Audit: Wake County too slow in approving food stamps

When Phillip Gomez needed help with his 4-month-old son, Rico, he turned to Wake County Human Services.

"This is my first time going through this situation because I'm a single father," he said. "They've been really, really helpful getting things done same day, not having to wait too long."

So, he was stunned to learn about a state review which found widespread mistakes in food assistance applications.

The state reviewed 130 food stamp applications and found that 78 percent had errors. Of those errors, 30 percent or almost one in three included food stamp applications that should have been approved but weren't within 30 days.

In fact, the audit found three applications that were at least 60 days old. 

In response to the findings, Wake County's communications director told WRAL News, "We regret that errors were found in how we process FNS applications ... We have already taken steps to help prevent these errors from occurring again, and we are actively ensuring our staff is properly trained."