The SNAP program, activated in times of disaster, provides essential food assistance to families affected by damages or losses. This support allows those impacted to access additional funds for replacing food that may have spoiled or been lost due to power outages or other disaster-related disruptions.
To qualify for D-SNAP benefits, applicants must meet specific criteria. First, only individuals who are not currently receiving food assistance through the regular SNAP program can apply for D-SNAP. This eligibility rule ensures that emergency support reaches those who do not have ongoing food assistance and may be facing severe hardship due to the disaster.
Understanding the D-SNAP program
Another essential requirement is that applicants must have been living in a region officially declared a disaster area during hurricanes Helene or Milton. Only residents of the counties directly affected by these hurricanes are eligible, as the program aims to support communities most impacted by these natural disasters. Losses and expenses related to the disaster
Besides the basic eligibility requirements, applicants need to demonstrate a loss or expense directly tied to the disaster to qualify for the program. Here are examples of situations that may qualify:
- Food loss: Individuals who experienced food spoilage due to extended power outages may be eligible. These losses can be particularly challenging, especially when access to fresh food is disrupted.
- Damage to housing or self-employment property: Damage to one’s primary residence or a self-employed workspace that affects income generation may qualify as well. Repairing homes and businesses, which are often costly, adds significant financial strain to families already dealing with the aftermath of a disaster.
- Reduction or loss of income: Households that experienced an income reduction due to the disaster, such as being unable to work or losing a business, can also qualify. Lost wages or business income can disrupt financial stability, leaving families in need of immediate support.
- Additional disaster-related expenses: This may include emergency repairs, temporary housing costs, or any necessary expenses incurred directly due to the disaster. Unexpected costs during recovery can quickly add up, making emergency food support a critical form of relief.
Who can qualify for D-SNAP?
To streamline the process, the Florida Department of Family Services offers multiple ways to apply for D-SNAP. Affected families have the option of applying in person at assistance centers set up in the hardest-hit areas, or they can apply over the phone. This flexibility is crucial in disaster situations where transportation may be difficult, and the local infrastructure may be damaged.
The application process involves providing documentation that proves residence in a disaster-designated area and evidence of disaster-related expenses or losses. This helps ensure that funds are directed to those genuinely affected, offering them a much-needed lifeline.
For your information, Americans who may not qualify for SNAP (Food Stamps) may qualify for Disaster SNAP. This is possible when they lose their income, their property is damaged, the food is lost due to power outages, and relocation expenses.
If you have never collected D-SNAP, you need to know that once you get approval you will receive money through an EBT card. EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
With this D-SNAP EBT card you will be able to buy the food you need in authorized stores or food retailers. Remember that you can only buy SNAP-eligible food items. If you are already receiving SNAP benefits, you may get additional Food Stamps thanks to the D-SNAP program.
Crucial support in times of need
D-SNAP serves as a vital recovery tool for impacted communities. The program provides more than just food; it offers a degree of stability to families during times of immense uncertainty. Qualified families can ease the strain on their budgets while they work to rebuild their lives. By providing prompt and tailored assistance, D-SNAP allows affected individuals to focus on resuming their lives and overcoming the difficulties posed by the disaster.
For those who have faced disruptions to their homes, incomes, and overall stability, programs like D-SNAP mean more than just financial support. They represent a form of reassurance during vulnerable times—a safety net that allows families to start piecing their lives back together.
What is D-SNAP in GA?
If you have been impacted by Hurricane Helene, you may qualify for D-SNAP. In fact, you can apply to receive a one-time benefit to help you buy food. The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will be run in 4 phases.
They will go from Monday, October 21, through Saturday, November 23, 2024. Do not forget that some phases may have already passed. Therefore, you can no longer apply. That is the case with phases 1 and 2.
- Phase 3 will take place from Thursday, November 7, 2024, to Thursday, November 14, 2024, excluding Sunday, November 10, and Monday, November 11, 2024, for the counties of Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, and Washington.
- Phase 4 will occur from Monday, November 18, 2024, to Saturday, November 23, 2024, for the counties of Appling, Bulloch, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler.
Source: Georgia DHS
What is D-SNAP in Florida?
- D-SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who are not already receiving regular SNAP benefits. It is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) in partnership with the USDA.
- To qualify, applicants must have lived in a disaster-declared county at the time of the hurricanes, must have suffered disaster-related losses like home damage, food loss, income loss, or disaster expenses, and must meet financial eligibility requirements.
- D-SNAP is being implemented in phases by county. Pre-registration is required by all applicants either online or by phone. DCF is offering phone interviews to expedite service, and will also host in-person events for those who can’t participate by phone.
- Eligible recipients will receive an EBT card in the mail that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount is intended to meet the household’s food needs in the short-term after the disaster.
- Even those who don’t normally qualify for SNAP may be eligible for D-SNAP if they live in the disaster area and meet the criteria. Regular SNAP recipients may also get a supplement up to the maximum allotment for their household size.
Source: https://www.myflfamilies.com/DSNAP
What is D-SNAP in NC?
- D-SNAP was implemented in 25 western NC counties from Oct. 18-24, 2024 following Hurricane Helene. It provided benefits to people affected by the hurricane who were not already receiving regular SNAP benefits.
- To be eligible, applicants must have lived in a disaster-declared county, suffered losses/damage related to Hurricane Helene, provide proof of identity and residency if available, and meet certain income and resource limits.
- People had to pre-register online or by phone, then complete an interview by phone or in-person. Over 164,000 individuals were approved for D-SNAP benefits in Phase 1.
- D-SNAP benefits are issued on an EBT card that can be used to purchase food at authorized retailers for up to 9 months. The amount is intended to meet short-term food needs after the disaster. A family of four could receive approximately $975.
- Those not eligible for D-SNAP can apply for regular FNS benefits through their county DSS office, or for WIC benefits if pregnant or have young children. Calling 2-1-1 can also connect people to nearby food resources.