Victims of Hurricane Milton may be eligible. Here’s how

On By Pranco

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Almost a month ago, Hurricane Milton hit Florida’s Gulf Coast and devastated parts of the state. Milton’s damage was not the first of the season, but a few weeks earlier Hurricane Helene devastated large parts of the Southeast.

Most of the victims brought to Florida by Hurricanes Helene and Milton are still there at the beginning of a long road to recovery.

If you are still recovering from Hurricanes Helene or Milton and need help purchasing food, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) may be able to help you through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

On October 23 The DCF from Florida announced this “Florida’s application for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved.”

Here’s what you need to know about who qualifies for D-SNAP in Florida, what the program is, and how to apply.

Yes, the Florida Department of Children and Families has been approved to receive D-SNAP benefits for disaster victims in the state, which started last week, on October 28.

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as D-SNAP, provides food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster according to DisasterAssistance.gov.

“D-SNAP is providing food assistance to individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton who are not receiving food assistance through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),” DCF’s announcement said.

“D-SNAP will be implemented by the ministry in phases and on a province-by-province basis beginning Monday, October 28, 2024.”

Phase one of registration is already over and the second phase closes today, Friday November 8. The third phase of telephone and online registration starts next week, on Monday, November 11.

Need food aid after Hurricane Milton? Here are the steps to apply for D-SNAP

What can I buy with D-SNAP in Florida?

If you receive D-SNAP, you will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer Card (EBT) in the mail. You can use it to purchase food, but not to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, and non-food items.

Who is eligible for emergency food stamps for disaster victims in Florida?

These are the participation requirements according to DCF:

  • You cannot already receive regular food assistance through SNAP
  • You must have lived in a county declared a disaster at the time of Hurricane Helene and/or Milton
  • Applicants must have suffered a disaster-related loss such as:
    • Damage to their home(s) or independent property
    • Loss of food
    • Reduction or loss of income
    • Other disaster-related expenses
  • Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements (these requirements depend on a few variables, including the size of your household)

How can I apply for D-SNAP in Florida?

People applying for D-SNAP must pre-register. The registration takes place in phases, which are determined per province. You cannot pre-register before the dates set for your province. Today, Friday 8 November, is the last day to register for phase two, with phase three starting on Monday 11 November.

If you are unable to pre-register online, D-SNAP locations will be announced as they open. according to the DCF website.

Here’s what you need to know about pre-registering for D-SNAP assistance, according to DCF:

  • Certain parts of the application require verification.
  • Eligibility can be determined more quickly and easily if a state driver’s license or identification number and social security number are provided.
  • Pre-registration is only possible for specific provinces according to the schedule.
  • Residents who cannot pre-register online can visit one of the D-SNAP event locations in person during opening hours.
  • When selecting the disaster on the pre-registration form, select the most recent storm to impact your household.

The next step is an interview, either by calling the D-SNAP Call Center or by attending an on-site event at a later date. Locations and dates of on-site events will be announced as they open.

Here’s what you need to know now:

  • Applicants should only call during the designated dates and hours for their province.
  • Telephone interview times are determined by the first letter of your last name.
  • D-SNAP Call Center: 888-348-0408, Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern Time.
  • Applicants must report household net income received between September 23, 2024 and October 22, 2024.
  • Applicants must report all liquid household assets that were available as of September 23, 2024, including cash and money in checking and savings accounts.

Can I still apply for D-SNAP in Florida? Here are the dates for the remaining eligible counties

“To ensure the fastest service to households eligible for government assistance,” DCF said it would begin phase one by offering a phone option.

The department will also host in-person D-SNAP events for residents who cannot participate by phone or online. The locations for in-person D-SNAP events to be announced when they open.

Phase two:

  • Provinces:
    • Charlotte
    • Hernando
    • Manatee
    • Pasco
    • Pinellas
    • Polk
    • Sarasota
  • Pre-registration dates: Sunday November 3 to Friday November 8
  • Phone data:Monday November 4 and Wednesday November 6 to Friday November 8

Phase three:

  • Provinces:
    • Citrus
    • DeSoto
    • Flagler
    • Hardee
    • Highlands
    • Hillsborough
    • More
    • Lee
    • Volusia
  • Pre-registration dates: Monday November 11 to Friday November 15
  • Phone data:Tuesday November 12 to Friday November 15