In the wake of devastating natural disasters like the 2023 wildfires on Maui, Hawaii, many people face immediate food insecurity. Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is designed to provide crucial support during such times. If you’re wondering How Long Does It Take To Get Disaster Food Stamps and how to apply, this guide provides essential information.
What is Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP)?
D-SNAP, also known as “disaster food stamps” or “disaster SNAP,” functions similarly to traditional SNAP by providing electronic food benefits to households in need. However, D-SNAP is specifically tailored for individuals whose disaster-related expenses hinder their ability to purchase food. It is administered at the state level as a component of disaster response efforts.
Before a state can implement D-SNAP in a disaster-stricken area, it must receive an Individual Assistance declaration from the President and secure approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Following approval, the state typically has a limited window, usually one week, to accept D-SNAP applications from affected residents.
What are the D-SNAP Eligibility Requirements?
Even if you don’t qualify for regular SNAP, you might be eligible for D-SNAP if you meet certain criteria related to the disaster’s impact on your circumstances. You may qualify for D-SNAP if you:
- Incurred expenses to evacuate or relocate due to the disaster.
- Lost your source of income as a result of the disaster.
- Are facing costs for home or business repairs caused by the disaster.
- Have to pay for temporary shelter.
- Lost food due to power outages or flooding.
- Sustained a disaster-related injury or illness.
If you already receive regular SNAP benefits and your state activates D-SNAP during an emergency, you can request supplemental benefits. To be eligible, you must have experienced disaster-related losses and your monthly SNAP benefits must be lower than the maximum allowed.
If you qualify for disaster SNAP, you can typically expect to receive benefits within three days. These benefits are distributed via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase eligible food items at most grocery stores.
What are the D-SNAP Income Limits for 2024?
To be eligible for D-SNAP, you must adhere to specific income and asset limits. Your household’s after-tax income, combined with accessible liquid resources (such as cash, savings, checking accounts, stocks, and bonds) during the disaster benefit period, minus unreimbursed disaster-related expenses, must not exceed the Disaster Gross Income Limit (DGIL) for your household size.
For fiscal year 2024 (Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024), the DGIL for the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the District of Columbia is as follows:
| Household Size | Income Limit | Allotment |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,085 | $291 |
| 2 | $2,514 | $535 |
| 3 | $2,942 | $766 |
| 4 | $3,380 | $973 |
| 5 | $3,845 | $1,155 |
| 6 | $4,308 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $4,736 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $5,165 | $1,751 |
| Each additional member | +429 | +$219 |
D-SNAP income limits vary for Alaska, Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Examples of deductible disaster-related expenses include:
- Temporary shelter costs
- Home or business repairs
- Evacuation or relocation services
- Disaster-related personal injury
- Lost income or no access to income
- Food loss (in some cases)
State agencies can streamline D-SNAP eligibility determination by applying the Disaster Standard Expense Deduction (DSED). If a household’s unreimbursed disaster expenses equal or exceed $100, this formula uses a standard monetary amount for those expenses. Households whose sole disaster-related expense is food loss are not eligible for the DSED. If a household’s actual expenses exceed the DSED, that amount is used when determining D-SNAP eligibility.
How Long Will I Receive D-SNAP Benefits For?
Unlike regular SNAP, disaster SNAP is a short-term disaster recovery assistance program. Households that are eligible receive one month of benefits, equivalent to the maximum SNAP benefit amount typically issued to a SNAP household of the same size.
How Do I Apply for D-SNAP Benefits?
If you reside in an area severely affected by a natural disaster, stay informed about D-SNAP availability through local media and press releases. You can also contact your nearest SNAP office for detailed information on disaster SNAP and the application process. Some states offer online pre-registration for disaster food stamps to simplify the application process.
Other Kinds of Emergency SNAP Benefits
In addition to D-SNAP, you may also be eligible for other forms of emergency SNAP assistance, depending on your circumstances and state regulations:
- Expedited SNAP benefits: Eligible applicants receive these benefits within seven days, providing immediate food assistance while their full SNAP application is reviewed.
- Replacement SNAP benefits: If you are a current SNAP recipient, you can apply for replacement benefits if you lost food purchased with your SNAP EBT card due to a power outage (lasting at least 24 hours) or another household incident.
Learn More About SNAP
Understanding your eligibility for SNAP benefits, whether on a regular basis or during times of disaster, can significantly improve your food security. Visit BenefitsCheckup.org to explore SNAP eligibility requirements and other benefits programs that can help you save money and improve your well-being. Don’t hesitate to apply – you might be surprised to find out you qualify.
