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Food Benefits After Disaster

Disaster Relief

This article shows how to get access to food benefits after a disaster.

Here, learn more about D-SNAP, or Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is a disaster assistance program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It provides temporary assistance to help low-income households purchase food in the wake of a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or flood. D-SNAP is designed to be a quick and easy way for eligible households to get financial assistance to buy food after a disaster. It is only available in certain disaster-affected areas and is typically activated by the governor of a state in consultation with the USDA.

What is D-SNAP?

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program offers short-term food help to families in counties that receive a federal disaster declaration. It offers a one-time benefit to help people buy food when they return to their homes and have access to electricity and grocery stores. The amount of D-SNAP is equal to two months of the maximum amount of SNAP benefits, based on household size. Benefits are issued on an electronic benefit transfer card, called a Lone Star Card, which can be used to purchase food at any SNAP-authorized retailer, such as grocery stores or convenience stores. D-SNAP is only available for those who weren’t currently receiving regular SNAP benefits at the time of the disaster.

Source: Texas Department of Health and Human Services Disaster Food Benefits Key Points.

How do I apply for D-SNAP?

    To apply: Call 877-541-7905, dial 2-1-1, or visit Your Texas Benefits.

    SNAP for Hot Food

    Sometimes SNAP program recipients can use the Lone Star card to buy hot food (such as rotisserie chicken) and other prepared foods from the deli section of stores that accept the Lone Star Card.

    Useful Websites

    FEMA, 800-621-3362 (emergency assistance)

    State Bar of Texas, 800-504-7030 (referrals)

    Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, 833-329-8752 (legal help)

    Legal Self-Help Tool for Disaster Survivors

    S-SNAP

    Households with disaster losses whose SNAP benefits are less than the monthly maximum can request a supplement (S-SNAP). The supplement brings their benefits up to the maximum SNAP benefit allowed for their household size. This is to equalize D-SNAP households with SNAP households receiving disaster assistance.

    Lost Cards

    If you lost your Lone Star Card because of Hurricane Harvey, find the closest open office by calling 2-1-1 and select option 2, or call the Lone Star Help Desk 800-777-7328 to have one mailed to you.

    Food and WIC Replacement

    If you lost food you bought with SNAP because of Hurricane Harvey, you can have them replaced. Call 2-1-1 to find the nearest open office and complete Form H1855, Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits. Renew SNAP food benefits at Your Texas Benefits or call 2-1-1 and select option 2. For WIC replacement benefits, call 2-1-1 or 800-942-3678, or go to TexasWIC.org.

    Medicaid Clients

    If you forgot or lost your medication, you can get it replaced if your pharmacist approves. If you are on dialysis and need help finding a provider, call 866.407.ESRD for help.

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  • Legal Self-Help Tool for Disaster Survivors

    Help with disaster-related housing, debt, custody, medical needs, and child custody.