The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) recently announced that residents of certain counties impacted by Hurricane Helene are now eligible for DSNAP, a disaster-specific version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
This relief program aims to provide rapid food assistance for households that have experienced direct, unreimbursed losses due to the hurricane.
With DSNAP, eligible residents receive a pre-loaded debit card that can be used to buy food at approved SNAP retailers, helping affected families maintain food security despite the financial strain of hurricane recovery.
Here’s a closer look at how DSNAP works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
DSNAP Explained
DSNAP, or Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is an emergency variant of SNAP that provides temporary food support following a natural disaster.
Unlike regular SNAP benefits, DSNAP is specifically designed for immediate needs in disaster-struck communities. This temporary assistance comes in the form of a debit card that families can use only for purchasing food at SNAP-approved stores, ensuring that even under challenging circumstances, essential food needs are met.
By offering relief to households affected by storm-related damage, lost income, or increased expenses, DSNAP plays a crucial role in easing the financial burden families face when rebuilding their lives after a disaster.
Assistance Phases and Eligible Counties
DSS has organized DSNAP assistance for Hurricane Helene’s impact across South Carolina counties in two phases, each covering different areas based on need and damage extent.
This phased approach allows DSS to assess and prioritize regions where residents are most impacted.
The counties included in Phase One are:
| Phase One Counties |
|---|
| Aiken |
| Allendale |
| Anderson |
| Bamberg |
| Barnwell |
| Beaufort |
| Cherokee |
| Hampton |
| Laurens |
| McCormick |
| Saluda |
| Spartanburg |
| Union |
| York |
These counties were among the hardest-hit areas, with extensive property damage and disruptions. Residents in these regions can pre-register and complete a phone interview to determine eligibility.
Future phases will include additional counties in South Carolina’s Midlands region, expanding DSNAP access as resources become available.
Confirmed Phase Two counties include Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington, Newberry, Orangeburg, and Richland, allowing DSS to reach a larger population over time.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for DSNAP, households must meet specific criteria. Eligible households must have been residing in one of the designated counties during Hurricane Helene and demonstrate disaster-related losses. Here are the main eligibility requirements:
- Residence and Impact: The household must have been located in an affected county at the time of the hurricane.
- Unreimbursed Losses: Families must have sustained unreimbursed losses, which could include damage to a primary residence or personal property.
- Income Disruptions: Loss of income or restricted access to income because of the disaster.
- Out-of-pocket Disaster Expenses: Households must show expenses directly related to the disaster that have not been or are unlikely to be reimbursed.
It’s essential to note that food loss alone does not qualify a household for DSNAP; applicants need to demonstrate additional, unreimbursed losses related to the disaster.
Applying for DSNAP
For families affected by Hurricane Helene, the DSNAP application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient. Here’s how it works:
- Pre-registration: Residents must first pre-register to participate in DSNAP.
- Telephone Interview: After pre-registration, applicants will complete a phone interview with a DSS representative to verify eligibility.
- Approval and Card Distribution: Once approved, families receive a DSNAP debit card, pre-loaded with benefits that can be used at authorized SNAP retailers for food purchases.
This process enables DSS to conduct quick evaluations and distribute benefits efficiently, providing families with a fast, reliable means of accessing essential food supplies.
DSNAP: A Lifeline in Times of Crisis
In times of disaster, DSNAP serves as a vital support system for South Carolina families facing hardship. By providing targeted food assistance, the program allows families to prioritize spending on recovery efforts such as home repairs and other essentials.
This initiative demonstrates DSS’s commitment to supporting communities in need, helping residents recover and regain stability through food security and peace of mind.
