SNAP benefits update: What is D-SNAP?
According to Vibes.okdiarioThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), funded by the USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), plays a critical role in providing food assistance to individuals and families across the United States. An important extension of this program is D-SNAP, or Disaster SNAP, which offers vital food support to those significantly impacted by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods.
D-SNAP is activated when the President declares a major disaster, allowing the FNS to coordinate efforts with state and tribal organizations to assist people facing food insecurity due to these emergencies. Importantly, individuals who may not typically qualify for SNAP benefits could still be eligible for D-SNAP if they experience income loss, property damage, or food spoilage from power outages.
Once approved for D-SNAP, recipients receive funds through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers. For current SNAP beneficiaries, D-SNAP can provide additional food assistance.
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D-SNAP in Georgia
If you have been affected by Hurricane Helene in Georgia, you may qualify for D-SNAP assistance. The program will operate in four phases:
- Phase 3: From November 7, 2024, to November 14, 2024 (excluding November 10 and 11), for residents in counties including Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, and Washington.
- Phase 4: From November 18, 2024, to November 23, 2024, for residents in Appling, Bulloch, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, Jeff Davis, Johnson, Laurens, Montgomery, Tattnall, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler counties.
Note that applications for the first two phases may no longer be accepted as those deadlines have passed.
