SNAP Benefit Increase for Texas Storm Victims – How to Apply

After a period of severe weather in Texas, the state is beginning to recover from the extensive damage. The storms, which began on Thursday, May 16, caused significant property damage, flooding, downed trees, power outages, and other secondary effects. Tragically, four people have died as a direct result of the storms.

Currently, more than 100,000 households and businesses remain without power, and the total damage is still being assessed. It will take time to fully understand the extent of the destruction caused by these storms.

Assistance for Affected Residents

One vital form of assistance for residents impacted by the storms is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This program is especially valuable for those who have lost power or experienced flooding, leading to the loss of perishable food and pantry items. In such extreme weather conditions, residents often rely heavily on SNAP benefits to help rebuild their lives. Eligible claimants in Texas can apply for replacement benefits for food purchased with their SNAP electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card that was lost due to the storms.

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Governor’s Statement

Governor Greg Abbott addressed the affected residents, encouraging them to use available resources to recover and rebuild:

“Due to recent severe weather and flooding that devastated communities across our state, impacted Texans will be able to apply for SNAP replacement benefits for food that was lost or destroyed during these devastating storms. Eligible Texans can apply for these benefits by dialing 2-1-1. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for working with our federal partners to ensure Texans have the resources they need to recover and move forward from these storms.”

Eligibility and Application Process

Only residents in the path of destruction are eligible for replacement benefits. The affected counties include:

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• Austin
• Chambers
• Colorado
• Harris
• Liberty
• Montgomery
• Polk
• San Jacinto
• Trinity
• Walker
• Waller

Residents in these areas must contact the program and prove the damages to their property that impacted their food supply.

How to Apply

Applications can be processed via phone, mail, or fax:

1. By Phone: Call 2-1-1 and select option two.
2. By Mail: Download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits) and mail it to:
   • Texas Health and Human Services Commission
   • P.O. Box 149027
   • Austin, TX 78714-9027
3. By Fax: Fax the completed form to 877-447-2839.

Information Needed for Claims

Claimants must provide accurate information, including the value of the lost or destroyed groceries and their monthly SNAP benefits. Although SNAP typically has a 10-day limit for applying after discovering lost groceries, the U.S. Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has waived this limit due to the severity of the situation. However, it is advisable to submit claims promptly to avoid additional financial hardship.

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For Those Outside the Designated Counties

Residents affected by the storms but outside the designated counties can still apply for replacement benefits, but must do so in person at a local benefits office within the usual 10-day limit.

Receiving Replacement Funds

Claimants will receive their replacement funds on their Lone Star Cards within two days of approval.

In the wake of severe weather, Texas residents are encouraged to utilize SNAP replacement benefits to help recover from the loss of food supplies. Prompt application and accurate reporting are crucial for receiving timely assistance. By leveraging these benefits, impacted Texans can better navigate the challenges posed by these devastating storms.

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