I've been getting food stamps for a number of years. I've never ever had to be interviewed, neither on the phone nor in person. I fill out that form and report my income. They don't even ask for a copy of my social security benefit letter. They have access to that information. (The state computers talk to the federal government computers.) So I'm surprised that you're getting all this hassle.

I believe states differ in how they handle things. I'm wondering if you are living in one of those states that begrudge providing any benefits to anyone - like maybe in the South.