Texas has one of the largest Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the U.S., and when natural disasters strike, the state activates D-SNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to provide emergency food assistance to impacted residents.
With the recent devastation caused by flash floods from the remnants of Hurricane Barry, many Texans are left without food and other essential resources. Here’s what you need to know about D-SNAP, how it works, and whether it’s available after the recent storms.
What Are D-SNAP Benefits?
D-SNAP is a federal-state program designed to provide temporary food assistance to individuals and families who are affected by natural disasters, including hurricanes, floods, and other emergencies.
These emergency benefits are meant to help residents purchase food if they are unable to access their regular SNAP benefits due to the disaster.
D-SNAP is different from regular SNAP because it is activated during emergencies and offers temporary assistance to those who may not typically qualify for regular SNAP benefits. Once activated, eligible individuals and families can access food assistance quickly.
How Does D-SNAP Work in Texas?
For D-SNAP benefits to be activated in Texas, the state must meet three key requirements:
- Presidential Disaster Declaration: A disaster must be declared by the President, allowing the activation of federal relief programs like D-SNAP.
- FEMA Individual Assistance: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must issue assistance to affected areas.
- Texas HHSC Request to USDA: Texas’ Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) must formally request approval from the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to activate D-SNAP.
As of now, the state of Texas has requested federal assistance, but D-SNAP benefits have not yet been formally activated. If approved, D-SNAP will provide emergency benefits to affected families in counties like Kerr, Travis, and Kendall, where flash flooding caused extensive damage.
Who Qualifies for D-SNAP Benefits?
Eligibility for D-SNAP benefits depends on whether the applicant meets certain criteria related to the disaster’s impact. Here are the key categories of individuals who may qualify:
1. Non-SNAP Households
Residents: Must reside in a designated disaster area.
Proof of Impact: Must provide evidence of the disaster’s impact (e.g., photos, receipts).
Income Eligibility: Must meet adjusted income criteria, based on the level of disaster damage.
2. Current SNAP Recipients
SNAP Beneficiaries: Must have a SNAP account, but their benefits must be below the monthly maximum (the amount they normally receive).
Food Loss: Must show proof of food loss due to the disaster. For example, if food was ruined by the flood or other disaster-related issues, they may be eligible for additional assistance.
How to Apply for D-SNAP Benefits
Once D-SNAP is activated, affected residents can apply for benefits through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). Applications are typically processed within 72 hours of submission, and benefits are loaded onto recipients’ Lone Star Cards (Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT cards), allowing them to buy food immediately.
Key Steps to Apply for D-SNAP:
- Check Eligibility: Make sure your household meets the criteria for D-SNAP, either as a new applicant or as a current SNAP recipient.
- Prepare Documentation: Gather necessary documentation like photos, receipts, or any other evidence of disaster-related losses.
- Submit Application: Visit YourTexasBenefits.com or call 211 to apply for D-SNAP. An interview and proof of income may be required for regular SNAP applicants, with a 30-day response time or a 7-day response for emergencies.
- Follow Up: Stay updated on the status of D-SNAP activation through official announcements from FEMA and HHSC.
Timeline for D-SNAP Benefits
Once approved, D-SNAP benefits are typically issued for one month. The benefit is distributed via the Lone Star Card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Future of D-SNAP: When Will It Be Activated?
Although Texas is in the process of activating D-SNAP following the recent storms, official approval is still pending. The state is working closely with FEMA and the USDA to get approval, and once that’s granted, beneficiaries can begin applying for benefits.
Residents should keep an eye on updates from FEMA and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to stay informed about when and how D-SNAP will be available in their area. Once it is activated, individuals should act quickly to apply for their benefits.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is a vital resource for families impacted by disasters like the recent Texas floods. As the state continues to assess the damage, D-SNAP benefits will offer much-needed food assistance to residents affected by the disaster.
If you are a Texas resident, keep updated on official announcements about the activation of D-SNAP and follow the application process to ensure you receive the emergency benefits you need to recover from the storm’s impacts.
