your answers will not affect your eligibility for any programs. Your answers will not be released in any manner which would enable someone to identify you. We will destroy all of the contact information we have about you, such as your name and phone number, after the discussion group is complete.

According to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displays a valid OMB number. The valid OMB control number for this information collection is 0584-XXXX. The time required to complete this information collection is estimated to average 3 minutes per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information.

CAN I BRING OTHERS TO THE DISCUSSION GROUP? Because space is limited and group discussions are private, we cannot allow you to bring any children, friends or relatives with you to the discussion group.

IS THIS VOLUNTARY? Participation in this study voluntary. Deciding to participate or not to participate will not affect any benefits you are receiving or will be eligible to receive in the future.

WHO CAN I CONTACT ABOUT THIS STUDY? Please contact Annalee Kelly at Mathematica Policy Research at (609) 275-2885.

IS THERE SOMEONE AT SNAP I CAN CONTACT ABOUT THIS STUDY?

UTAH: Belit Stockfleth, Project Director xxx-xxx-xxxx

OREGON: Paul Birkbeck, SNAP Program Specialist xxx-xxx-xxxx

NORTH CAROLINA: Dean Simpson, Chief xxx-xxx-xxxx