Disaster SNAP Program benefits available for sixteen counties affected by the Summer Storm (Derecho)

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs

 For more information contact: Marsha A. Dadisman, Director

Office of Communications and Legislative Affairs

Phone:  (304) 558-7899, Email:  marsha.a.dadisman@wv.gov                 

November 20, 2012

For immediate release

 

Disaster SNAP Program benefits available for sixteen counties affected by the Summer Storm (Derecho)

DHHR will accept applications beginning November 26 through December 2, 2012 in the affected counties.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WV DHHR) announced today that residents who lived in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Greenbrier, Jackson, Lincoln, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, McDowell, Pocahontas, Roane, Tyler, Webster and Wood counties during the June 29 storm may be eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the WV DHHR have approved D-SNAP benefits for storm-affected residents of these counties.

Residents of affected counties who would not be eligible under the regular SNAP rules may qualify temporarily if: 

·         they did not have access to their money in checking or savings accounts,

·         they had un-reimbursed disaster-related expenses, or

·         they had a loss or reduction of income as a result of the disaster. 

Some residents who currently receive SNAP may be eligible for supplemental benefits.  A supplement will automatically be added to the EBT card of current SNAP recipients who requested a replacement of June benefits. If you did not request a replacement for June benefits, you must complete an affidavit for supplemental benefits.  Affidavits are available at local DHHR offices, on-line, or by calling 1-877-716-1212.  Current recipients who received the maximum benefit for their household are not eligible for supplemental benefits.

Applicants must bring the following with them to their local DHHR office:

·         photo proof of identity such as a driver’s license or other picture ID,

·         documentation of residence in the affected county at the time of disaster,

·         verification of all income received during June 29, 2012 – July 28, 2012,

·         verification of assets such as checking and savings accounts,

·         verification of all disaster related expenses. 

Eligibility will be determined based on the household net income.

Most benefits will be available within one day of the date of application.  D-SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food for human consumption, but cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco or non-food items.  Benefits must be used within 120 days.  Persons who purposely provide false information on a D-SNAP application may be denied benefits and legal action may be taken.

 

All D-SNAP applications will be checked for duplication.  If you violate the D-SNAP rules, you may be disqualified from the program, fined up to $250,000 and/or put in jail for up to 20 years.

 

Applications for D-SNAP benefits will be accepted at the following locations November 26through December 2, 2012.