Missouri is stepping into the future with a new way to handle benefit applications, thanks to technology. As more people in Missouri are turning to gig work to earn a living, the state has faced challenges in figuring out who qualifies for programs like SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid.
This is because gig work doesn’t show up in the usual W-2 forms. Instead, self-employed workers often receive payments through apps like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal, which makes it hard to track their income accurately.
Melissa Wolf, who works as the deputy director at the Family Support Division of the Missouri Department of Social Services, explained that in the past, workers had to spend a lot of time with clients, going through screenshots and printouts to figure out their income. This process was slow and not always accurate. “We knew this was a struggle on how to verify that income, but we weren’t sure how to solve it,” Wolf said.
That’s when Steady, a tech company, stepped in with a solution. The company introduced SteadyIQ, a platform that can gather and analyze a user’s financial data, with their permission, and generate an income verification report. This report can then be used to determine whether someone qualifies for state benefits.
SteadyIQ was created by Adam Roseman, a former investment banker, in 2017. Since then, the company has attracted high-profile investors, including former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal. O’Neal joined Missouri officials in Jefferson City for the official launch of the app in 2023.
“Steady brings back a more structured income piece,” Wolf said, describing how the technology helps create a clearer, more accurate picture of a person’s monthly income. “It’s easier on both sides, and it’s more accurate and efficient.”
The results from a pilot program in Missouri in 2023 were impressive. By using SteadyIQ, the Department of Social Services was able to make decisions about cases four days faster. There was also a nearly 25% reduction in the number of cases being rejected due to incorrect or incomplete information. This shows how technology is helping to speed up processes and improve accuracy when it comes to verifying eligibility for benefits.
With the help of SteadyIQ, Missouri has made a big step forward in using technology to make the process of applying for and verifying benefits much easier for everyone involved. This development is a great example of how the state is adapting to meet the needs of residents in an increasingly digital world.
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