Residents of Georgia who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can breathe a sigh of relief. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Department of Human Services in Georgia has secured a waiver for mass replacement of Food Stamps. This means that eligible SNAP recipients do not need to individually report lost food due to power outages. With this waiver in place, those affected will receive automatic replacement benefits without having to meet the original deadline of October 25, 2024.
Waiver Benefits
Normally, SNAP recipients are required to report food losses due to disasters within a specific timeframe, but Georgia has received a waiver that simplifies this process. The waiver allows for automatic replacement of SNAP benefits for those living in the counties severely impacted by the storm. The key reason for food loss in these areas has been extended power outages, some of which lasted over four hours.
Residents in the qualifying counties will no longer need to fill out forms to claim their replacements. This quick action by the state ensures that families who were affected by Hurricane Helene can rest assured that they will receive the necessary support to replace food lost during this difficult time.
Affected Counties
The waiver only applies to certain counties in Georgia where the impact of the hurricane caused significant power outages. Here’s a full list of counties that qualify for automatic SNAP replacement benefits:
| Counties Eligible for SNAP Replacement |
|---|
| Wilkes |
| Washington |
| Toombs |
| Taliaferro |
| Pierce |
| Lowndes |
| Laurens |
| Jefferson |
| Glynn |
| Elbert |
| Columbia |
| Chatham |
| Burke |
| Bleckley |
| Atkinson |
Residents of these counties who received SNAP benefits in September 2024 will have their food replacement processed automatically, thanks to the waiver. If your county isn’t listed, you must file a report for food replacement by October 25, 2024.
Power Outage Requirements
For those who live in the eligible counties, the only requirement to qualify for this mass replacement of SNAP benefits is experiencing a power outage lasting at least four hours. Power outages of this length are considered sufficient cause for the spoilage of perishable food, and therefore, those affected are entitled to a replacement without further paperwork.
Extended Deadline
If you live outside of the counties listed above, you still have time to file a claim for food lost due to Hurricane Helene. The original deadline of October 25, 2024, remains in effect for reporting food losses and requesting replacements. This extension is a helpful relief for those still recovering from the aftermath of the storm.
To request a replacement, residents of non-waiver counties should contact their local Department of Human Services office or visit the state’s SNAP portal online. Reporting food loss before the deadline ensures that you will receive the necessary benefits to replace your lost groceries.
Low-Income Families
This mass replacement of SNAP benefits comes as a lifeline for low-income families who may have been displaced or away from their homes during the hurricane. Families that rely on SNAP to feed their households may have already been facing financial strain, and losing food due to a natural disaster only adds to the burden. With the waiver in place, many families won’t need to take any further steps to receive help, making the recovery process just a little bit easier.
By simplifying the process, the state of Georgia is ensuring that families affected by Hurricane Helene can quickly replace their lost food and get back on their feet after the storm.
Residents in non-waiver counties should take action by October 25, but those in the listed counties can rest easy, knowing their replacements are on the way.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the SNAP replacement waiver in Georgia?
Residents in specific counties affected by Hurricane Helene qualify.
What caused the food losses in Georgia after the hurricane?
The main cause was power outages lasting over four hours.
Do I need to file a claim if I live in a waiver county?
No, the replacement will be automatic.
When is the deadline to report food loss in non-waiver counties?
You have until October 25, 2024.
How long must the power outage last to qualify for SNAP replacement?
The power outage must last four hours or more.
