The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) just recently said that people in some counties that were affected by Hurricane Helene will be able to get disaster-related SNAP assistance, or DSNAP.
Families who lost everything in the hurricane can get quick and easy help through this program, which gives them electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards that can be used to buy food at authorized SNAP retailers. DSS wants to give this help to households that have lost things because of the storm that can’t be replaced.
What is DNSAP, the disaster-specific version of SNAP?
People who need food assistance right away after a natural disaster can get temporary help through DSNAP, a version of SNAP designed for disaster situations. SNAP benefits are given out in the form of reloadable debit cards that can only be used to buy food at stores that accept SNAP.
The program is meant to help families who are having a hard time financially because their homes were damaged, they lost income, or they had to pay extra costs because of the disaster.
Phases of assistance and participating Counties
DSS has planned the rollout of DSNAP to happen in two stages. Residents of certain counties can pre-register and do a phone interview to see if they are eligible. These states are part of the first phase:
- Aiken
- Allendale
- Anderson
- Bamberg
- Barnwell
- Beaufort
- Cherokee
- Hampton
- Laurens
- McCormick
- Saluda
- Spartanburg
- Union
- York
Residents of these areas, which were some of the worst hit by Hurricane Helene, will be able to get this help as long as they meet the requirements.
Requirements to qualify for DSNAP assistance
For households to be eligible for DSNAP, they had to have lived in one of the designated counties during Hurricane Helene and lost something because of the storm. Most of the time, one or more of the following determines eligibility:
- Damage to or destruction of a primary residence
- Loss of income or limited income access due to hurricane-related issues
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the disaster that are unlikely to be reimbursed during the benefit period
It is important to remember that losing food is not enough to get DSNAP. DSS stresses that more losses that can’t be recovered are needed to meet the eligibility requirements.
Next Counties to receive assistance
In addition to the counties that got help in the first phase, DSS has confirmed that DSNAP will also help other parts of the Midlands in later phases. Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland are some of these counties. A larger group of residents will likely get much-needed help from this phased approach as the program continues to roll out.
How to apply for DSNAP assistance
The DSNAP application process is easy to understand. Residents who are eligible can pre-register and then take part in a phone interview to make sure they are eligible. This method allows for quick case reviews, and if approved, families are given a DSNAP debit card that is loaded with the money they need to buy food at stores that are authorized by SNAP.
A vital resource during times of crisis
Families in South Carolina who have lost their main source of income or have had to pay for unexpected costs after Hurricane Helene need the DSNAP program more than anything else.
Families who have been affected by the disaster can get the food they need through SNAP without having to spend money on repairs or other recovery efforts at home.
This project shows that SNAP and DSS are committed to helping South Carolina communities deal with the problems that come after natural disasters. They are providing important help that helps households stay stable and ensure they have food security.
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