Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Frank Rabauliman said his department is doing everything it can to resolve technical problems that have delayed the distribution of November Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, with hundreds of recipients still waiting for their food assistance.
In an interview with Marianas Press Friday, Nov. 13, Rabauliman said close to 2,000 recipients had been affected by the delays at the beginning of the week, but estimated that as many as half have since received their benefits or had their cases addressed.
"We're getting there," he said, adding that NAP personnel and off-island contractors are working to correct glitches in the electronic benefit transfer system.
Rabauliman explained that the delays stemmed from problems reverting NAP benefits to their regular amounts following the expiration of additional disaster-related assistance—or DNAP—at the end of October.
These included maximum allotments, additional benefits, and a 20% increase provided following the disaster.
The additional assistance was supposed to expire at the end of October, but the EBT system failed to automatically revert to the regular benefit amounts.
Rabauliman said the programming problems could have resulted in the continued issuance of additional benefits that were no longer authorized, potentially creating a substantial financial obligation for the CNMI government.
The problem was detected before that could happen, but correcting the system has delayed the distribution of regular November benefits.
He said NAP administrators are working closely with the off-island contractors responsible for the EBT system to resolve the technical problems.
Complicating matters are recipients undergoing benefit renewals, which require updated information and the usual review of their eligibility before assistance can be issued.
Rabauliman did not provide a definite date for completing the distribution of delayed benefits but assured recipients that the department is working to resolve the situation.
"I appreciate your patience, and we're working tirelessly trying to address this hiccup," he said.
In an earlier press release, DCCA-NAP warned recipients that the issuance of November 2026 benefits could be delayed.
The program said it was consulting with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the situation and that additional information would be provided once a new memorandum of understanding between the CNMI and the federal agency was finalized.
NAP acknowledged the importance of timely assistance to families who rely on the program and pledged to minimize the impact of the delays.
Rabauliman also asked recipients to recognize that the EBT system, which replaced the previous voucher system, has improved convenience despite the technical difficulties.
He reiterated that the department is committed to ensuring eligible recipients receive their benefits.
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