The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits for Virginia residents affected by Hurricane Helene.
With this approval, families impacted by the storm can access crucial funds to purchase food and avoid food insecurity. Here’s everything you need to know, including eligibility, deadlines, and how to apply.
What Is D-SNAP?
D-SNAP is designed to provide temporary food assistance to households recovering from natural disasters. Unlike traditional SNAP, D-SNAP is tailored for disaster relief and includes broader eligibility criteria.
It’s a lifeline for individuals who don’t typically qualify for Food Stamps but face sudden financial hardships due to a disaster.
Eligibility for D-SNAP
To qualify for D-SNAP, households must meet specific disaster-related criteria set by the USDA, including:
- Disaster-related expenses: Costs such as home repairs, temporary housing, evacuation expenses, or disaster-related injury costs can make you eligible.
- Disaster income limits: These limits are determined based on the household’s size and available resources after disaster-related expenses are deducted.
Virginia residents in the nine eligible counties (listed below) who suffered food losses or unexpected expenses because of Hurricane Helene may qualify.
Eligible Virginia Counties
Residents in the following counties are eligible to apply for D-SNAP benefits:
- Wythe
- Wise
- Washington
- Tazewell
- Smyth
- Scott
- Grayson
- Carroll
- Bland
Applicants must live in one of these counties and demonstrate disaster-related need to qualify for the program.
Application Deadline
Eligible Virginians must apply for D-SNAP in person by November 22, 2024. After this date, applications will no longer be accepted. To apply, visit a designated D-SNAP assistance center in your area.
What Benefits Will You Receive?
Approved households will receive one month’s worth of benefits equivalent to the maximum SNAP allotment for their household size. For example:
- A family of four will receive $973 for the month.
These funds can be used to purchase groceries at authorized stores, including a special waiver allowing:
- Hot meals: Hot prepared foods or takeout meals from eligible stores or restaurants.
- Power outage food loss: A waiver has been granted for the 10-day reporting rule for food lost due to extended power outages.
The hot meals waiver expires December 10, 2024, so recipients should plan their purchases accordingly.
Why Apply Now?
With over 22,858 households estimated to be eligible, the relief funds can make a huge difference in ensuring families have access to meals during recovery. Missing the application deadline means forfeiting this critical aid, so it’s essential to act quickly.
