D-SNAP Expansion: These states are now eligible for food stamps benefits after Hurricane Helene
According to Marca, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits to residents in three states in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm, which swept through several areas in late September, left widespread destruction and resulted in the tragic loss of over 200 lives.
Targeted Aid for Affected Households
To assist those impacted by the hurricane, the USDA has announced targeted aid for households facing food insecurity due to this disaster. D-SNAP is specifically designed to provide temporary food assistance to individuals who may not typically qualify for regular SNAP benefits but are experiencing financial hardship as a result of a natural disaster. While regular SNAP, or food stamps, offers ongoing support to low-income households, D-SNAP provides crucial help during crisis situations.
States Eligible for Emergency Food Assistance
According to the USDA, approximately 982,930 households in Georgia, 152,572 in North Carolina, and 54,692 in Tennessee are expected to qualify for this emergency relief. The implementation will occur in phases, with specific application dates set for various regions within these states.
Georgia
In Georgia, the D-SNAP program will be rolled out in four waves:
- October 21 to October 26, 2024: Residents in counties such as Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Evans, Liberty, and Long can apply.
- October 29 to November 4, 2024: Eligible counties include Atkinson, Bacon, Ben Hill, Berrien, Brantley, Brooks, Camden, Charlton, Clinch, Coffee, Colquitt, Cook, Echols, Glynn, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Pierce, Tift, and Ware.
- November 7 to November 14, 2024: Applications will be accepted in counties like Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, and Washington.
- November 18 to November 23, 2024: The final phase will cover counties including Appling, Candler, Emanuel, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, the D-SNAP application period is set for October 18 to October 24, 2024, with eligible counties including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.
Tennessee
Residents in Tennessee can apply from October 21 to October 25, 2024, if they live in counties such as Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington.
Conclusion
The extension of D-SNAP benefits serves as a vital lifeline for those impacted by Hurricane Helene, offering much-needed support during a challenging time. Residents in the eligible states are encouraged to apply during the specified periods to secure assistance.