SNAP replacement benefits for tornado/power outage victims

FoodSNAP
06/08/11

DTA has just issued guidance to provide food stamp/SNAP benefits to households that lost food due to the June 1st tornadoes and power outages. DTA has been granted a waiver to provide automated replacement benefits to certain households and is implementing existing state policy to respond to individual requests of households affected by the tornado. Here is a link to Operations Memo 2010-20A.

Highlights:

  • All SNAP households who live in Monson, Wilbraham, Brimfield or Brookfield have already automatically received a special allotment of SNAP benefits. The amount depends on their monthly benefit and the date they get their benefits (determined by last digit if SSN). These benefits wer paid as a result of a DTA waiver request filed with FNS on Friday, June 3rd, and promptly approved.
  • SNAP household who live in one of the 19 communities (including the four above) can apply individually for SNAP replacement food benefits. Attachment C identifies the 19 communities which include Springfield, Northampton, West Springfield, Southbridge, Auburn, Chicopee, etc. For now, SNAP households in these 19 areas will need to file with DTA a statement of food loss – Attachment B. The good news is that food loss can be self declared. Because these 19 communities have been identified by MEMA (Mass Emergency Management Agency) as impacted by the tornados and power outages, the SNAP households do NOT need additional verification or confirmation.
  • Any SNAP recipients who lost power but do NOT live in one of the 19 communities can still apply for replacement benefits but will need additional documentation from specific sources (fire department, utility company, Red Cross).

MLRI, the Food Bank of Western Mass and many other organizations are also working with members of our Congressional Delegation to secure a Presidential disaster declaration so that SNAP disaster benefits and other federal resources can flow to the region. Congressman Neal, Senators Kerry and Brown are all involved and we hope there will be an announcement by the end of the week.

Big thanks to DTA and FNS for all their work to provide the replacement benefits, especially on seeking the waiver and allowing a self-declaration for the other communities. Special thanks and our support to the Food Bank of Western Mass, the American Red Cross and all the Coalition partners who are on the front lines of disaster response.