Disaster food stamps or Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is a national program by the U.S. federal government to assist individuals affected by disasters. It mainly provides temporary food assistance for its eligible beneficiaries.
The main purpose of the program is to maintain the food stability of U.S. citizens that are greatly affected by natural disasters. Furthermore, the said program prioritizes those individuals who are not capable of providing their food expenses and belong to the low-income community.
Generally, D-SNAP will provide a month of food assistance for eligible individuals. We all know that various disasters may hit the United States.
Also, food stability is an important aspect that families will need after a disaster. D-SNAP covers this problem and assists individuals that are suffering from food stability because of disasters.
Disaster Food Stamps Extension of SNAP
The U.S. Department of Agriculture in Food and Nutrition Service manages the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). Moreover, the local state government also handles the said program.
Each local state government has the power to create and set its own rules and regulations for D-SNAP in its respective area. However, it must be approved by the U.S. federal government. Individuals may visit their local government units to check the more specific details for D-SNAP in their respective areas.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) serves as an extension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). However, the main difference between the two is that D-SNAP acts when there’s a disaster within any part of the country.
On the other side, SNAP maintains its support for its eligible beneficiaries. Moreover, D-SNAP is temporary food assistance while SNAP assists over a long time.
On the other hand, D-SNAP also uses Electronic Benefits Transfer Cards for the distribution of its benefits. These cards can be used upon purchasing food with authorized stores throughout the United States.
Eligibility for D-SNAP
Applicants for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) must meet certain eligibility requirements for the said program.
Refer to the list below for the eligibility rules for the said program.
- Must be in a Presidential Declaration for the disaster area.
- Must not be a beneficiary of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Must meet the standard income limit based on household size that was produced by USDA Food and Nutrition Services. Disaster Gross Income Limit (DGIL) varies depending on the Local State, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Further requirements will depend on your local state government.
Application for Disaster Food Stamps
For the application process of SNAP, you can apply within the location of application sites in your respective area. Local government units will release information regarding D-SNAP applications such as application sites and dates of application within media or press. Always listen to this kind of news after a disaster.
Documents Needed for the Application
Documents needed for the D-SNAP application are different in each state. Your local state can also request more specific documents that they need for the application process.
Some of the required documents for the application.
- Proof of Identification
- Proof of U.S Citizenship
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Disaster Gross Income Limit (DGIL)