DSS releases steps for SNAP beneficiaries to apply for reimbursements

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If an individual is a current SNAP recipient, the timing and amount of their monthly benefits was not affected by Hurricane Matthew. Current SNAP recipients may apply for a replacement of all or part of their benefits if they lost food as a result of Hurricane Matthew and/or power outages lasting more than four hours. Clients must apply for a replacement in person at a county DSS office. Applicants should be prepared to provide some form of verification to substantiate that their homes were in the affected areas, and that they suffered a loss of food. Types of verification include: · Newspaper Article · Letter from the Red Cross or a Food Bank · Website Printout Showing Outage or Loss (Examples: News website or power company notification of account outage) · Letter from a Landlord · Letter from an Insurance Company · Letter from the Electric Company South Carolina is not operating a Disaster SNAP program at this time. If an individual does not have food or water in the next 24-48 hours and it is safe to travel from their location, they should visit their local food bank. If a constituent is not currently receiving SNAP benefits and needs assistance on an ongoing basis, he or she may apply for SNAP benefits online, in person, or by mail or fax. For information on how to apply online or download an application to print out, visit the DSS website at www.dss.sc.gov. To apply, an individual should visit their local county DSS office. If they live in an area affected by Hurricane Matthew, please check the EMD website or call the local DSS office before they visit to make sure it is open.