Enrollment in Assistance Programs – Idaho

Economy causes record demand for Idaho public aid, By Todd Dvorak (AP), January 19, 2010, Idaho Statesman: “High unemployment caused by the recession has created unprecedented need statewide for food stamp aid and other public assistance programs, the chief of Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare said Tuesday. At the same time, Health and Welfare Director Richard Armstrong said the threat of another midyear budget cut may force the agency to lay off workers and shutter some of its offices across the state – as worker caseloads continue to swell. The agency is processing more than 9,000 new food stamp applications each month, a record level and a 55 percent increase from 2007. More than 179,6000 people or families are enrolled in the program, up 106 percent from more than 87,000 in 2007. Demand for Medicaid programs is up 13 percent from three years ago and child support cases are up 9 percent, according to agency figures…”