WELFARE

SNAP emergency benefits in July 2023: What states approved them and who qualifies?

Some US residents will be able to apply for an emergency benefit for SNAP coupons. Who qualifies for the extra food assistance? Here are the details.

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Severe weather has been affecting various states in the US. As a result, some areas have chosen to offer financial assistance to those who need it most. Such is the case in Tennessee, where storms caused power outages. The Tennessee Department of Human Services said it is “prepared to provide replacement benefits” to current SNAP households who suffered losses due to severe weather.

What is the SNAP program?

The SNAP program is one of the many forms of economic assistance available in the country. Through it, food stamps are awarded to low-income families who struggle to put food on their tables. The amount of the coupons is deposited monthly through an EBT card that can be used in select supermarkets, stores and markets on wheels.

The amount will depend on the economic situation of each family, as well as the number of members that make it up.

SNAP emergency benefits in July 2023: Where were they approved and who qualifies?

As bad weather caused power outages throughout Tennessee, perishable food in many homes went bad, wreaking havoc on large numbers of families, especially those who depend on SNAP coupons.

That’s why state officials have approved a replacement payment for all SNAP recipients affected by severe weather; that is, you can re-request your payment from last June to receive a double payment in July.

This replacement payment only applies to beneficiaries who found themselves in the following situations:

  • Lost food due to a power outage of 12 hours or more
  • Lost food due to a household misfortune

To request the extra payment, you must sign an affidavit and submit it to the Tennessee Department of Human Services through the “Upload Documents” option on the One DHS Customer Service website.

The amount of the replacement payment will only cover the value of the food lost. In addition, you have up to 10 days after the loss to file the claim; otherwise, the request will not be considered.

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