The Georgia Department of Human Services has announced an extension for SNAP recipients to report food loss caused by Hurricane Helene. Initially, those impacted were given additional time to request replacements, but the state has now secured a waiver permitting widespread replacement of SNAP benefits in specific counties. Residents in qualifying areas won’t have to worry about reporting deadlines, as food stamp benefits will be automatically replaced.
Counties Approved for SNAP Replacement
The waiver is relevant to certain counties affected by the storm, especially those facing major power outages. Residents using SNAP benefits are not required to submit a formal report for food loss. The significant food loss is mainly due to prolonged power outages resulting from Hurricane Helene.
Georgia’s SNAP Deadline
SNAP beneficiaries who experienced food loss in September 2024 were given a deadline of October 25, 2024, to report and seek replacements. No reporting is required for counties included in the waiver. Those who qualify will get automatic replacements for food that was lost because of the storm’s power outages, as long as the outage lasted a minimum of four hours.
Find Out If Your County is Eligible
If you’re uncertain about your county’s eligibility for the SNAP replacement waiver, refer to the list of counties provided below. If your county is listed, you don’t need to file a claim. If your county isn’t on the list, you still have until October 25, 2024, to ask for a replacement of your SNAP benefits.
Counties Approved for SNAP Mass Replacement (as of October 2024):
- Appling
- Atkinson
- Bacon
- Ben Hill
- Berrien
- Bleckley
- Brantley
- Bryan
- Bulloch
- Burke
- Candler
- Camden
- Chatham
- Charlton
- Clinch
- Coffee
- Columbia
- Colquitt
- Dodge
- Echols
- Effingham
- Elbert
- Emanuel
- Evans
- Glascock
- Glynn
- Hancock
- Irwin
- Jeff Davis
- Jefferson
- Jenkins
- Johnson
- Lanier
- Laurens
- Liberty
- Lincoln
- Long
- Lowndes
- McDuffie
- McIntosh
- Montgomery
- Pierce
- Rabun
- Richmond
- Stephens
- Taliaferro
- Tattnall
- Telfair
- Toombs
- Treutlen
- Wayne
- Ware
- Warren
- Washington
- Wheeler
- Wilcox
- Wilkes
Steps to Take if Your County is not Listed
If your county isn’t mentioned, you have until October 25, 2024, to request a SNAP replacement. This extension is particularly beneficial for families with limited resources who may have had to leave their homes because of the storm, as it offers a way to replace food that was lost during the disaster.
To submit your request for a SNAP replacement, visit the Georgia Department of Human Services website and fill out the form available there.
This waiver provides essential assistance for individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene, allowing low-income families to obtain the food necessary during this difficult period.
Reference: SNAP update: Food Stamps mass replacement waiver in this State after Hurricane Helene