In Georgia, the Department of Human Services has made it easier for people who lost food due to Hurricane Helene.
Those who receive Food Stamps, known as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), have been given more time and a simpler process to request food replacements.
This special relief is meant to help people who lost food because of power outages caused by the storm. Let’s break down what you need to know.
What is SNAP Replacement?
SNAP replacement is a way for people who receive Food Stamps to get food back if they lost it due to an emergency. In this case, power outages from Hurricane Helene led to food spoiling for many households.
Normally, people would need to report the food loss and fill out forms to ask for a replacement. However, Georgia has made it easier for people affected by the storm.
Who Qualifies for SNAP Replacement?
Certain counties in Georgia qualify for a SNAP replacement without needing to report food loss. If you live in one of these counties, you do not need to submit forms.
The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has extended this relief because many people lost food due to power outages that lasted for more than four hours.
List of Eligible Counties
If you live in any of the counties listed below, you qualify for the SNAP replacement waiver. You do not need to submit a claim for food loss. The counties eligible for relief include:
- Wilkes, Wilcox, Wheeler, Wayne, Washington, Warren, Ware, Treutlen, Toombs, Tift, Telfair, Tattnall, Taliaferro, Stephens, Richmond, Rabun, and more.
You can see the full list of eligible counties above. If your county isn’t on the list, you still have until October 25, 2024, to report the food loss and ask for replacements.
When is the Deadline to Report Food Loss for SNAP?
For residents in areas not covered by the special waiver, the deadline to report food loss was October 25, 2024. This means that if you live in a county not included in the list above, you had to file a request for food replacement by this date.
How to Submit Your Request
If you’re eligible for SNAP replacement, you can submit your request online. Visit the Georgia Department of Human Services website to fill out the SNAP replacement form. The link is provided in the source section below.
This measure helps Georgia residents who were affected by Hurricane Helene’s power outages. It aims to make sure low-income families, especially those with children, get the support they need to replace food lost during the storm.
Remember, if your county is on the list, you don’t need to do anything. For others, be sure to submit your request for food replacement by October 25.
