Households that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) in areas impacted by extreme weather events, and that have caused their groceries to be damaged by this, can apply for replacement benefits in most U.S. states where the SNAP program operates.
Such is the case of Missouri, where several counties were affected by heavy rains and flash floods in recent days. Numerous counted were completely flooded and turned into mud pools.
How to Claim Replacement SNAP Benefits
If you’ve lost your SNAP benefits due to flooding or other weather events in Missouri, you can start the process to apply for a replacement by following these steps:
The first thing you should do is, proactively, take the initiative and contact the local SNAP office to report the food loss and damage suffered. The Missouri Division of Social Services, which manages the SNAP benefits program in the state, is the entity in charge of receiving and processing these applications when they are necessary. You can contact them through the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services hotline at 1-855-373-4636.
Following that, gather all the necessary documentation to support your claim. This may include photos of damaged food, flood reports, and any other evidence showing the loss of your benefits. This documentation will help speed up the review and approval process, since the officials will be able to verify that, indeed, the floods damaged your groceries.
Then, complete the SNAP benefit replacement application form. This form is available on the official website of the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services or at local offices. The application can be submitted online through the Missouri customer access portal, known as Missouri Access, available at mydss.mo.gov. You must complete and submit an Online Replacement Request within 10 days of the event.
You may also print the Replacement Request Form and submit it by fax (573) 526-9400 or mail to: Family Support Division, P.O. Box 2700, Jefferson City, MO 65102. SNAP staff will review your case and determine eligibility for replacement benefits. Usually, the case is resolved (positively or negatively) within a few days because these are emergency situations.
Counties Hit by Heavy Rains, Floodings in Missouri
Treloar, a small town in southern Warren County, about 112 miles west of St. Louis, has been severely affected by flash floods. In just 90 minutes, 15 centimeters of rain fell, transforming the Kochs Creek and the Stuecken Branch into rushing rivers, according to residents.
The impact of the flooding has been devastating. Many homes and businesses have suffered significant damage, trees have been downed along the Katy Trail, and the area is covered in mud. Although no injuries were reported as of Wednesday, residents are scarred by how quickly the water rose.
Dave Bakameyer, owner of Treloar Garage, commented, ”I grew up in this area and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen so much water come to Treloar like that.” According to Gage DeCoster, a local mechanic, “He went from no water to knee-deep in about 30 seconds.” The waters swept away cars and a propane tank, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
In the counties of St. Louis, St. Charles and Jefferson, torrential rains have caused widespread flooding. From Monday evening to Tuesday afternoon, some areas received up to 15 centimeters of rain. This has affected traffic on numerous roads and highways, and many photos and videos have been shared on social networks showing the magnitude of the floods.
Attention SNAP Beneficiaries in Branson and Surrounding Areas
In Branson, heavy rains of up to 18 centimeters fell on Wednesday, damaging several roads, and some homes could be affected by the excess water, including residences of low-income families receiving SNAP benefits.
Branson Fire Department Chief Ted Martin reported that the rain did not significantly affect Table Rock Lake or the dam’s flow to Lake Taneycomo. However, flooding has caused damage to Fall Creek Road, Lake Shore Drive and Silver Creek Road.