TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) has announced that the state’s application for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) has been approved. This program provides food assistance for individuals and families affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, especially those not currently receiving regular SNAP benefits.
D-SNAP will be rolled out in phases by county starting Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. Pre-registration is required, and the application process can be completed online or by phone, with in-person events planned for those who cannot apply by phone.
What You Need to Know About D-SNAP:
Who is eligible for D-SNAP?
To qualify for D-SNAP, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Not currently receiving regular food assistance (SNAP).
- Lived in a disaster-declared county during Hurricanes Helene or Milton.
- Suffered disaster-related losses, such as:
- Damage to their home or self-employment property.
- Loss of food.
- Reduction or loss of income.
- Other disaster-related expenses.
- Meet financial eligibility requirements.
What assistance does D-SNAP provide?
- Eligible recipients will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at USDA-authorized retailers.
- The EBT card cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or non-food items.
How to Apply for D-SNAP:
- Pre-register online:
- Pre-registration begins Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.
- Pre-registration is only open for counties listed in the current phase (see schedule below).
- Provide a state driver’s license or ID number and a Social Security number to expedite the process.
- Complete a phone interview:
- After pre-registration, call the D-SNAP Call Center at 888.348.0408 during the designated dates and hours based on your county and last name.
Phase Schedules:
Phase One:
Counties: Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla
Pre-Registration: Oct. 27 -31
Phone Interview Dates:
- A-F: Oct. 28
- G-N: Oct. 29
- O-Z: Oct. 30
- All Last Names: Oct. 31
Phase Two:
Counties: Charlotte, Hernando, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota
Pre-Registration: Nov. 3-8
Phone Interview Dates: Nov. 4, 6, 7, 8
Phase Three:
Counties: Citrus, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Volusia
Pre-Registration: Nov. 11-15
Phone Interview Dates: Nov. 12-15
In-Person D-SNAP Events:
- On-site events will be scheduled for residents who cannot participate by phone. Locations will be announced soon.
For full details on the program and upcoming phases, visit MyFLFamilies.com/DSNAP.