More than 400,000 citizens affected by natural disasters now eligible for temporary food assistance from the federal government
The state of Florida has taken a significant step in expanding eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), allowing thousands of new recipients to access this vital food support program. This decision comes in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left nearly 400,000 citizens in difficult situations.
According to the U.S . Department of Agriculture (USDA), approximately 407,733 households in 24 Florida counties are now eligible for the D-SNAP (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program. This program is designed to help those who would not normally qualify for regular SNAP benefits, but who have been affected by natural disasters.
Eligibility for D-SNAP
Individuals seeking assistance through D-SNAP must meet certain income criteria. For example, a household of four cannot exceed a monthly income of $3,529. The following are the income limits based on household size:
- 1 person: $2,171
- 2 persons: $2,620
- 3 people: $3,068
- 4 people: $3,529
- 5 people: $4,015
- 6 people: $4,500
- 7 people: $4,948
- 8 people: $5,397
- Each additional member: +$449
Application Process
D-SNAP applications will be conducted in different phases depending on location. Below are the dates for each group of counties:
- Counties: Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla.
- Telephone applications: October 28 – October 31
- On-site applications: November 1 to December 9
- Counties: Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota
- Telephone applications: November 4
- On-site applications: November 9 to December 3
- Counties: Citrus, Hardee, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Volusia
- Telephone applications: November 12 – November 15
- On-site applications: Nov. 16 to Dec. 15
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack emphasized USDA’s commitment to providing support to affected communities: “We are here to ensure that families, farmers and communities receive the assistance they need to cover their grocery costs during this period of significant disruption in their lives.
Eligible households will be able to receive one month of benefits, equal to the maximum monthly SNAP amount, which they can use to purchase food at participating retailers and online stores.