(Story courtesy of WVLT News)
Nashville, TN (WSMV) Food assistance benefits have been made available for Tennesseans affected by the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Department of Human Services announced on Monday.
The state department reports qualifying households who lived or worked in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties that experienced loss as a result of Helene are now able to pre-register for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.
“Additionally, TDHS has secured federal approval for a temporary Hot Foods Waiver in 13 counties including: Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. This waiver allows both SNAP and D-SNAP recipients to purchase hot and prepared meals at participating USDA-authorized EBT retailers through November 30, 2024,” TDHS said.
D-SNAP benefits are provided through an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers who accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT). The state said these cards would be mailed to qualifying households following approval.
“D-SNAP applicants must meet income limits and will receive benefits determined by USDA Food and Nutrition Services guidance. Each applying household’s monthly take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period minus disaster expenses must not exceed the income limit for the household size. For example, a household of three must meet the limit of $3,068 or less,” TDHS said.
To be eligible, individuals or households must have experienced at least one of the following conditions as a direct result of Helene:
- Damage to or destruction of the home or self-employment business.
- Loss or inaccessibility of income including a reduction or termination of income or a significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems.
- Disaster-related expenses (home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.
- Food loss.
Recipients of Tennessee’s regular SNAP program are not eligible to receive D-SNAP.
D-SNAP Application Information
Households who meet the qualifications for disaster assistance may apply online at the D-SNAP application page: https://onedhs.tn.gov or by visiting a TDHS County Office or Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Multi-Agency Resource Center (TEMA MARC) location. Applications from households who resided or worked in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties at the time of the disaster will be accepted beginning at 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, October 21, 2024 through 4:30 PM EDT on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Households who meet the qualifications for D-SNAP can pre-register for an interview 24 hours a day beginning 8:00 AM EDT on October 14, 2024 through 4:30 PM EDT on Thursday, October 17, 2024 via the One DHS Customer Portal at https://onedhs.tn.gov. The D-SNAP pre-registration form will re-open at 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, October 21, 2024 and close at 4:30 PM on Friday, October 25, 2025.
