South Carolina – The Department of Social Services (DSS) announced the second phase of the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) for several South Carolina counties in response to the damage Hurricane Helene caused. This phase is essential for those who suffered the most by the hurricane and are desperately in need of help to recuperate.
For thousands of people living in multiple areas of South Carolina, Hurricane Helene caused significant property damage, economic loss, and other disaster-related distress. Understanding the immediate need for help, DSS has granted DSNAP payments for residents in 28 counties including Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, and York among others. This program is meant to assist those who, although not frequent SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) users, have suffered unreimbursed losses resulting from the hurricane.
DSNAP eligibility is specifically for households living in the designated disaster zones at the time of Hurricane Helene and who suffered notable disaster-related expenses or losses. Food loss by itself does not qualify a household for DSNAP aid. Including loss of or damage to houses, major delays in income receipt, and other non-reimbursed disaster-related expenses, this focused assistance is aimed to compensate more significant damages and disruptions caused by the storm.
DSNAP’s application procedure calls for in-person interviews, which cannot be done at local county DSS offices but rather at recognized DSNAP sites throughout each approved county. December 2nd will start the first series of in-person application sessions for counties including Allendale, Spartanburg, and York and run through December 6th. Before visiting these sessions, residents must pre-register online in order to expedite the process and reduce waiting times.
Starting December 9th, another set of counties including Abbeville, Greenville, and Richland will have their turn for in-person DSNAP applications next week; online pre-registration is also needed for using the DSS benefits. These initiatives are a part of a well-coordinated plan to guarantee that every impacted resident has an opportunity to apply for the benefits they desperately need.
During their interview, applicants must present many pieces of evidence including verification of identity, address, income, and specifics of the unreimbursed damages suffered by the natural disaster. This comprehensive confirmation process guarantees that help is given to people really impacted by the disaster.
Moreover, residents who were denied DSNAP benefits during the initial application phase via telephone interview from November 11th to 21st are not eligible to re-apply in this phase. However, they have the right to request a fair hearing if they disagree with the decision made on their application.
Should their October payments be less than the maximum limit for their household size, current SNAP beneficiaries may be eligible for a disaster supplement. Most of the impacted counties have issued this supplement to qualified SNAP participants; specific procedures are in place for those in Kershaw County to seek further assistance using an Affidavit of Loss.
The second phase of DSNAP is essential for the larger efforts to assist and reconstruct the life of people affected as the community heals from Hurricane Helene. DSS wants to provide these necessary services effectively with careful planning and coordination so that every qualified resident gets the help they need during this difficult period.
Full details and complete schedule can be found here.
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