State Receives Federal Approval For SNAP Benefit Replacement Due To Hurricane Laura

 From the Office of Governor Greg Abbott:

Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) had received federal approval to allow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to apply over the phone for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed to Hurricane Laura. Texans can submit their applications by calling 2-1-1.

“I thank our federal partners for swiftly approving this request and for their ongoing collaboration as we help our communities rebuild following Hurricane Laura,” said Governor Abbott. “These SNAP benefit replacements will help Texans continue to provide nutritious meals for their families in the wake of this storm.”

“Replacing these benefits will allow families to focus on recovering from Hurricane Laura by ensuring replacement of food lost as a result of the storm,” said Wayne Salter, Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner.

SNAP recipients need to apply for replacement food benefits for regular SNAP allotments and SNAP emergency allotments provided in response to COVID-19.

To allow people to continue social distancing, SNAP clients can stay home and request their replacement food benefits by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting option 2. Alternatively, recipients can download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed Food Stamp Benefits) on the HHSC website. For recipients to limit exposure to COVID-19, they are encouraged to mail or fax the completed form to HHSC instead of visiting their local offices.

You should mail completed forms to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, PO Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 1-877-447-2839. For more information, please visit hhs.texas.gov.

For other help related to Hurricane Laura, Texans can dial 2-1-1 and select option 5.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.4 million eligible, low-income families and Texas individuals. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their services. To find local resources in your areas, such as food or shelter, please call 2-1-1 and select option 1.