Many people in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene presently face food insecurity due to the terrors caused by the storm. D-SNAP is a nutrition intervention for providing temporary food assistance following a disaster. The details within this article are about who qualifies to apply for D-SNAP, how to qualify, benefits, and where to apply.
What is D-SNAP?
D-SNAP is short for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a federal program intended to provide food assistance to individuals and families that may be affected in declared disaster areas. It differs from regular SNAP benefits because this benefit is for those who are currently not receiving SNAP and have been impacted by disaster. It makes available short-term funds for food purchases through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Eligibility criteria
Following Hurricane Helene, a person is eligible to receive D-SNAP benefits upon approval in several criteria outlined below.
- Residency: A person should have resided in any area declared a disaster during the period of the hurricane.
- Non-receipt of regular SNAP: A person should not currently be receiving SNAP food benefits.
- Disaster-related losses: A person must experience one or more of the following disaster-related losses, including home or self-employment property damages, loss of food because of power outages or food spoilage, reduction or loss of income due to the disaster and other disaster-related expenses
- Financial eligibility: Households must meet an income test based on net income and resources. Applicants will need to have their household’s net income for August 28 through September 26 and verify all resources that were available on August 28.
Benefits available under D-SNAP
D-SNAP has several key benefits that it intends to utilize in addressing food insecurity at the household level in qualified households:
- Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card: Eligible recipients are issued an EBT card, pre-loaded with money to purchase food at authorized retailers. The amount provided is essentially the maximum SNAP monthly benefit for their household size.
- Nutrition food: EBT cards may replace a wide variety of food items like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread. Still it cannot be applied to non-food items such as alcohol or tobacco products.
- One time payment: D-SNAP benefits are usually provided through one time assistance payment designed to assist the households in meeting immediate nutritional needs subsequent to the disaster.
How to apply for D-SNAP
Application processes for D-SNAP vary among states but follow the general steps outlined below: Determine your eligibility: Before you start the application process, ensure that you meet the conditions named above.
- Ways to apply online: Most states allow applications online through the Department of Children and Families or equivalent.
- Over the phone: You can apply over the phone to your local SNAP office or number given.
- In-person: Some states have on-site applications where residents can go and apply there.
- Required information: Applicants should be prepared to provide the following when applying:
- Social Security number;
- Proof of identity and residence;
- Information about household income and resources;
- Information about disaster-related losses
- Application timeframe: Commonly, after a disaster declaration, the States announce the period to apply. In this case of Hurricane Helene, applicants will need to check local announcements for specific dates and procedures.
D-SNAP is a much-needed lifeline for those struggling to feed their families and themselves in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Being able to understand eligibility criteria, benefits available, and how to apply will help enable residents in this area to be proactive in securing much-needed assistance during this difficult time. If you think that you are eligible for D-SNAP, do not wait; apply now so that you can receive the help you need from this disaster.
