SNAP recipients in 28 South Carolina counties impacted by Helene to recieve automatic replacement benefits. Here’s when to expect them

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)- Some South Carolina residents who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and lost food due to power outages during Hurricane Helene will automatically receive replacement benefits, the Department of Social Services (DSS) announced Friday.

DSS said that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved South Carolina’s waiver request that allows the agency to automatically issue federally funded replacement benefits to SNAP recipients who live in counties where at least 50% of the total population experienced a power outage lasting more than four hours.

SNAP users in 28 counties will get a replacement of 55% of their September benefits, according to DSS.

The counties include Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chester, Colleton, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union, and York.

Replacement benefits are expected to go out to EBT cards electronically by Oct. 15.

SNAP recipients who experienced a prolonged power outage but do not live in counties included in the federal mass replacement waiver can still apply for individual assistance.

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 — a newspaper article, a letter from the Red Cross or a food bank, letter from an 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.