Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits
Food for Florida is the state of Florida's Disaster Food Assistance Program, and is only active when there is a presidentially-declared disaster area in the state of Florida. If eligible, recipients will receive disaster food assistance benefits that will be accessed using an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides food assistance for individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Idalia and who are not receiving food assistance benefits through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, D-SNAP is implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families (Department).
The Department is hosting in-person D-SNAP events for residents who cannot participate by phone. In-person D-SNAP events will be available in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties (check back for updates).
Who is eligible for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?
To be eligible for food assistance through Food for Florida, an applicant may not be currently receiving food benefits through the regular Food Assistance Program; must have been living in the disaster area at the time of the disaster; and must have experienced at least one of the following adverse effects:
- Damage to or destruction of the households' home or self-employment business
- Disaster-related expenses not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster period (e.g., food loss, home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, evacuation expenses, home/business protection, disaster-related injury including funeral expenses)
- Lost or inaccessible income, including reduction or termination of income, or a delay in receipt of income for more than 15 days.
The household must also meet the required income and asset budget test: The households's total income, after taxes and all other payroll withholding, received (or expected to be received) during the disaster period PLUS its accessible liquid assets MINUS a deduction for any unreimbursed disaster-related expenses SHALL NOT EXCEED the yearly established disaster gross income limit by household size.
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program BenefitsD-SNAP Onsite Locations
Onsite events have ended in Citrus, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor Counties.
To qualify for D-SNAP benefits:
- Applicants must NOT be receiving regular SNAP benefits
- Applicants must have been living or working in a disaster-declared county at the time of Hurricane Idalia
- Applicants must have suffered a disaster-related loss such as:
- Damage to their home(s) or self-employment property
- Loss of food
- Reduction or loss of income
- Other disaster-related expenses
- Applicants must meet financial eligibility requirements
- Applicants must report the household’s net income received from August 28th through September 26th
- Applicants must report all household assets that were available on August 28th, including cash on hand and money in checking and savings accounts
What Benefits are Available through D-SNAP?
Eligible recipients who participate in the telephonic D-SNAP event will receive an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card by mail that can be used to purchase food at authorized USDA food retailers. The EBT card cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or non-food items.
Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program BenefitsHow do I apply for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?
Applicants may pre-register for assistance following a disaster using the web-based system. Individuals may also apply in-person using a paper application on-site at a disaster services site. Mobile units may also be operating to assist special needs populations or isolated areas.
How can I contact someone?
Florida DCF certification staff must review your case to see if you qualify. You may either:
- Apply in person at an application site, or\
- Pre-register online and report to a local application site to show proof of identity.
If you qualify, you will get your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card will be loaded with your Food for Florida benefits and works like a debit card at most grocery stores. You can locate a service center in your area that takes Food for Florida applications. 1-866-762-2237