Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides temporary food assistance to individuals affected by federally declared disasters, such as hurricanes, in areas designated for Individual Assistance.
Administered by the USDA in partnership with state governments, D-SNAP offers critical support to residents who need emergency food assistance after a natural disaster.
Here’s a complete guide to who qualifies, how to apply, and what to expect for the 2024 D-SNAP rollout in Florida.
Who Qualifies for D-SNAP in Florida?
D-SNAP eligibility is open to residents impacted by a recent natural disaster in designated counties. Both current SNAP beneficiaries and those who don’t typically qualify for SNAP may be eligible if they meet certain conditions:
D-SNAP Eligibility Criteria for Non-SNAP Recipients
Individuals who typically do not receive SNAP benefits may qualify for D-SNAP if they:
- Experienced a loss of income due to the disaster (e.g., business closures, reduced work hours).
- Incurred additional expenses related to evacuation, temporary shelter, or relocation.
- Suffered property damage or personal injury caused by the disaster.
- Faced increased costs for essential items like food or transportation because of the event.
Additional Funds for Current SNAP Recipients
Existing SNAP recipients affected by the disaster may also qualify for increased benefits if:
- They have incurred disaster-related losses that impacted their food security.
- Their current SNAP benefit amount is below the maximum for their household size. In these cases, D-SNAP will increase their benefit to the maximum amount allowed for their family.
How to Apply for D-SNAP in Florida
Step 1: Pre-Registration (Online and Phone Options)
- Online Pre-Registration: Eligible individuals should start by pre-registering at MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP. Pre-registration is available beginning Sunday, October 27, and is limited to designated counties in specific phases.
- Phone Pre-Registration: For counties included in the current phase, a phone option will be available through the D-SNAP Call Center at 888-348-0408 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
- Document Verification: Have your driver’s license or state ID, Social Security number, and proof of residence ready, as these documents are required for verification.
- Phone Interview or Onsite Event: Complete a phone interview through the D-SNAP Call Center or attend an in-person D-SNAP event if you’re unable to apply by phone. Dates and specific hours are available for each county.
- Check the Phase Schedule: Only counties listed in the current phase can accept applications. Ensure that your county’s phase is active before starting the application.
Step 3: Await Approval and Receive Benefits
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your benefits on an EBT card within three to five days. Notifications about approval status and next steps will arrive via phone, email, or traditional mail.
2024 Florida D-SNAP Phased Application Schedule
The D-SNAP rollout in Florida is organized in three phases by county. Here is the current schedule:
| County Group | Phone Applications | Onsite Applications | Offline Applications End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, etc. | Oct 28 – Oct 31 | Nov 1 – Dec 9 | Dec 9 |
| Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, etc. | Nov 4 – Nov 8 | Nov 9 – Dec 3 | Dec 3 |
| Citrus, Hardee, Highlands, etc. | Nov 12 – Nov 15 | Nov 16 – Dec 15 | Dec 15 |
Each county group has a three-day period for onsite applications during their designated phase. Check the D-SNAP website for detailed event dates and locations.
