The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) in Georgia has entered Phase 3, extending temporary food assistance to low- to moderate-income households impacted by Hurricane Helene.
This stage opened on November 7 and will run through November 14, excluding Sunday and Veterans Day (November 11).
Phase 3 is the penultimate step in Georgia’s D-SNAP relief program, providing critical support to families facing financial hardship and food insecurity due to disaster-related losses.
Counties
In this phase, D-SNAP covers counties in Georgia designated as disaster areas, including:
| County | County | County |
|---|---|---|
| Burke | Lincoln | Screven |
| Columbia | McDuffie | Taliaferro |
| Glascock | Richmond | Warren |
| Jefferson | Jenkins | Washington |
Residents in these counties must pre-register for D-SNAP assistance during this designated period. Pre-registration enables program administrators to verify eligibility and expedites the distribution process, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most.
Application
To apply for D-SNAP, applicants must provide specific documents that verify their identity, residency, income, and any disaster-related expenses. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to apply:
- Household Identification: Full name, date of birth, and Social Security number (if applicable) for each family member.
- Residential Details: Permanent address, temporary address, or current mailing address.
- Proof of Identity: Valid ID, such as a driver’s license or state-issued ID.
- Disaster Expenses: Details on any disaster-related expenses incurred during the period.
- Household Income: Income received by each household member during the disaster period.
- Household Resources: Current resources available, such as cash or savings.
These documents help the D-SNAP program assess each household’s eligibility, financial standing, and disaster-related losses to ensure that aid reaches those most affected.
Phase 4 Process
Following Phase 3, applicants who have been pre-approved will need to complete an interview to finalize their eligibility. The interview dates for Phase 3 applicants are as follows:
- November 13, 2024: Open to all Phase 3 applicants.
- November 14, 2024: Also available to all Phase 3 applicants.
These interviews are essential for verifying applicant information and distributing resources accurately.
Phase 4 of D-SNAP is set to begin on November 18, 2024, and run through November 23, 2024, covering additional counties affected by the disaster:
| County | County | County |
|---|---|---|
| Appling | Johnson | Toombs |
| Bulloch | Laurens | Treutlen |
| Candler | Montgomery | Wayne |
| Dodge | Tattnall | Wheeler |
| Emanuel | Telfair | Evans |
| Jeff Davis |
Eligibility
To qualify for D-SNAP benefits, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency or Employment: Must reside or work in a disaster-designated county.
- Non-SNAP Recipients: Cannot currently be receiving SNAP benefits.
- Disaster Losses: Must have experienced property or income loss due to the disaster.
- Financial Eligibility: Must meet the program’s financial criteria.
These requirements focus on supporting households directly impacted by the disaster and those without existing food assistance.
Importance of Pre-Registration
Pre-registration is a crucial part of the D-SNAP process, allowing program administrators to efficiently manage resources. Those who pre-register can have their applications processed more swiftly, avoiding delays and ensuring their access to aid.
With each phase limited to specific dates, timely pre-registration is essential for receiving D-SNAP assistance within the eligible period.
The D-SNAP program in Georgia has been instrumental in providing much-needed relief to households affected by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that low- to moderate-income families can access food assistance during these challenging times.
