USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), gives food assistance or D-SNAP benefits to Americans who have suffered the negative consequences of an emergency situation or natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes or floods among other things.
In order to send a faster reply to eligible D-SNAP recipients, the FNS coordinates with each State, territory, tribal, or voluntary organization in the United States.
Where is the FNS giving D-SNAP or disaster nutrition assistance?
Currently, the Food and Nutrition Service is giving support to Americans in California, Iowa, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Vermont. Check the full map at their official website: https://www.fns.usda.gov/da/disaster-assistance.
The maximum D-SNAP allotment in the 48 contiguous States and the District of Columbia is $291 for a household size of 1. If you are a 2-member family, you can receive up to $535.
A family of 3 can receive up to $766 from the FNS on Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Four-member families can receive up to $973 and up to $1,155 if you are 5. The largest Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment will be for those who have a family of 8 since it can be up to $1,751.
D-SNAP eligibility
As a matter of fact, state agencies can simply calculate eligibility using the Disaster Standard Expense Deduction. This includes food loss. If you meet the income limits and other criteria, you may qualify for D-SNAP.
New Mexico will have an extension of D-SNAP after natural disasters in certain areas (Rio Arriba and San Juan). The application process will be from August 12-19, 2024. Some households may even qualify for this D-SNAP support even if they do not normally qualify for the Food Stamps program.
In general, you must live and work in the area where you claim Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. If you also meet all the eligibility criteria for Disaster Food Stamp benefits, you could take advantage of this FNS food assistance.