Following the extreme weather and flooding of last week, Governor Greg Abbott declared that recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) could now apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during the storms through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), thanks to federal approval.
SNAP participants may apply for replacement benefits if they stopped receiving food beginning on May 16. These benefits will be applied to their Lone Star Cards in two business days after they are approved.
“Due to recent severe weather and flooding that devastated communities across our state, impacted Texans will be able to apply for SNAP replacement benefits for food that was lost or destroyed during these devastating storms,” Governor Abbott stated.
“Eligible Texans can apply for these benefits by dialing 2-1-1. I thank the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for working with our federal partners to ensure Texans have the resources they need to recover and move forward from these storms.”
People who would like to apply should call 211 and choose Option 2. Alternately, they can fill out Form H1855, which is an Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits, and send it by mail to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at 877-447-2839 or by fax to P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027.
Within ten days of realizing they have lost food, SNAP participants who live outside of the designated counties can contact a local benefits office to request for replacement benefits.
Read Also: July 2024 SNAP Recertification: Essential Deadline for Texas Applicants
The HHSC will replace food and formula lost during hurricanes under the WIC program until May 31, 2024, in addition to SNAP benefits. For those in need, these benefits can be obtained by going to TexasWIC.org or by calling 800-942-3678, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and choosing Option 3.
Additionally, the WIC program provides lactation help around-the-clock at 855-550-6667, via its lactation hotline.
