After the passage of Hurricane MIlton through the United States, with several southern states affected and millions of residents in dozens of counties severely impacted. Many lost their homes and, those who did not, are dealing with problems related to food, as supply chains were cut due to affected roads and electricity and water outages that were interrupted for a few days.
Families receiving SNAP benefits can request the replacement of food purchased with these funds, which were destroyed during this extreme weather event. In the state of Florida, the process has already been defined and the application period is now open for those who want to apply.
What Are SNAP Benefits?
SNAP Helps low-income people have healthy foods. The Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or popularly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides nutritional support to low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other low-income individuals and families.
SNAP is a federal program administered by the Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS) from the Florida Department of Children and Families, which is responsible for determining eligibility using federal guidelines. Eligibility rules and levels of benefits of SNAP They are set, for the most part, at the federal level and are consistent across the country, although states have flexibility to adapt aspects of the program. Individuals must meet all eligibility rules to receive food assistance benefits.
You Can Receive Replacement SNAP Benefits in Recovery From Hurricane Milton
The replacement of the benefits, It is for those who lost food because of the storm. To make your request, you must:
- Be a recipient current of SNAP
- Complete the form no later than October 19, 2024, that is, you have one day left to complete it.
- Provide proof of a power outage of four hours or more or damage that would have caused food loss to your MyACCESS account.
- Households in Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie and Sumter counties must complete the replacement form and upload backup verification of food loss in your MyACCESS portal using another document type. Replacement form, here.
The Department of Children and Families also approved the purchase of hot meals with SNAP EBT benefits during recovery Hurricane Milton in the following counties:
- Hillsborough
- Highlands
- Indian River
- Manatee
- Pasco
- Pinellas
- Sarasota
- Volusia
What Is the Easiest Way to Get Snap Benefits in Florida?
The Department of Children and Families of Florida states that you can apply for assistance only by giving your name, address, and signing your application. However, they encourage people to answer as many questions as they can and sign their application for benefits. SNAP as soon as possible. This allows them to help you faster.
The process begins with the date the Department receives your signed application. It may take 7 to 30 days to process your food assistance application. In expedited cases, you can get benefits food assistance SNAP within seven days. Your answers on the application will decide if your household meets the criteria for expedited food assistance. Accelerated homes must have:
- Gross monthly income less than $150 and liquid assets less than $150;
- Gross monthly income plus liquid assets less than rent or home mortgage plus utility costs; either,
- Be a destitute migrant or seasonal agricultural worker with liquid assets of less than $100.
Those Who Are Not Eligible for Snap if They Break Any of These Rules
- They have convictions for drug trafficking.
- They are fleeing a felony arrest warrant.
- They intentionally break the rules SNAP.
- They are not citizens without qualified status.
- They are students who attend an institution of higher education, at least part-time, in some circumstances.
Homes that have the SNAP Benefits, they can use them to purchase bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meats, fish, poultry, dairy products, and plants and seeds to grow food for family consumption. They cannot be used to purchase non-food items such as pet food, soaps, paper products, household items, toiletries, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, medications, store-bought foods, or hot foods.