Unlocking Extra SNAP Benefits for Thousands of Families: In recent news, Texas has declared a State of Emergency, bringing much-needed relief to thousands of families across the state. Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement after severe weather conditions, including intense storms and flooding, ravaged several parts of the state. In response to the natural disaster, the state has unlocked extra SNAP benefits, giving residents greater access to food assistance during these tough times. This article will break down everything you need to know about the recent measures, how they can help those affected by the disaster, and what steps individuals need to take to access these benefits.
Unlocking Extra SNAP Benefits for Thousands of Families
In the wake of severe weather, the State of Texas has taken significant steps to support its residents with expanded SNAP benefits. Whether you’re eligible for D-SNAP, need replacement benefits for lost food, or simply need a warm meal during a difficult time, these resources are designed to help Texans in need.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| State of Emergency Declared | Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency due to severe storms and flooding. |
| Expanded SNAP Benefits | Extra food assistance has been made available to disaster-affected residents. |
| Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) | D-SNAP benefits are available for those who wouldn’t normally qualify for regular SNAP. |
| Eligibility for D-SNAP | Individuals must live in disaster-impacted counties and have incurred a loss of income. |
| Replacement Benefits | Current SNAP recipients can apply for replacement benefits if food was lost due to disaster. |
| Application Deadline for Benefits | Applications for replacement benefits must be submitted by August 4, 2025. |
| Access to Hot Food Purchases | Certain counties can use benefits for hot food purchases through August 7, 2025. |
Context: Why Texas Declared a State of Emergency
On July 9, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency in response to the damage caused by Hurricane Barry and its aftermath, which included heavy flooding and widespread storm damage. With homes flooded, power outages, and livelihoods disrupted, many Texans found themselves struggling to meet basic needs.
In an effort to alleviate the strain on families, the state government activated extra SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and other emergency services. This program is designed to provide food assistance to individuals and families in need, ensuring that Texans have access to nutritious meals while they rebuild their lives.
What Is SNAP? And How Does It Work?
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federally funded program that helps low-income families purchase food. It’s commonly referred to as food stamps. Eligibility for the program depends on a variety of factors, including income, household size, and whether a person has access to resources like savings or assets.
For many families, SNAP is a lifeline, offering financial assistance when times get tough. Unfortunately, regular SNAP benefits may not be enough to cover food expenses, especially when disaster strikes.
That’s where extra SNAP benefits come into play. During states of emergency, such as the one declared in Texas, temporary assistance becomes available, which helps affected families access food faster and in larger quantities than usual. It’s a way of making sure that people don’t go hungry in the aftermath of a disaster.
What Are Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) Benefits?
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) is a special version of the regular SNAP program. While regular SNAP benefits are given to those who meet ongoing eligibility criteria, D-SNAP helps people who wouldn’t normally qualify for the program but have been impacted by a disaster.
In Texas’ case, D-SNAP benefits have been activated in the wake of Hurricane Barry’s destructive path. D-SNAP provides food assistance for those who have lost income, incurred disaster-related expenses, or are otherwise unable to meet their food needs due to the emergency.
Even individuals who are not regular SNAP recipients may qualify for this temporary benefit. For instance, if you’ve lost your job, had to pay for costly repairs, or lost food due to power outages or flooding, D-SNAP may offer the relief you need to make ends meet during this time.
Who Is Eligible for D-SNAP Benefits?
To apply for D-SNAP benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These generally include:
- Living in a disaster-affected county: Texas residents in 21 counties, including Travis, Kerr, Kendall, and Bandera, are eligible for D-SNAP benefits.
- Experiencing loss of income or disaster-related expenses: If your income has been severely reduced because of the storm or if you’ve had to spend money on recovery efforts, you may qualify.
- Limited resources: If your resources have been affected by the disaster (for example, your savings were used up on emergency expenses), you may be eligible for D-SNAP.
It’s important to note that D-SNAP benefits are temporary and are meant to assist during emergencies. The program will provide food benefits for a limited period, so it’s crucial to apply and make use of the benefits as quickly as possible.
How to Apply for Unlocking Extra SNAP Benefits for Thousands of Families?
If you live in a disaster-affected area and believe you qualify for D-SNAP, follow these steps to apply:
- Call 2-1-1: To get started, call 2-1-1 (a service that connects Texans with local resources) and select option 7 to begin your D-SNAP application process.
- Submit Form H1855: This form is required to apply for D-SNAP benefits. It’s called the Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits. You can download and fill out the form from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) website.
- Mail or Fax the Form: Once filled out, mail your form to P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027 or fax it to 877-447-2839.
Replacement Benefits: What You Need to Know
For current SNAP recipients who lost food due to the disaster (whether because of flooding or power outages), replacement benefits are also available. These benefits will help you replace the food you lost and can be used to purchase groceries once they’re loaded onto your Lone Star Card (Texas’ version of an EBT card).
To apply for replacement benefits:
- Call 2-1-1: Just like with D-SNAP, call 2-1-1 and select option 7.
- Deadline: The deadline to apply for replacement benefits is August 4, 2025, so make sure to act quickly.
- Receiving Benefits: Replacement benefits will be added to your Lone Star Card within two business days.v
Hot Food Purchases: A Special Benefit in Affected Counties
In some of the hardest-hit counties—Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, and Real—eligible SNAP recipients will be able to use their benefits to purchase hot foods and ready-to-eat meals through August 7, 2025.
This is a critical benefit for those who might not have access to cooking facilities due to storm damage or those who simply need a hot meal while dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. No extra steps are needed to access this benefit—eligible recipients can simply use their Lone Star Card to buy hot meals at participating stores.
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