Following Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) received approval for a mass replacement waiver for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients affected by storm-related food losses.
This waiver covers residents in select counties who experienced power outages of at least four hours, eliminating the need for individual reporting.
Here’s everything you need to know about this mass replacement waiver, the affected counties, and the deadline updates.
Mass Replacement Waiver: Key Details
The mass replacement waiver simplifies the process for eligible SNAP recipients in affected counties by automatically replacing lost food benefits. Here’s what to know:
- Automatic Replacement: SNAP recipients in qualifying counties do not need to file a separate claim for food replacement.
- Eligible Counties: Only counties severely impacted by power outages are covered. Those not on the list must still file a report by October 25, 2024, if they experienced food losses.
- Power Outage Duration: To qualify, affected areas had power outages lasting at least four hours due to the hurricane.
List of Eligible Counties for SNAP Replacement Waiver
Residents in the following counties will automatically receive SNAP benefits to cover food loss without needing to report it:
- Counties: Wilkes, Wilcox, Wheeler, Wayne, Washington, Warren, Ware, Treutlen, Toombs, Tift, Telfair, Tattnall, Taliaferro, Stephens, Richmond, Rabun, Pierce, Montgomery, McIntosh, McDuffie, Lowndes, Long, Lincoln, Liberty, Laurens, Lanier, Johnson, Jenkins, Jefferson, Jeff Davis, Irwin, Hancock, Glynn, Glascock, Evans, Emanuel, Elbert, Effingham, Echols, Dodge, Columbia, Colquitt, Coffee, Clinch, Chatham, Charlton, Candler, Camden, Burke, Bulloch, Bryan, Brantley, Bleckley, Berrien, Ben Hill, Bacon, Atkinson, Appling.
If your county is not on this list, you still have until October 25, 2024, to submit a replacement request form online.
How to Submit a SNAP Replacement Request if Needed
For counties not covered under the waiver, residents can file for food replacement by completing the request form available online:
- Link to Form: Georgia DHS Food Loss Replacement
FAQs
Who qualifies for the SNAP mass replacement waiver in Georgia?
SNAP recipients in certain counties impacted by power outages from Hurricane Helene qualify.
Do I need to file a report for food replacement?
If you live in a waiver-eligible county, no report is needed. Otherwise, submit a request by October 25.
What is the deadline for requesting a SNAP replacement in Georgia?
The deadline for non-waiver counties is October 25, 2024.
What was the qualifying power outage duration?
Power outages must have lasted at least four hours due to the hurricane.
Where can I submit a SNAP food replacement request?
Requests can be submitted online at the Georgia DHS website.
