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This year, the DTA launched a new centralized system for processing applications that it says should get people through the process faster. But Stephany, the union spokesman, said that so far it's causing more delays, and likely leading to people unfairly having their benefits dropped."We're certainly seeing a backlog of tens of thousands of documents every day within the system, which has an effect on how quickly eligibility and recertifications can be processed," he said. "At the end of the day, if those documents aren't acted on in a timely manner, the cases have to be closed by federal law."The problems in Massachusetts haven't deterred other states from pursuing similar reforms. Both Maine and Georgia began requiring photos for SNAP cards this year, and at least a dozen other states are considering doing the same. In other places, state lawmakers have proposed requiring SNAP applicants to pass drug tests. The USDA barred one such law from taking effect in Georgia, but some members of Congress are now trying to change federal law to allow it.It's not at all clear that the policies are financial winners. A Florida program requiring recipients of cash aid get drug tested—which operated for only a few months before it was shut down—reduced benefit pay-outs by only $40,480, while costing the state $246,050.As for Melo, she figures if her SNAP denial letter ever shows up she'll decide whether she can appeal the decision. Her doctor has warned her to try to avoid stress, so she's trying not to think too much about the growing tower of bills on her counter. And she and her husband are still trying to figure out how to make Christmas happen for their kids. Their 16-year-old daughter told them all she wants is the payment for her drivers' ed class, and even their 13-year-year-old son has said he doesn't need much."They're smart enough," Melo said. "They know that things are tough. Things aren't going good here."Her doctor has warned her to try to avoid stress, so she's trying not to think too much about the growing tower of bills on her counter.