Policy Memo: Disaster SNAP (DSNAP)

Policy Memo: Disaster SNAP (DSNAP)

Summary:

  • Due to the recent flooding in southern Illinois the following counties have been declared federal disaster areas: Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Lawrence, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, White and Williamson.
  • The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services Midwest Regional office has approved the State to operate a Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) in the above counties from Friday June 24, 2011 through Thursday June 30, 2011.
  • Persons not receiving SNAP benefits under the regular program may complete an Application for Disaster SNAP Benefits (Form 0270) at the FCRC servicing those areas  8:30 am to 4:00 pm. There must be a face-to-face interview with an eligibility worker.
  • Persons that were receiving regular SNAP benefits in the above counties for May, 2011 may complete a Request for D-SNAP (Form 0274) from 06/24/11 through 06/30/11 at the office that services the county where they reside.
  • Residents of Massac County, only, can go to the DHS website to complete the Active SNAP Clients-Online Request for Disaster SNAP Benefits, Form 274A.
  • The DSNAP has a special application, timeframe (04/19/11 - 05/18/11), and eligibility requirements to help eligible victims of a federally declared disaster receive SNAP benefits quickly. The interview and eligibility determination are made at the time they are applying for the DSNAP.
  • If eligible, applicants receive the maximum benefit amount for their SNAP unit size for one full month effective May, 2011.
  • Applicants receiving regular SNAP benefits may qualify for supplemental DSNAP benefits for May, 2011 to bring their benefit amount up to the maximum benefit amount for their SNAP unit size. They can qualify for this benefit even if they received replacement SNAP benefits for food destroyed as a result of the disaster.
  • Eligibility requirements under the regular SNAP program such as student eligibility and noncitizen requirements do not apply to the DSNAP.
  • All DSNAP applications must be processed through IPACS. Do not register or process DSNAP applications in AIS.