WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Over the past month, Wichitans have reported not receiving their SNAP benefits and waiting hours in line for a chance to be seen.
Hundreds of people have waited in lines to get their SNAP benefits. For some, it’s their only way to get food.
Melissa, who uses SNAP benefits, does not think the Department of Children and Families has enough staff.
“They let me know, yeah, we have a backlog… a lot of people are in the same boat,” Melissa said.
DCF said the delays go back to a bill passed by the Kansas Legislature that changed eligibility requirements. Previously, people could self-report their income, age and other information. Now, that information must be independently verified, which requires additional staff and money. DCF said it did not get the funding increase it wanted.
The Kansas Department for Children and Families remains committed to reducing processing wait times and working with Kansans to receive the assistance they need. Our priority is to ensure eligible individuals and families receive the SNAP benefits they are entitled to as accurately and efficiently as possible.
Processing times have increased due to several factors, including new requirements implemented by the U.S. Congress (H.R.1) and the Kansas Legislature. These changes have increased the number of verifications of applicant information required and, in many cases, require additional staff review to ensure eligibility and benefit amounts are accurate. The additional verification and review requirements have increased workloads for eligibility staff and contributed to longer processing times. Increased seasonal workload and staffing shortages are also a factor.
During the 2026 session, DCF warned the Legislature that the combination of H.R. 1 and the state legislature’s bill (HB2731) would result in additional administrative work and cost for the state. The Legislature sent that bill to Governor Kelly’s desk, which she vetoed. The Legislature overrode that veto.
DCF also requested increased funds to be able to provide the same quality of service to Kansans despite increased workloads – unfortunately, the Legislature did not provide that additional funding and Kansans are suffering because of it.
Eligibility workers are processing applications as quickly and carefully as possible. While staff are working diligently to address these challenges, it will take time for processing times to return to normal. The agency has implemented overtime opportunities and continues to prioritize recruitment and training to strengthen the eligibility workforce, reduce wait times, and improve service for Kansans.
Clients are encouraged to review the required verifications document at dcf.ks.gov to ensure they have the necessary verification information ready when submitting their application/recertification or at their interview.
Veto and legislative response
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill. Her chief of staff sent a statement saying that, in addition to similar legislation passed by the federal government, the bill puts a heavy burden on DCF.
“They’re working against the legislature; they’re working against being short-staffed,” the statement said.
“Earlier this year, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) warned the Legislature that without sufficient funding to hire and train additional staff to adapt to the increased administrative work created by Congress’ H.R. 1 and the Legislature’s H.B. 2731, Kansans would experience delays in receiving SNAP benefits. The painful delays that Kansans are now experiencing are a direct result of the Legislature’s choices. DCF requested funding from the Legislature to meet these new administrative demands, and the Legislature chose to reject the request. DCF did not have the same delays last year, and the only difference between then and now are the significantly increased—and now underfunded—administrative loads. The Legislature refused to recognize the predictable consequences of administrative burdens being placed on DCF and now Kansans are suffering.
The agency will continue to work within existing resources to process the backlog of applications this year as quickly as possible. The new Governor and Legislature will have an opportunity to rectify this matter in January and make things easier on the Kansans that are most impacted by record high inflation and a sluggish national economy. Failing to do so after seeing the outcome of this Legislature’s inaction is simply unconscionable and beneath the dignity of our proud state. We can and must do better.”
Sen. Renee Erickson said the delays are not caused by the bill the Legislature passed, but are due to “a continuation of failures DCF has previously acknowledged.” Erickson said the Legislature did fund DCF as the department requested.
“Kansans waiting for food assistance deserve an honest explanation from DCF, not a scapegoat. The Legislature funded the tools and positions DCF requested. The wait times families are experiencing today are the continuation of systemic failures DCF has acknowledged for years — chronic error rates, high staff turnover, and inconsistent verification — combined with policy DCF has enacted.
HB 2731 largely codifies DCF’s own policy regarding what they issued in October 2025. In addition, HB 2731 mandates common-sense reforms that Kansans agree with. The Kansas Legislature fundamentally disagrees with the Kelly administration’s pursuit of the Minnesota Model for welfare—a model that makes it easy for fraudsters and people here illegally to obtain welfare benefits on the backs of hardworking Kansans.”
For his part, House Speaker Dan Hawkins’ office provided this statement.
“Secretary Howard and Governor Kelly blaming the Legislature for yet another failure under their leadership is getting old. Kansans have already watched KDADS fail to provide services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now DCF is making excuses for unacceptable SNAP delays. Agencies have a responsibility to communicate their needs and effectively administer the programs entrusted to them. When the same leadership repeatedly fails at both, then points fingers at the Legislature, we have every right to question whether funding is really the problem.
Secretary Howard simultaneously leads two agencies responsible for serving some of the most vulnerable Kansans, and both are now facing serious failures in delivering critical services. Now is not the time for more excuses or finger-pointing. These families need competent administration, accountability, and results.”
Melissa said she wants the issue fixed, regardless of what caused it.
DCF said people are encouraged to review the required verification documents on its website to make sure they have the correct information ready.
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