The State of Iowa announces that a Disaster Declaration has been received from the presidency, for individual assistance for five counties that were recently affected by flooding, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced that the new declaration allows for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Disasters (D-SNAP).
The Secretary of Agriculture and former Governor of Iowa, Tom Vilsack, made an announcement where he said that residents of the counties identified so far under the disaster declaration will qualify if they meet some criteria, the programs make use of different qualification rules than a regular SNAP program, eligible residents who do not qualify for SNAP, due to their income, can qualify for the D-SNAP program.
These are the counties that are on the list
- Clay County
- Emmet County
- Lyon County
- Plymouth County
- County of Sioux
Eligible residents are those who:
- Lived in one of the five disaster counties already mentioned in the list above.
- Had storm-related losses including, loss or lack of access to income from the disaster, including reduced, terminated or delayed receipt of income.
- Home or self-employed company repairs that have included supplies paid out of pocket and not reimbursed over the 30 days.
- Expenses for temporary accommodation.
- Qualify based on income and resources between June 16 and July 15.
- Worked in one of the five counties affected by the disaster and experienced some loss of income due to the disaster.
D-SNAP Income Limits
The State of Iowa stated that a household’s net income for the size of its household cannot be greater than the amounts listed below for the following 30-day period: June 16, 2024 to July 15, 2024:
| Household Size | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,085 |
| 2 | $2,514 |
| 3 | $2,942 |
| 4 | $3,380 |
| 5 | $3,845 |
| 6 | $4,308 |
| 7 | $4,738 |
| 8 | $5,165 |
“Disaster-related expenses paid out-of-pocket and not reimbursed during that 30-day period can be subtracted from the household’s net income to be eligible for D-SNAP benefits,” according to the State of Iowa.
Benefits of the D-SNAP program
The State of Iowa comments that residents who are eligible to receive D-Snap benefits will receive food dollars on an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which is equivalent to the maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allowance.
The state commented that D-Snap benefits can be used for food purchases at authorized D-SNAP retailers, such as farmer’s markets and specific online retailers.
To learn more about where SNAP benefits can be availed, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Services website.
Recipients of SNAP Benefits
“SNAP residents who received SNAP benefits in June 2024, were affected by the disaster, and who lived or worked in the counties listed above, can apply for D-SNAP by completing a SNAP Disaster Beneficiary Application. These applications are available in all five boroughs or by calling 877-828-5648,” Iowa state officials said.
Applications can be made in person or by phone by calling 877-828-5648. Residents must present their identity card and prove that they reside in the storm-affected area, as well as their income and expenses related to the disaster.