In the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Human Services has extended crucial support to affected Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. Originally, residents had a limited window to report food loss and apply for replacements, but a newly approved state waiver has changed the game. Eligible residents in certain counties no longer need to worry about deadlines, as food stamp benefits will be automatically replaced.
Mass Replacement of SNAP Benefits in Key Georgia Counties
The mass replacement applies to counties significantly impacted by the storm, particularly those experiencing long-term power outages. Residents who used SNAP benefits to purchase food do not need to file a formal report of food loss; instead, benefits will be automatically credited. This measure comes as a relief for many low-income families who suffered widespread food spoilage due to power outages lasting four hours or more.
Counties Eligible for Automatic SNAP Replacement
The waiver ensures that SNAP recipients in eligible counties will see their food stamp benefits replaced without the need for individual reports. This fast-tracked approach aims to ease the burden on families as they recover from the storm.
The following counties qualify for the SNAP mass replacement waiver:
- Wilkes
- Wilcox
- Wheeler
- Wayne
- Washington
- Warren
- Ware
- Treutlen
- Toombs
- Tift
- Telfair
- Tattnall
- Taliaferro
- Stephens
- Richmond
- Rabun
- Pierce
- Montgomery
- McIntosh
- McDuffie
- Lowndes
- Long
- Lincoln
- Liberty
- Laurens
- Lanier
- Johnson
- Jenkins
- Jefferson
- Jeff Davis
- Irwin
- Hancock
- Glynn
- Glascock
- Evans
- Emanuel
- Elbert
- Effingham
- Echols
- Dodge
- Columbia
- Colquitt
- Coffee
- Clinch
- Chatham
- Charlton
- Candler
- Camden
- Burke
- Bulloch
- Bryan
- Brantley
- Bleckley
- Berrien
- Ben Hill
- Bacon
- Atkinson
- Appling
What If Your County Is Not Listed?
For counties not included in the waiver, SNAP beneficiaries still have until October 25, 2024, to submit a replacement request. This extended deadline is particularly beneficial for families who may have evacuated during the storm and lost food in their absence.
To file a claim, SNAP recipients in non-waiver counties can use the online submission portal available on the Georgia Department of Human Services website.
How to Submit a SNAP Replacement Request
If your county is not on the eligible list, you can still submit a claim for food loss. Visit the Georgia Department of Human Services website and fill out the SNAP Replacement Request Form by the deadline.
Relief in Challenging Times
This SNAP replacement waiver offers a vital lifeline to Georgia families affected by Hurricane Helene. With automatic benefit replacements and extended deadlines for others, the state’s actions aim to alleviate the financial burden of food loss during this critical recovery period.
Stay informed about further updates, and make sure to check if your county is eligible for automatic replacement.
