South Carolina SNAP recipients who lost food during Helene can apply for replacement benefits. Here’s how

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- If you are a SNAP recipient in South Carolina who lost food due to power outages during Hurricane Helene, you may be eligible for replacement benefits.

The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) has requested a federal waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would allow the agency to issue federally funded replacement benefits automatically to SNAP recipients who live in counties where at least 50% of the total population experienced a power outage lasting more than four hours.

The request was made in the immediate aftermath of the storm and there was no update on the status of the federal waiver as of Monday morning, according to a DSS spokesperson.

In the meantime, SNAP customers can apply for replacement benefits individually through DSS.

To apply, you must submit an affidavit of loss form along with proof from your utility provider that you experienced a power outage lasting longer than four hours.

Applicants must also provide some form of verification — newspaper article, letter from the Red Cross or a food bank, letter from insurance company, electric company, or landlord, etc. — to prove that their home was affected by Helene.

The form is available on the DSS website and can be submitted in person or by emailing your local DSS office. A full listing of contact information for DSS County Offices can be found here.

The deadline to report food loss due to Hurricane Helene is Friday, Oct. 26.