48 Hours Left To Request SNAP Replacement In Florida: Know Eligibility & Process

If you are a SNAP recipient in Florida and have experienced food loss due to Hurricane Milton, there’s still time to request a replacement for your food stamps benefits.

However, you only have 48 hours left to take action, with the deadline set for October 19, 2024. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.

How to Request SNAP Replacement in Florida

If you are a current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipient and lost food due to power outages or other damages from Hurricane Milton, you may be eligible for a replacement of your benefits. Follow these steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Verify Eligibility: Make sure you are currently enrolled as a SNAP recipient. If your benefits have expired, you will not be eligible for the replacement.
2. Complete the Form by October 19, 2024: You need to submit the SNAP replacement form within the next 48 hours to ensure you receive the benefit. Visit the official MyACCESS Account or click here to access the form.
3. Confirm Food Loss Due to Power Outage: Ensure your household can verify that there was a power outage of at least 4 hours, which led to food spoilage. You will need to provide this information on your MyACCESS account when applying.

Exception: Counties with Automatic Qualification

The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) has made an exception for certain counties. If you live in any of the following counties, your request may be automatically processed, simplifying the replacement procedure:

• Charlotte
• Citrus
• Collier
• Desoto
• Flagler
• Hardee
• Hernando
• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Lake
• Lee
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Polk
• Putnam
• Sarasota
• Volusia

Residents in these counties may not need to submit additional verification, but it is still recommended to follow the replacement process to ensure there are no issues.

What to Do If You Receive SNAP in Other Counties

If you live outside the counties listed above, particularly in these areas, you need to take an extra step:

• Brevard
• Clay
• Duval
• Glades
• Hendry
• Indian River
• Marion
• Martin
• Okeechobee
• Orange
• Seminole
• St. Johns
• St. Lucie
• Sumter

Additional Steps:

1. Complete the Online Replacement Form: Log in to your MyACCESS Portal and fill out the replacement request form.
2. Upload Verification Documents: After completing the form, you must upload proof of your food loss. Use the document type “Other” when submitting these files.
3. Use the MyACCESS Portal: Make sure to follow all the prompts to ensure your application is complete and verified.

Note: If English is not your primary language, you can also apply for the SNAP replacement in Spanish, ensuring the process is accessible to a wider range of residents.

Eligibility for Hot Foods After Hurricane Milton

In response to Hurricane Milton, the Florida DCF is also allowing some residents to purchase hot, prepared foods with their SNAP benefits. Typically, SNAP benefits do not cover hot foods, but a temporary exception has been made for the following counties:

• Highlands
• Hillsborough
• Indian River
• Manatee
• Pasco
• Pinellas
• Sarasota
• Volusia

If you live in one of these areas, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy hot meals, which can be a crucial resource if you are dealing with power outages or limited cooking facilities.

How to Apply for SNAP Replacement

To apply for the replacement of your SNAP benefits, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) website at https://www.myflfamilies.com/milton.

Follow the on-screen instructions to fill out the replacement request form and submit any necessary verification documents.

Important Tips:

• Submit Your Request Quickly: The deadline is October 19, 2024, so make sure you complete your request before this date.
• Verify Your Information: Double-check your application and documents to avoid delays in processing.
• Check for Automatic Eligibility: If you live in one of the counties listed for automatic processing, you may not need to upload additional verification, but stay informed by checking your MyACCESS account.

Hurricane Milton has caused disruptions across Florida, and many families may have lost essential food supplies due to power outages.

The SNAP replacement program provides an opportunity to recoup those losses, but time is running out. With the October 19 deadline quickly approaching, make sure you complete your application and upload any necessary documents to ensure you receive your replacement benefits.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or need help completing the form, reach out to the Florida Department of Children and Families through their official website or visit your local SNAP office.

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