DocuSign: Cheaper, Faster Signatures
In our discussions with nonprofits who participate in the State Outreach Plan, one challenge reported by Outreach Managers is obtaining wet signatures from clients after they have completed a phone application. An administrator at a food bank that completes 4000 applications a year shared that printing and mailing can cost an estimated $7.50 per applicant and have a 60% return rate.
In a 2016 memo issued by FNS, Accepting SNAP Applicant and Client Signatures Electronically, guidance was provided on the various types of signatures that would be permissible in states that currently have the waiver to provide an electronic signature. One compliant option listed is a “digitized image of a handwritten signature that is attached to an electronic record.” However, automating manual processes can take time and training and many food banks use postal services to obtain signatures.
DocuSign: 20% Increase on Return
As a nonprofit that assists with SNAP enrollment, we have been using DocuSign to capture signatures for SNAP in a limited pilot for 1 year. Out of 427 clients, we have seen 311 clients return their documents – for a submission rate of 72%.
DocuSign: 3/4ths of clients return documents within 24 hours
In terms of speed, the US Postal Service estimates 2-8 days for delivery times. In the best-case scenario, food banks can expect returned applications in 5 days. Considering most states estimate SNAP approval timeline 30 days from when they receive the application, mailed applications adds additional time to the enrollment process.
Alternatively, see the distribution of mRelief’s return rate below:
An estimated 3/4 of mRelief clients returned SNAP documents on the same day. Integrating DocuSign would allow for food banks and state administrators to deliver benefits on a faster timeline if they integrated DocuSign in place of mail.
Cheaper and Accessible
Not only is DocuSign faster and more effective at getting a response, it is also cheaper. mRelief’s integration with DocuSign to facilitate signed applications costs $5.00 per applicant, which is 33% less than postal mail.
Some may ask: What about those without internet access? Indeed the Pew Research Center has shared that one-third of those who make less than $30,000 a year do not have access to a smartphone. One way we have reached clients without traditional access to the internet is through partnerships with public libraries. Whether it is in our hometown of Chicago or in San Francisco, clients can use the internet at public libraries electronically sign documents. Resources like americanlibrarydirectory.com allow for unlimited searches of libraries near you and a plan if you would like to access an excel file of queries.
Thus, because it’s quicker, cheaper and effective, we are excited to leverage DocuSign to provide faster delivery of SNAP.
