The deadline for SNAP participants in Georgia to report food loss as a result of Hurricane Helene has been extended by the state’s Department of Human Services. After allowing impacted individuals more time to file for replacements, the state has finally secured a waiver that permits select counties to replace SNAP benefits in bulk.
Food stamp payments will be immediately restored, so individuals in qualifying areas don’t need to worry about reporting deadlines.
Areas That Could Receive SNAP Funds Instead
Certain storm-affected counties, especially those with widespread power outages, are eligible for the exemption. A formal notification of food loss is thus unnecessary for residents who have used their SNAP assistance to buy food. Hurricane Helene’s protracted power outages are the main reason of the extensive food loss.
Time Limit for Georgia to Report SNAP Replacement Benefits
There was an initial deadline of October 25, 2024, for SNAP recipients who experienced food loss in September 2024 to notify the program and receive replacements. Nevertheless, reporting is not required for counties that are part of the waiver. If the power outage was more than four hours caused by the storm, eligible recipients will be automatically given food substitutes.
See If Your County Meets the Requirements
Verify if your county is on the list of those that are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement waiver. It is unnecessary to submit a claim if your county is included. You still have until October 25, 2024, to ask for SNAP benefits to be replaced, even if your county isn’t on the list.
Counties Eligible for SNAP Mass Replacement (as of October 2024):
- Wilkes
- Wilcox
- Wheeler
- Wayne
- Washington
- Warren
- Ware
- Treutlen
- Toombs
- Tift
- Telfair
- Tattnall
- Taliaferro
- Stephens
- Richmond
- Rabun
- Pierce
- Montgomery
- McIntosh
- McDuffie
- Lowndes
- Long
- Lincoln
- Liberty
- Laurens
- Lanier
- Johnson
- Jenkins
- Jefferson
- Jeff Davis
- Irwin
- Hancock
- Glynn
- Glascock
- Evans
- Emanuel
- Elbert
- Effingham
- Echols
- Dodge
- Columbia
- Colquitt
- Coffee
- Clinch
- Chatham
- Charlton
- Candler
- Camden
- Burke
- Bulloch
- Bryan
- Brantley
- Bleckley
- Berrien
- Ben Hill
- Bacon
- Atkinson
- Appling
In Case Your County Is Not Mentioned
You can still obtain a replacement SNAP card up until October 25, 2024, even if your county isn’t on the list. Because it gives a way to replace food that was lost during the disaster, this expansion is particularly useful for low-income families who may have evacuated because of the storm.
On the website of the Georgia Department of Human Services, you may find the SNAP Replacement Request Form, which can be filled out online.
To help low-income families get the food they need at this difficult time, this waiver provides vital relief to people impacted by Hurricane Helene.