South Carolina Counties Eligible for DSNAP Benefits Following Hurricane Helene
According to Vibes.okdiario The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has announced that certain counties affected by Hurricane Helene will be eligible for disaster-related Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance, known as DSNAP. This program provides immediate food support to households that have experienced losses due to the storm, offering Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for use at authorized SNAP retailers.
What is DSNAP?
Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) is a temporary extension of the regular SNAP program, designed to assist households affected by natural disasters. DSNAP offers food assistance through reloadable EBT cards, which can be used exclusively to purchase food at SNAP-approved stores. The goal of the program is to help families cope with the financial burden of damaged homes, lost income, and other storm-related expenses by providing quick access to food assistance.
Phased Assistance and Participating Counties
The DSS is rolling out the DSNAP program in two phases, starting with a list of counties severely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Residents in these counties can pre-register and complete a phone interview to determine eligibility for assistance. The following counties are included in the first phase:
- Aiken
- Allendale
- Anderson
- Bamberg
- Barnwell
- Beaufort
- Cherokee
- Hampton
- Laurens
- McCormick
- Saluda
- Spartanburg
- Union
- York
These areas, particularly hard-hit by the hurricane, will begin to receive DSNAP assistance, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
DSNAP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for DSNAP, households must meet specific criteria:
- They must reside in one of the designated counties during Hurricane Helene.
- They must have suffered disaster-related losses that are not reimbursed by insurance or other aid.
- Eligible losses include:
- Damage to or destruction of the primary residence.
- Loss of income or limited access to income due to the storm.
- Unreimbursed out-of-pocket expenses related to the disaster.
It’s important to note that food loss alone does not qualify for DSNAP assistance. Additional non-reimbursed losses must be present to meet eligibility requirements.
Future Counties to Receive Assistance
In the coming phases, DSS will extend DSNAP benefits to other counties in the Midlands region, including Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland. This phased approach ensures that more residents can receive the critical assistance they need as the program expands.
Also Read – November SNAP Benefits: $431 in Food Stamps Now Available for Eligible Users
How to Apply for DSNAP
The application process for DSNAP is simple and quick. Eligible individuals can pre-register and then take part in a telephone interview to verify their eligibility. If approved, families will receive a DSNAP debit card loaded with benefits that can be used to purchase food at participating SNAP stores.
A Vital Resource for Affected Families
The DSNAP program is a crucial resource for South Carolina residents who have lost access to food or have incurred unexpected expenses due to Hurricane Helene. By offering food assistance through the SNAP program, the state is helping families avoid additional financial strain as they focus on home repairs and recovery efforts.
This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the DSS and SNAP to supporting communities in times of disaster, providing families with the stability and food security they need during difficult times.
