Florida SNAP Replacement Guide: What You Need to Do After Hurricane Milton

If you live in Florida and your food stamps (SNAP) benefits were affected by Hurricane Milton, you may be able to replace the food you lost. The Florida Department of Children and Families is offering relief for people who lost food because of power outages. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how to apply for SNAP replacement in Florida.

Who Can Apply for SNAP Replacement?

To be eligible for SNAP replacement in Florida, you need to meet the following conditions:

1. You must still be receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps).
2. Your home must have experienced a power outage that lasted at least 4 hours, causing your food to spoil.

When Is the Deadline to Apply?

You need to apply before October 19, 2024, if you want to replace your lost SNAP benefits. Make sure to check your eligibility and submit your application on time.

How to Apply for SNAP Replacement

If you are in Florida and qualify for SNAP replacement, follow these steps:

1. Check Your SNAP Status: Confirm that you are still receiving SNAP benefits.
2. Fill Out the Form: Visit the Florida Department of Children and Families’ website and complete the replacement form.
3. Provide Proof of Power Outage: You must show proof that your home experienced a power outage for at least 4 hours. This is important to demonstrate that the outage caused food to spoil.
4. Submit Your Proof: For those in certain counties, submit your proof of food loss to the MyAccess portal. Be sure to set the file type to “Other.”

Counties Affected by Hurricane Milton

If you live in these counties, you can apply for SNAP replacement by filling out the online form and uploading your proof of lost food:

• Affected Counties for SNAP Replacement: Brevard, Clay, Duval, Glades, Hendry, Indian River, Marion, Martin, Okeechobee, Orange, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter
• Counties for Hot Food Assistance: Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, and Volusia counties may be eligible for hot food after Hurricane Milton.

If you live in one of the affected counties, don’t worry about language barriers. You can apply for SNAP benefits in Spanish if needed. If you lost food due to Hurricane Milton, you can apply for SNAP replacement in Florida. Be sure to apply by the October 19 deadline, provide proof of the power outage, and submit the necessary documents. By following these steps, you can get the help you need to replace your food stamps.