The Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services says the number of people applying for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is up 130%, applicants for emergency food stamps has doubled and applicants for regular food stamps has increased by 24%. 

This week, the Division of Welfare opened its doors for the first time since the middle March with some changes.

Sarah Chapple was one of just a few people to show up at this Welfare Office in Carson City on Thursday.

"My EBT card, I lost it. That's the one thing that's not convenient. Having to wait seven to 15 days to get it in the mail," said Chapple. If you need your card immediately, you'll need to get it in person.

Other things you'll may have to come in for include getting questions answered, or dropping off paperwork.

"We've been processing applications online and over the phone," said Deputy Administrator of the Nevada Division of Welfare Elisa Cafferata. Most applications for TANF, SNAP food stamps, medicaid, and emergency food stamps can now be submitted without coming into the office. One of the reasons for this is a change in procedure.

"We worked with our partners to get some flexibility. Before this you had to get a face to face interview to get certain benefits. That has been waived for the last couple of months. So now you can do a whole application online or over the phone," said Cafferata. "Not having to wait in this office for forever to see someone has been a big help," said Chapple.

For Chapple, the supplement from food stamps and Medicaid has made all the difference since she lost her job as a receptionist during the pandemic. "I mean I'm grateful that I have something to rely on, rather than the stress of not having food on our table," said Chapple.

Applicants that come into the office will however now need to wear masks. and will have to answer questions through protective plexiglass. You can also call by phone the Division of Welfare to get questions answered, instead of coming into the office. To apply for Welfare services like Medicaid, TANF, and SNAP food stamps, you can also go to their website.