Oklahoma Human Services made an announcement on Monday that approval was made for more counties that were affected by the storms to apply for replacement SNAP benefits, as the reports accounted for a lot of loss of food due to the issue of energy outages from the storms of April 27 and later.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS) approved applications for the replacement of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits, formerly known as “food stamps”) to households in additional counties that were also impacted by the storm.
Beneficiaries can make the request to replace their benefits for the month of April before May 28, as announced.
Other counties that were approved for replacement due to the impact of the storms are:
- Blaine
- Cleveland
- Comanche
- Craig
- Custer
- Johnson
- Kingfisher
- McClain
- Okmulgee
- Osage
- Ottawa
- Pittsburgh
- Pottawatomie
- Tillman
- Wagoner
- Washington
- Washita
The 12 counties that had originally been approved for replacement benefits by USDA-FNS included:
- Carter
- Cotton
- Garfield
- Hughes
- Kay
- Lincoln
- Love
- Murray
- Okfuskee
- Oklahoma
- Payne
- Pontotoc
According to the announcement, about 174,187 people receiving SNAP benefits live in these storm-damaged areas, losing food due to long power outages.
“Our hearts are absolutely broken for our neighbors who have lost their loved ones, their homes and their workplaces in these devastating storms,” said Deb Smith, Oklahoma Human Services Deputy Director and Director of Adult and Family Services. “Our beneficiaries should not have to worry about additional food costs as they recover, and we are deploying every available resource to help. We encourage SNAP families who have been affected to apply for a replacement of their benefits immediately.”
When Will the Extra SNAP Benefits Arrive?
Families that were impacted in the counties and have already been identified must submit the Lost Food Replacement Request form by May 28, 2024.
Oklahoma Human Services also received approval from USDA-FNS to give people a little more time to file their applications, since SNAP clients typically only had 10 days to apply for replacement benefits.
“We are saddened by the devastation of the recent storms in Oklahoma. The additional time for SNAP recipient families to report their food losses will hopefully provide some peace of mind,” said Southwest Regional Administrator Bill Ludwig. “We will continue to work together to provide support as needed.”
For current SNAP recipients: To request replacement SNAP benefits, complete the Lost Food Replacement Request form by May 28, 2024.
For those who are not SNAP beneficiaries, you can apply for SNAP benefits, those who cannot apply online can also call 405-522-5050 to make the application.due, telephone application process.
Existing SNAP recipients who have lost their food benefit card can apply for a replacement card by calling 1-888-328-6551, visiting their local county office or Mobile Office in person, or request it online.
People who receive state benefits, foster care reimbursements, adoption assistance or child support with the Oklahoma debit card Mastercard Those who lost their card as a result of the storms can request a replacement card contacting at: 1-888-401-9843 for non-children’s cards. Support MasterCards, or 1-888-929-2460 for Child Support MasterCards.