Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by VWWHFSfQ 2219 days ago
Go get your ID situation fixed.

edit: To get an EBT card in NYC you can do it all online if you have a valid (ie, not expired, ID card.) If you do not have a valid (ie, expired, ID card), then you have to go to the DMV so they can take your picture and you sign a few forms. The forms are available in 22 languages. At the same time they may work to get you a new, valid, ID card.

How is this unreasonable?
1 comments
anigbrowl 2219 days ago
How are the DMV opening hours/wait times? Now imagine that impact on a person with some minimum wage job. You have a valid point but the marginal cost of bureaucracy to a poor/disabled person is often a lot higher than to someone for whom life is going smoothly. Also, it's easier to fall off the smooth track than to get back on.
link
VWWHFSfQ 2219 days ago
What is the alternative to get a valid ID card and an EBT card? I understand there's a hardship for someone that can't get away for a few hours to travel to the DMV office. But it's the same hardship for everyone. There are basic requirements:

1) You have to go to the DMV office

2) You have to agree to have your picture taken

3) You have to fill out 3 forms (offered in your native language -- 22 languages are offered)

4) You have to provide a mailing address for where the EBT card will be sent

And then you have to be on the other end of that mailing address to receive and activate your EBT card.

This all seems like very easy procedures to follow to get food stamps.

link
anigbrowl 2219 days ago
I understand there's a hardship for someone that can't get away for a few hours to travel to the DMV office. But it's the same hardship for everyone.

No it isn't. The marginal costs are different. If you earn $2000 a week and through some mischance have to give up a day's earnings to go the DMV your $400 loss is an annoyance. If you earn $500/week your loss as a percentage of income is the same but the economic impact of losing $100 is probably much bigger.

link
zaroth 2219 days ago
I think you have to factor in the other side of the equation as well.

SNAP benefits are worth, let’s say $400/mo. Giving up $100 to add a recurring $400 payment doesn’t seem so bad.

link