About the Quality Control Division

The Quality Control Division performs reviews for households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The information in the Frequently Asked Questions section below provides an overview of the Quality Control review process, as well as contact information.

Quality Control FAQ

How can I contact my Quality Control Reviewer?

Find contact information for your Quality Control Reviewer here.

 

Why does the state complete SNAP Quality Control Reviews?

The reviews are federally mandated to ensure the Department of Human Resources has processed SNAP cases correctly and to make sure people receive the benefits they are entitled to.

Who completes SNAP Quality Control reviews?

The reviews are completed by a specialized team working independently from the local county DHR offices.

Why was my case selected?

Any household that received SNAP benefits may be selected at random. SNAP cases are randomly selected each month for review by the state’s computer system.

If my case was selected, does that mean I am in trouble?

No, you are not in trouble! SNAP cases are randomly selected each month for review by the state’s computer system.

What happens during a Quality Control interview?

Once a case is selected for review, DHR schedules a time for you to meet with a Quality Control reviewer. During the interview, you will be asked questions pertaining to a specific month and go over the documents you brought to the interview. The Quality Control reviewer will attempt to assist with any missing documents and will let you know if additional documents may be needed.

Is the Quality Control interview different from the one conducted at the local DHR office?

The interview is similar to those completed by your local DHR office. The difference is that Quality Control interviews focus on a prior month, rather than the period in which the interview takes place.

What type of interview will I need to complete?

If SNAP benefits were $100 or less, the interview can be done by phone. If you are concerned about providing your information over the phone, you may request an in-person interview.

For households with SNAP benefits totaling over $100, an interview with a Quality Control reviewer must be completed in person.

Where do I go to be interviewed?

You will receive a letter in the mail with the date, time, and location of your scheduled interview.

For your convenience, these interviews can be done at your local DHR office, your home, or another agreed upon location.

What do I need to bring to the interview?

Most importantly, yourself! Many of the required documents can be verified by showing information from online accounts using a smart phone. Here are some common documents that may be needed:

Proof of income:

  • Paystubs
  • Self-employment
  • Social Security
  • Veterans’ benefits
  • Unemployment benefits
  • Child support
  • Pensions
  • Dividends
  • Interest received from a bank account(s)

Proof of expenses:

  • Self-employment expenses
  • Rent: Lease agreement or rent receipts
  • Mortgage statements
  • Homeowners association fees
  • Home insurance and taxes
  • Utilities: Power, gas, phone, water, etc.
  • Proof of paying court-ordered child support
  • Child care costs
  • Medical receipts and bills for anyone in the home over the age of 60 or who is disabled
  • Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number
  • The names, addresses, and phone numbers of two people, not related to anyone in the home, who can provide information about the people living in the home
What if I don’t bring my documents to the interview?

Still attend the interview. Don’t worry if you are missing something.

During the interview, a Quality Control reviewer will attempt to assist households with necessary verifications and will tell you what documents are still needed. After the interview, you may receive a notice requesting additional documents needed to complete the review.

Can we make a conference call to provide needed information?

Yes, of course. DHR will assist you in any way possible to obtain required verifications. Conference calls can be a safe, fast, and easy way to verify required information with sources, including:

  • Landlord
  • Mortgage company
  • Power company
  • Cell phone provider
  • Pension

Your Quality Control reviewer’s contact information is conveniently located all mailed correspondence.

Do I have to participate in the review process?

Yes. Households selected for Quality Control reviews must cooperate with the review to continue receiving SNAP benefits.

Is the interview mandatory?

Yes. A Quality Control interview is a mandatory part of the review process. The interview is similar to the one conducted by the local DHR office and takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on household size and other circumstances.

What will happen to my SNAP case if I don’t cooperate with the review?

Households that do not cooperate with reviews will have their SNAP cases closed and will remain ineligible until they cooperate.

Will you stop the review if I don’t cooperate?

No. Quality Control staff are required to continue the review process, regardless of a household’s cooperation.

How long will I remain ineligible for SNAP if I don’t cooperate with the review?

This sanction will last until the household cooperates with the review process or 125 days after the end of the Quality Control annual review period. The end date of the annual Quality Control review period will be located on a notice from Quality Control.

How can I get SNAP benefits back if I have been sanctioned for not cooperating with the review?

Households must cooperate with the Quality Control review process. If you are unsure what is needed to cooperate, please contact Quality Control for assistance.

How can I learn more about the review process and regulations?

More information is available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/quality-control.

Where are the Quality Control offices located?

The Quality Control offices are located at the following addresses:

State Office of Quality Control
50 N. Ripley St.
Montgomery, AL 36130

Birmingham Regional Office
2001 12th Ave. N.
Birmingham, AL 35234

Mobile Regional Office
2970 Cottage Hill Rd.
Mobile, AL 36606

Photo of groceries

Contact Information

Julia Norrell - Director

Mailing Address
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Office of Quality Control
50 N. Ripley St.
P.O. Box 304000
Montgomery, AL 36130-4000

Navigating SNAP Quality Control: A Guide for SNAP Recipients | Food and Nutrition Service

WARNING: Households that fail to cooperate with Quality Control reviews may have their SNAP cases terminated and future benefits denied. In addition, these cases may be referred to the Investigations and Recovery Unit for willful misrepresentation.