As part of the aid to those affected by the catastrophic passage of Hurricane Ian, the United States Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), announced that they are granting the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D -SNAP).
This benefit is dedicated to those who do not receive regular SNAP aid and will be implemented in phases by counties starting this Monday the 10th.
Those interested have seven specific days to pre-register, from Monday at 1:00 am to Sunday at 11:00 pm and then participate in a special telephone event.
Eligible recipients will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail, with which they can purchase food at USDA-authorized stores. This card cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or non-food items.
In the coming weeks, DCF will host in-person D-SNAP events for residents who are unable to participate by phone. Venues for these activities will be announced soon.
Here is the phase schedule by county and basic information to apply:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SNAP DISASTER ASSISTANCE?
Only residents who meet these requirements can apply:
- You must not receive regular SNAP benefits.
- They must have been living or working in a declared disaster county at the time of Hurricane Ian.
- You must have suffered a loss related to the disaster, such as:
- Damage to your home or property that you use for self-employment.
- loss of food
- Reduction or loss of income.
- Other expenses related to the disaster.
- Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements.
If your car was totally or partially submerged in water, the mechanic Virgilio Gómez from “Salazar Motors” gave us recommendations to avoid melting the engine, while the AAA manager says that it is time to review your insurance coverage and contact to your agent.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR D-SNAP?
Paso 1: The first thing that those interested should do is fill out the pre-registration application during the dates dedicated for their county. Click to start the process.
Paso 2: After completing the online pre-registration, applicants must complete the telephone interview by calling the D-SNAP Call Center (phone number 850-663-1919) on the dates designated by their county between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. pm eastern time.
- If your last name starts with AF: you should call on Thursday.
- If your last name starts with GN: you should call on Friday.
- If your last name starts with OZ: you should call on Saturday.
- Any last name: you can call on Sunday.
They can also attend one of the face-to-face events that have not yet been announced.
They also warn regarding people posing as FEMA employees to scam people.
WHAT ARE THE DATES THAT APPLY TO ME BY COUNTY?
Phase One: For residents of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Sarasota and Polk counties, the pre-registration dates are from this Monday, October 10 through Sunday, October 16.
Phone dates: Thursday, October 13 – Sunday, October 16
Phase Two: For residents of Flagler, Highlands, Manatee, Orange, Pinellas and St. Johns counties, pre-registration dates are Monday, October 17 through Sunday, October 23.
Phone dates: Thursday, October 20 – Sunday, October 23
Phase Three: For residents of Hillsborough, Lake, Osceola, Putnam, Seminole and Volusia counties, pre-registration dates are Monday, October 24 through Sunday, October 30.
Phone Dates: Thursday, October 27 – Sunday, October 30
DCF reminds that residents who live or work in one of the eligible counties in phases two and three cannot pre-register until D-SNAP is announced for the first counties.
