How to Apply for D‐SNAP

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1Starting D-SNAP Benefits

2Getting FEMA Assistance

3Using Supplemental SNAP

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Tips and Warnings

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References

When a natural disaster hits, you may not know where to turn or how to start picking up the pieces. The US government offers several different programs to help Americans get back on their feet in the aftermath of a natural disaster. One of these programs is the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). You must apply for D-SNAP in conjunction with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. If you are already a SNAP client, you cannot get D-SNAP. However, you may be eligible for Supplemental SNAP.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Starting D-SNAP Benefits

1. 
   1
   Confirm D-SNAP has been activated in your area. D-SNAP benefits are only activated if the president declares your location a national disaster area for individual assistance. Even after the declaration, the state still has to complete preliminary disaster assessments and stabilize the situation on the ground to the point that application locations can be supported.

   • For example, if your entire area is without power, D-SNAP would not be activated until power was at least partially restored.
   • The state must also request and receive federal approval to activate D-SNAP.
2. 
   2
   Gather documentation of the disaster. Write down the date of the disaster. You will also need to be able to show government workers that you lived or worked in one of the affected areas. In addition, you must be able to show that at least one of the following things happened to you because of the disaster:

   • Your home or business was damaged;
   • You lost income (or will lose income);
   • You have disaster-related expenses, such as home repairs;
   • Your bank is closed due to the disaster; or
   • Your food is damaged or spoiled due to the disaster itself or to power outages.
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3. 
   3
   Demonstrate that your finances are low enough to qualify for benefits. Government workers look at the total take-home income you expect to receive in the month of the disaster and add money in bank accounts that you can use during that time. Then they'll subtract any money you've already spent on disaster-related expenses, such as temporary shelter. The final amount is compared to a threshold figure, which varies depending on the number of people in your household.

   • For example, if you are married with 2 children, there are 4 people in your household. According to the 2018 income eligibility standards, you can get benefits as long as your household income (after the subtraction of disaster-related expenses) is $2,755. The maximum benefits available for a 4-person household are $640, as of 2018.
   • Your liquid assets are also included when determining your financial eligibility. This would typically include money in a bank account that you can easily access.
   • Because of the impact of natural disasters, D-SNAP benefits use different financial criteria than regular SNAP benefits. Even if you don't qualify for SNAP, you may qualify for D-SNAP depending on your situation.
4. 
   4
   Complete a D-SNAP application. The D-SNAP application requires information about yourself, your household, and the damages you suffered as a result of the natural disaster. Answer all the questions as completely and honestly as you can.

   • Gather receipts to provide exact amounts when listing your disaster-related expenses on the application. Avoid making general estimates. Any incorrect or inaccurate information on your application could result in a denial of benefits. You may also have to pay back any benefits you were already awarded.
5. 
   5
   Receive and activate your EBT card. Because of the difficulty of efficient mail delivery in the aftermath of a natural disaster, EBT cards typically are issued on site immediately after your benefits are approved. Your EBT card may have a pre-assigned PIN or you may have to create one yourself.

   • Once activated, your EBT card can be used to purchase food at any local grocery or convenience stores that are open for business. Benefits typically show up on the card within 48 hours after the card is issued.

   Tip: Before D-SNAP benefits are made available, state officials must determine that there are enough local food retailers to meet the needs of D-SNAP clients.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting FEMA Assistance

1. 
   1
   Contact your insurance company. If you have homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, or auto insurance that covers damage to your property, call and file a claim before you register for FEMA assistance. Your insurance company will likely be able to process your claim more quickly.

   • FEMA also requires that you file a claim with your insurance company before registering. When you call to register, one of the first questions they'll ask you is if you've filed a claim with your insurance company.

   Tip: Write down your policy numbers and the name of the insurance agent handling your claim. You'll need to provide this information to FEMA when you register.
2. 
   2
   Gather information about the damage to your property. Make a list of the specific damages to your property along with the type of property that was damaged. You will need to provide a brief description to FEMA when you register. You may also want to take pictures of the damage.

   • Do not return to your property to assess the damage if it isn't safe to do so. If roads are blocked or flooded, wait until you have safe access to the property. You can still register with FEMA even if you don't have this information.
3. 
   3
   Register with FEMA. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) to register. If you are hearing impaired, use the TTY number 1-800-462-7585. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day. You will need to give the operator your Social Security number, current mailing address, current phone number, and address of the damaged property.

   • You can also apply for assistance from a smartphone at m.fema.gov.

   Tip: Once it's safe to do so, FEMA will set up disaster recovery centers in your area. You can also go there to register in person.
4. 
   4
   Show up for the housing inspection. A FEMA-contracted housing inspector will call you to set up an appointment to inspect the damage to your property. It may be a few weeks before this can happen, depending on the condition of the roads and the resources in your area. You must be present during the housing inspection.

   • Make sure your home or mailbox number is clearly visible from the road so the inspector can find your property.
   • You must show the inspector a valid, government-issued photo ID. Additionally, if you own the home you'll need to show a tax bill, deed, or other official document with the address of your home to prove ownership. If you rent, you can show a lease, rent payment receipt, utility bill, or other document with your name and address to show that the home was your primary residence.
5. 
   5
   Update your information with FEMA as needed. You won't get a grant from FEMA if they can't reach you. After a disaster, your contact information may be in a state of flux. Call FEMA any time your address or phone number changes to give them updated information.

   • FEMA will typically need to talk to you several times before making a final decision on your application for benefits. Always provide updated information, even if you know it's only temporary.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Supplemental SNAP

1. 
   1
   Find out if you can get replacement benefits. Any food purchased with SNAP benefits that was damaged or spoiled due to a disaster can be replaced. The total amount of replacement benefits you claim can't be more than the amount of your monthly benefit. You must make your claim within 10 days of the loss.

   • A federal or state disaster declaration is not necessary to get replacement benefits.
2. 
   2
   Contact your local SNAP office to request supplemental benefits. In the aftermath of a disaster, your local SNAP office will have information on any additional benefits that may be available to you. If the local phone number you have isn't working, call the state hotline.

   • If you don't know your state's hotline, go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-informationhotline-numbers.
   • Supplemental SNAP benefits will temporarily raise your benefit amount up to the maximum allowed for your household size. This larger benefit amount is only available for one month following the disaster.
3. 
   3
   Complete an Affidavit of Disaster Loss. An affidavit detailing the losses you suffered as a result of the disaster must accompany any claim for additional benefits. Affidavit forms are available at your local SNAP office. An affidavit is required if you are requesting either Supplemental SNAP or Replacement SNAP benefits.

   • Depending on the extent of the disaster, you may also need to provide the name, address, and phone number of someone with knowledge of your situation so the agency can verify your loss.
4. 
   4
   Wait for your EBT balance to be updated with your additional benefits. Depending on the SNAP department's benefit release schedule, you may receive additional benefits as soon as 2 days after they are approved. You may also need to wait a few weeks, or until your regular monthly release date, for your balance to be updated.

   • When you apply for additional benefits, the SNAP worker who processes your application will let you know how soon those benefits will be available. They will also give you information about additional assistance programs that may help you.

   In the event of a natural disaster, some SNAP departments elect to temporarily cancel the staggered schedule through which benefits are released. If that happens, you may also get your regular SNAP benefits earlier than you normally do.

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Tips

• Before disaster assistance begins, your state agency will announce locations where you can apply for benefits, as well as the days and hours of operation for those locations. This information is typically released through local media.
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• Call your state's SNAP hotline for additional information about benefits. Go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-informationhotline-numbers to find the right number for your state.
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