SNAP Benefits Update – What is D-SNAP and Who Qualifies for These Payments?

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides emergency food assistance to families affected by natural disasters. Activated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and state governments in times of declared disaster, D-SNAP offers a critical lifeline to families facing hardship due to events like hurricanes, floods, or power outages. The program helps families replace lost food and cover essential food expenses during recovery.

Who Qualifies?

D-SNAP benefits are available to those who meet specific criteria related to residency, financial status, and disaster impact. Unlike regular SNAP benefits, D-SNAP is exclusively for people not currently receiving SNAP assistance, ensuring the program serves those in immediate need. To qualify, applicants must:

• Residency in a Disaster Area: Applicants must have lived in a region officially declared a disaster area during the event, such as hurricanes.
• Disaster-Related Losses: Families must demonstrate losses or expenses directly caused by the disaster. Examples include:
  • Food loss due to extended power outages.
  • Damage to primary residence or self-employed business property.
  • Loss of income from business closures, job loss, or inability to work.
  • Emergency expenses such as temporary housing or repairs.

These criteria help prioritize assistance to those genuinely impacted by the disaster, providing essential support during challenging times.

How to Apply

The application process for D-SNAP is managed by each state’s Department of Family Services, offering flexible options for affected residents to apply.

• Application Methods: Families can apply in person at local disaster assistance centers or by phone, especially useful when transportation is disrupted or infrastructure is damaged.
• Required Documentation: Applicants need to show proof of residency in a disaster-declared area and evidence of disaster-related expenses or losses.

Once approved, beneficiaries receive an EBT card, which works like a debit card to purchase eligible food items from authorized stores. This card helps families access immediate food support while they navigate the path to recovery.

D-SNAP by State

Different states activate D-SNAP according to their specific disaster needs and schedules. Here’s an overview of current D-SNAP programs in three states affected by recent hurricanes.

D-SNAP in Georgia

In Georgia, residents impacted by Hurricane Helene may apply for D-SNAP in one-time benefit phases designed to assist families with food expenses after the storm.

Application Phases:

• Phase 3: November 7–14, 2024 (excluding November 10 and 11) for counties such as Burke, Columbia, and Richmond.
• Phase 4: November 18–23, 2024, covering counties like Appling, Bulloch, and Wayne.

Residents should check phase dates, as previous phases may have closed. Approved applicants will receive funds through an EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers.

D-SNAP in Florida

In Florida, D-SNAP is administered by the Department of Children and Families (DCF) with USDA support, serving those affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Eligible applicants in designated counties must have suffered disaster-related losses and meet financial requirements.

• Pre-Registration: Applicants must pre-register online or by phone and complete a phone interview.
• Benefit Card: Once approved, recipients receive an EBT card for immediate food purchases.

Even those who do not qualify for regular SNAP may be eligible for D-SNAP if they meet the disaster impact criteria, while existing SNAP beneficiaries may receive additional funds.

D-SNAP in North Carolina

North Carolina’s D-SNAP, implemented in 25 western counties impacted by Hurricane Helene, provided short-term benefits for families recovering from disaster.

• Application Requirements: Residents needed to pre-register online or by phone, with over 164,000 individuals approved in Phase 1.
• Benefit Duration: D-SNAP benefits on an EBT card can be used for up to nine months. A family of four, for instance, could receive approximately $975 to cover immediate food needs.

Those ineligible for D-SNAP may explore other food assistance programs, including regular Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) benefits or WIC for families with young children.

Additional Information

For Americans not qualifying for regular SNAP, D-SNAP may still be an option in times of disaster. Approved D-SNAP beneficiaries receive funds via an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, usable at authorized food retailers for SNAP-eligible items. Existing SNAP recipients may qualify for additional support through D-SNAP if they live in an affected area and meet the criteria.

Why D-SNAP Matters

D-SNAP is more than food assistance—it’s a stabilizing resource for families in crisis. By providing targeted financial relief, the program allows affected families to focus on recovery without the added burden of food insecurity. In times of disaster, this assistance is essential in helping communities rebuild, offering a foundation of support that reaches beyond immediate financial aid.

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