According to Vibes.okdiario , Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 22 counties across Oregon, including Douglas County, now have until December 18 to request replacement benefits for food lost during the severe storm that hit on November 19 and 20. The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has extended the usual deadline, giving residents extra time to submit claims for food lost due to the storm’s damage.
If you lost food purchased with SNAP benefits during the storm, which caused widespread power outages and affected more than 25,000 households, you can apply for a reimbursement for the value of the lost food. This extension aims to help families who struggled to replace vital supplies due to the storm’s disruptions.
Also Read – SNAP benefits update – individuals in this State to get up to $517 this payment date
Who Can Request SNAP Benefit Replacements?
The ODHS extension of the deadline to 30 days (from the usual 10-day period) has been approved with federal support. This adjustment provides families more time to apply for help, given the severity of the storm’s impact on the affected communities.
How to Request Benefit Replacements
If you need to replace food lost during the storm, follow these steps by the new December 18 deadline:
- Estimate the Value of Lost Food: While receipts are not required, it is helpful to provide an estimate of the value of the SNAP-purchased food that was damaged or discarded.
- Contact the ODHS: Reach out to your local ODHS office or use designated communication channels for claims. Assistance is available to help guide you through the process.
- Complete the Form: You must submit an official claim form to initiate the process. If you need help with this, ODHS staff are available to assist you.
It’s important to act quickly to ensure your claim is processed before the deadline.
Counties Affected by the Storm
The storm, which brought heavy rain and strong winds, left many Oregon households without power, leading to spoiled food. Among the hardest-hit areas were Douglas, Lane, and Marion counties, along with 19 other regions affected by service disruptions.
Also Read – SNAP payment schedule for Texas in December, check Food Stamps paydays before 2025
Key Details about Food Replacement Benefits
While the extension of the deadline is helpful, it’s important to remember that SNAP benefit replacements are not automatic. Here’s what you need to know:
- Extended Deadline: Claims must be submitted by December 18.
- Documentation: You don’t need receipts, but providing an estimate of the lost food will help the process.
- Eligibility: If your food was spoiled due to power outages or storm-related issues, you are eligible to apply for replacement benefits.
Why the Extension is Important
SNAP plays a critical role in ensuring food security for vulnerable families across Oregon, and during emergencies like this storm, flexibility in program deadlines can make a big difference. By extending the deadline for requesting benefit replacements, the ODHS is acknowledging the difficulties faced by residents and providing the time needed to recover lost resources.
This extension not only offers immediate relief but also supports the stability of households as they recover from the storm’s impact. If you were affected and lost food purchased with SNAP benefits, take advantage of this opportunity to apply for a replacement.
For more information or to submit a claim, visit the ODHS website or contact their offices directly. This assistance is designed to help families impacted by the storm and ensure they can access the support they need during this challenging time.
- Famous Dave’s Closes 2 Washington Locations Despite Recent Renovations - December 12, 2024
- Will the next SSDI payments in December bring the Social Security COLA increase in 2025? Find it out here - December 12, 2024
- U.S. retirees to get a new payment of $1,927 from Social Security today, or in 7 days - December 12, 2024
