The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows states to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacements to individuals impacted by natural disasters. For Oregonians affected by recent severe weather, this means you could still be eligible to claim replacement benefits for lost food purchased using SNAP if your food was destroyed last month.
Who Is Eligible for SNAP Replacement?
Many Oregonians lost all or part of the food they bought using SNAP benefits due to severe weather events like floods, storms, and power outages. If you experienced any of these disruptions and lost food purchased with Food Stamps, you may qualify for assistance. The replacement process allows impacted households to recover financial aid for groceries lost in these events.
The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has issued guidance on how those affected can request assistance. Food Stamp replacement is part of the USDA’s effort to ensure vulnerable populations receive the help they need after a natural disaster.
How to Request SNAP Replacement
Oregonians can request food stamp replacements through three convenient methods. The process is simple and designed to ensure eligible recipients can access help as quickly as possible:
Visit a Local Office: SNAP recipients can visit their nearest ODHS office for assistance.
Call the Help Line: The toll-free phone number is 800-699-9075.
Submit an Online Form: If you prefer, you can fill out the online form at this link and email it to [email protected].
For those unsure of the nearest ODHS location, you can use their official office finder to locate a resource center in your area.
What’s the Deadline for Replacement Requests?
Generally, SNAP recipients are required to request replacement benefits within ten days from the date of destruction or loss. This applies to most areas of Oregon. However, certain counties are granted extended time to file claims. These countries include:
- Yamhill
- Washington
- Umatilla
- Tillamook
- Polk
- Multnomah
- Marion
- Malheur
- Linn
- Lincoln
- Lane
- Lake
- Klamath
- Josephine
- Jefferson
- Jackson
- Douglas
- Deschutes
- Coos
- Clatsop
- Clackamas
- Benton
Residents in these areas will have until December 18, 2024, to submit their replacement requests. This extended deadline provides additional support to those most impacted by the recent natural events.
Where to Find Additional Information
For further details on the SNAP replacement process or to check your eligibility, visit the official ODHS website. This website offers guidance on the application process, eligibility rules, and contact information for assistance.
Supporting Oregon’s Vulnerable Households
The SNAP replacement program is vital to helping low-income households cope after natural disasters. With the risk of climate change and severe weather events on the rise, support programs like SNAP replacements ensure that affected individuals and families can return to their daily routines without the added stress of lost food costs.
Oregonians affected by recent weather events are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their replacement requests are submitted on time. Assistance is available, and the ODHS remains a vital resource for those struggling to recover from losses related to disaster.
