After Hurricane Francine, a lot of Americans who were affected were left wondering whether they can get help through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP). If you are among those who were affected by the disaster, getting support via the DSNAP can help replace your lost food items and supplement your nutritional needs. However, before you can get any kind of help from the DSNAP, you need to know who qualifies for this type of emergency food assistance program, and how to apply.
What is DSNAP and how does it work?
DSNAP is a federal relief program designed to help individuals and families who are experiencing food insecurity following natural disasters like hurricanes. If you qualify, DSNAP offers temporary food assistance through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. You can use these benefits to buy groceries at participating stores, just like with regular SNAP benefits.
Current SNAP recipients are generally not eligible for DSNAP. However, some SNAP recipients may qualify for replacement benefits if their food was lost due to power outages or other disaster-related events. DSNAP is reserved for those who are not already receiving SNAP but are impacted by Hurricane Francine.
Who is eligible for DSNAP after hurricane francine?
Eligibility for DSNAP depends on a few factors, but the main criterion is being affected by the disaster. Residents in specific areas impacted by Hurricane Francine are eligible for DSNAP assistance. For Hurricane Francine, DSNAP operations have been approved in the following parishes:
- Ascension
- Assumption
- Lafourche
- St. Charles
- St. James
- St. John the Baptist
- St. Mary
- Terrebonne
If you live in any of these areas and experienced damage to your home or significant loss of income, you may be eligible for DSNAP. Even if you didn’t lose your home, food spoilage from extended power outages could make you eligible for this aid.
How to apply for DSNAP after Hurricane Francine
Applying for DSNAP is a straightforward process, but you must follow the designated schedule. Residents in the approved parishes must apply over the phone through the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 888-524-3578 during the scheduled dates:
- Wednesday, Sept. 25 – Last names A-G
- Thursday, Sept. 26 – Last names H-M
- Friday, Sept. 27 – Last names N-Z
- Monday, Sept. 30 – Open to all
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Open to all
Phone lines will be open from 8am to 6pm. When you call, follow the prompts, and press 6 followed by 1 to speak with a representative. You will need to provide proof of identity, residency in one of the impacted areas, and documentation of disaster-related expenses, such as home repairs or medical bills.
For those who are elderly, disabled, or unable to apply by phone, in-person applications are available at specific DCFS offices within the affected parishes. These locations will help those who cannot call in or need extra assistance to complete their applications.
What to expect after applying
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). If approved, you’ll receive an EBT card in the mail, which can be used for purchasing food at participating stores. Most applicants find out their approval status immediately, but you’ll also receive a confirmation letter by mail.
Replacement benefits for SNAP recipients in affected areas
If you’re already receiving SNAP benefits and were impacted by Hurricane Francine, you may be eligible for replacement benefits rather than DSNAP. Residents in Assumption, Lafourche, St. Mary, and Terrebonne parishes will automatically receive replacement benefits for 40% of their September SNAP allotment. These will be added to your existing EBT card.
If you live in one of the other impacted parishes and experienced food loss from power outages, you can apply for replacement benefits. You’ll need to submit a SNAP 38 form showing proof of your losses, either from power outages lasting more than 24 hours or other storm-related impacts.
Where to get additional help
For SNAP recipients who lost more food than the automatic replacement covers, you can still claim additional benefits. Be sure to submit the SNAP 38 form to the DCFS office or through the online CAFÉ system by Sept. 30. The sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive the benefits you’re entitled to.If you missed the deadline for replacements or need help with the application process, call 1-888-LAHELP-U (1-888-524-3578). You can report your food loss over the phone and receive guidance on what to do next.
