Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in 22 counties across Oregon, including Douglas County and 21 others, now have more time to ask for replacement benefits for food that was lost during the big storm on November 19 and 20.
This extension was approved by the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), giving people who are affected until December 18 to send in their claims.
You can ask for reimbursement equal to the value of the damaged food if you used SNAP benefits to buy food and then lost it because of the strong winds and rain that knocked out power to more than 25,000 homes. The goal of this project is to help families who had trouble getting essential supplies because of the storm.
Who is eligible to request SNAP benefit replacements?
With permission from the federal government, the ODHS made the window longer from 10 days to 30 days. This change is meant to reflect the heavy damage the storm did to households and give those who need it enough time to get the help that is available.
How to request benefit replacements
If you need to get food that you lost in the storm, send your claim to the ODHS by December 18 by following these steps:
- Estimate the cost of lost food: While receipts are not required, providing an approximate total of the SNAP-purchased food that was damaged or discarded will be helpful.
- Contact the ODHS: Reach out to your local office or use the official channels designated for these requests. Staff members are available to guide you through the process.
- Complete the necessary form: Submitting the official form is essential to initiate your claim. If you have questions or need help, ODHS representatives can assist in filling it out correctly.
Acting promptly is crucial to ensure your request is processed within the extended deadline.
22 counties affected by the storm
The November storm, marked by heavy rain and powerful wind gusts, left thousands of households without power, leading to the spoilage of food stored in refrigerators and freezers.
Among the hardest-hit counties were Douglas, Lane, and Marion, along with others experiencing significant service disruptions.
The ODHS’s response is aimed at easing the economic burden on families relying on SNAP benefits, a vital resource for those dealing with food insecurity.
By addressing the losses caused by the storm, the program underscores its role in supporting vulnerable communities during emergencies.
Key points about food replacement benefits
The replacement of SNAP benefits is not automatic; each recipient must actively apply for reimbursement. Here are some essential details to keep in mind:
- Extended deadline: The new deadline to submit claims is December 18.
- Documentation requirements: While receipts are not mandatory, providing a detailed estimate of the lost food will help streamline the process.
- Eligibility criteria: If your food was damaged due to power outages or other storm-related conditions, you are eligible to apply.
Why this extension matters
SNAP is a very important part of making sure that thousands of families in Oregon always have food. When there are emergencies, like the recent storm, being able to change program deadlines can help people who need extra help a lot.
By giving disaster victims more time to ask for benefit replacements, the ODHS recognises the logistical problems they face and makes sure they have a fair chance to get some of their resources back.
This measure not only helps right away, but it also makes it easier for families to get back on their feet after something unexpected happens.
If the storm in Oregon caused you to lose food that you bought with SNAP benefits, it’s now easier than ever to ask for a replacement. You have a better chance of getting the help you need during this tough time if you act quickly.
You can find out more by going to the ODHS website or calling their offices. Remember that this help is meant to ease the problems that the storm has caused and make sure that the most vulnerable families have food.
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