Disaster Relief Assistance
Columbia, South Carolina – The recent effects of Hurricane Helene are still being felt across the state, but there’s some good news for thousands of SNAP recipients. Thanks to the approval from the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), South Carolina has received permission to issue replacement SNAP benefits to those affected by the storm.
Hurricane Helene swept through the Palmetto State last month, leading to significant disruptions. Many families faced the unfortunate experience of power outages that lasted over four hours. This left lots of folks without access to the food in their fridges and pantries. Recognizing the struggle that many were going through, the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) went to work, asking the federal government for help.
For SNAP recipients in certain areas hit hardest by the hurricane, relief is on the way. Residents in 28 counties where at least 50% of the population experienced those lengthy power outages will automatically receive new benefits. This means that you won’t have to go through the hassle of filing an individual claim—DSS is taking care of that for you.
The federal government has determined that qualified SNAP households will receive a replacement equal to 55% of their September benefits. That’s a substantial amount that can help replenish food supplies and get life back on track. The replacement benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards electronically on or before October 15. So, if you are a SNAP recipient in one of the affected counties, keep an eye on your card!
The following counties will see these automatic replacements:
Now, what if you happen to live in a county that doesn’t qualify for this mass replacement waiver? Don’t worry; there are still options available for you. While you won’t automatically receive new benefits, you can take the initiative to apply for replacements individually. Make sure you do this by October 26, as that’s the deadline to report any food loss caused by Hurricane Helene.
To make this process easier, residents in these areas can download and fill out an Affidavit of Loss Due To A Household Misfortune (DSS Form 1634B) from the South Carolina Department of Social Services website. It’s a straightforward way to get back on your feet after the storm.
While the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has certainly been challenging for many South Carolinians, the efforts of the DSS and the support from the federal government are here to help those who rely on SNAP benefits. If you’re eligible, watch for those replacement benefits coming your way, and if you need to apply, don’t hesitate—time is of the essence! Together, we can weather this storm, and brighter days are ahead.
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