09/25/2024
Summary
- This manual release provides policy clarification received from Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and updates PM 22-03-01 and WAG 22-03-01 regarding the allowable time frame to report destroyed food due to a verified disaster.
- This manual release also provides further clarification on the benefit amount that can be replaced when a customer reports food destroyed due to a disaster.
- Updates are being made to Form IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food.
Food bought with SNAP, State Food, and Summer EBT benefits may be replaced if destroyed in a disaster. A disaster is a fire, flood, tornado, or other devastating event beyond the control of the unit, see PM 22-03-01. FNS has provided clarification regarding the allowable time frame to report destroyed food upon discovery that the food was destroyed.
Reporting Replacement of Destroyed Food due to a Disaster
When a food assistance household member submits a signed IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food, the food reported destroyed in a disaster may be replaced if:
- the food assistance unit member or approved representative signs and dates a request for replacement and the request is made within 10 calendar days upon the discovery of the destroyed food due to a disaster; and
- the disaster is verified.
Example 1: Ms. D submits a completed IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food on 05/23/2024 stating her food was discovered spoiled on 05/18/2024 due to a severe thunderstorm that caused a power outage that lasted over 4 hours on 05/15/2024. Ms. D is requesting a replacement of $291 for the food she has lost. The HSC reviews her eligibility in the Integrated Eligibility System (IES) and has a statement of disaster confirmed from a local agency. Since Ms. D has submitted a request within the 10 calendar days of discovery that her food was destroyed following the proven disaster, her request has been approved.
Example 2: Mr. R submits a completed IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food on 05/29/2024 at the local office stating he discovered on 05/08/2024 that his food was destroyed from flooding that occurred on 05/05/2024. Mr. R is requesting a replacement of $291 for the food he has lost due to a disaster. The HSC reviews his case in IES and has a statement of disaster confirmed from a local agency. Because Mr. R has submitted a request past the 10 calendar days of discovery that his food was destroyed following the proven disaster, his request has been denied.
Destroyed Food Benefit Replacement Amount
- Food Assistance households that are requesting replacement of destroyed food are allowed to receive up to a certain benefit amount.
- Customers approved for initial food benefits that receive two month's issuances in the same month and then report destroyed food during the issuance month, may only receive a replacement of destroyed food for the maximum of one month's allotment.
- Food Assistance households that are cancelled due to not returning their redetermination before the end of the certification period, but then submit an untimely redetermination:
- may receive both the restored benefit amount and current month issuance if the destroyed food is reported timely, including when both monthly issuances were received in the same month the food was destroyed.
Example 1: Ms. D applied for SNAP on 03/16/2024 and was approved and issued benefits for 03/2024 and 04/2024. Both 03/2024 and 04/2024 SNAP allotments were issued on 03/21/2024. On 04/16/2024, Ms. D reports food was discovered destroyed on 04/09/2024 and states she lost $300 in food due to a verified natural disaster. She receives $291 a month in SNAP benefits. Because she can only receive a maximum replacement of one month's benefits, she will receive $291 for the month of April.
Example 2: Mr. R failed to submit his March SNAP REDE timely therefore the SNAP EDGs closed with the certification period ending 02/29/2024. On 03/18/2024, he went into the local office and submitted his late SNAP REDE. His SNAP Benefits were restored and prorated for March 2024, and he was also issued April 2024 benefits. On 03/26/2024, he returned to the local office and reported he discovered his food that he purchased with his SNAP benefits had spoiled on that morning due to a verified disaster that occurred the week of 03/20/2024. His request for replacement of destroyed food was approved. Mr. R can receive replacements for both 03/2024 and 04/2024 due to March being the restored benefit month issuance and April being the current benefit month issuance.
Updates to IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food
Changes will be made to IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food. Customers must now request their replacement of destroyed food within 10 calendar days from date of discovery that their food was destroyed due to a verified disaster.
Manual Revisions
[signed copy on file]
Dulce M. Quintero
Secretary Designate, Illinois Department of Human Services
Forms Referenced:
IL444-1989 Request for Replacement of Destroyed Food
