State closing local assistance office

The Office of Public Assistance (OPA) in Thompson Falls is closing next month.

This week, the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials announced the Thompson Falls Field Office of Public Assistance will close next month. The office’s four employees were notified in writing last week that the office will close Jan. 16.

The office provides assistance with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF cash assistance), and Medicaid healthcare coverage.

The Thompson Falls Field Office is one of 19 closing across the state due to recently announced funding reductions that were finalized following the recent Legislative Special Session.

The OPA office closures are part of the $49 million in funding reductions to the DPHHS budget and represent about half of the total $76 million cut to all state agencies. Prior to the session, DPHHS was facing a $100 million funding reduction. However, that amount was reduced to $49 million when Governor Bullock and the Legislature came to an agreement to balance the state’s budget during the session using a combination of cuts, transfers and other legislation.

The other offices affected by the cuts are located in Big Timber, Chinook, Choteau, Columbus, Conrad, Cut Bank, Deer Lodge, Dillon, Forsyth, Fort Benton, Glendive, Livingston, Malta, Red Lodge, Shelby, Sidney, Plentywood and Roundup.

“During this transition, DPHHS is committed to working with all communities impacted by the office closures,” DPHHS Director Hogan said. “Our agency is committed to serving Montanans, and we pledge to maintain an open dialogue with the communities during this transition time. We will do everything we can to minimize the impact as much as possible. This includes sharing information with local officials, clients, and community partners about the multiple ways individuals can apply for benefits.”

Montanans can submit an application or manage their existing case by going online to apply.mt.gov.

The Public Assistance Helpline is also staffed by knowledgeable eligibility workers for clients to call at 1-888-706-1535 and receive assistance. For more information, visit http://www.dphhs.mt.gov.