Newport to Receive SNAP Replacement Benefits in the Wake of Hurricane Sandy
Funds allow replacement benefits to those who lost perishable foods.
Governor Lincoln Chafee announced on Sunday that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved $535,796 in additional federal funds for Rhode Island. These funds will allow the Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS) to issue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as “Food Stamps”) replacement benefits to recipients who lost frozen and perishable foods as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
“This is one more example of the helpful response of the federal government to the people of Rhode Island,” said Governor Lincoln Chafee. “SNAP benefits are 100% federal and so this help along with the aid coming from other federal agencies are key ingredients in the recovery that is taking place in our state as a result of the hard work and planning by so many.”
SNAP replacement benefits help recipients restore perishable and frozen food that was lost due to power outages lasting more than four hours or replace foods lost due to flooding. DHS sought a waiver to allow automated replacement of benefits for the hardest hit municipalities. For cities and towns where 50 percent or more of residents lost power, DHS was approved by FNS to automatically replace 25 percent of SNAP recipients’ October 2012 benefit. SNAP recipients in those cities and towns will automatically receive an allotment of 25% percent of their October benefit amount added to their SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. SNAP recipients who live in those cities and towns do not need to make an application for this benefit nor do they need to go to their area DHS office. The SNAP replacement benefits will be automatically added to their EBT cards by Friday, November 9, 2012.
Those municipalities where fifty percent or more of residents lost power are: Charlestown, Exeter, Foster, Glocester, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Little Compton, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, Richmond, Scituate, South Kingston, Tiverton, and Westerly.
SNAP benefits can also be replaced on an individual basis. For SNAP participants who live in all other Rhode Island municipalities and who lost perishable and frozen foods due to Hurricane Sandy, they must submit an application to DHS for SNAP replacement benefits. Those SNAP recipients must also include proof of a power loss from the storm with their application.
Such verification may be obtained from a community agency or official such as a Community Action Program, a utility company, or the Red Cross. The deadline for SNAP recipients in cities and towns that did not suffer widespread, prolonged power outages is November 28th. (FNS usually allows 10 days from the date of the weather event. However, due to the widespread impact of Hurricane Sandy, FNS has issued a 20 day extension to all states impacted by the storm, stretching the deadline to November 28th).
“We appreciate the quick work of the federal Food and Nutrition Service in response to the needs of Rhode Islanders created by the storm,” said Sandra M. Powell, Director of the RI Department of Human Services. “While it was fortunate that SNAP participants received their usual benefit on November 1st, these additional benefits will ensure that they can make up for food that was lost due to the storm and do not fall behind in meeting food needs for their families.”
While SNAP recipients in the 15 named communities do not need to submit an application for replacement benefits nor visit a DHS office, recipients in all other communities may obtain an application for replacement benefits at the local DHS field office or online at www.dhs.ri.gov.
Joe Sousa.
6:44 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
The Red Cross does this work with out the Red tape. They should have just gave the Red Cross a donation.
Ira Khay
7:52 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
What if you are barely getting by, are from Newport & a single parent whose benefits for her & son were cut to just $16 a month? I lost more than $4 of food. Although I'm thankful for every bit my last name starts w/ a letter & my worker & I had problems... I try to get answers & get nowhere. Managers leave b/f problem is resolved to other positions & I need help but gave up b/c of her treatment & pointlessly knocking my head on wall + losing time & health. I have to reverify soon & dreading the process b/c I so hate wasting time & losing health in the office. This person clearly does not like working w/ people who need help. She never shows she cares... Others had major complaints too. Nothing has been done & her teen children will soon reap benefits if attending college free b/c of her state job!!! I'd vote Tuesday for someone who can bring fairness, order & compassionate staff to DHS who can help people vs group them into #'s & one category & worry only about their job & benefits or state pension. My parents do work & pay taxes. I don't lie on applications & unfortunately saved a life b/c going through abortion for me was worse & had health risks!!! Which politician or organization wants to help me? Why do they forgive some 10 months of repaying state $ in a paternity case & custodial parent who has ... What other agencies are helping people in Newport after Sandy?
Ira Khay
7:59 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
I don't regret giving my child life to add to last comment, but it seems to be something SNAP wise & legally wise I get punished for it (even though I did do it according to values & morals I wish more people had & am not a teen...)!!! Please educate me on who may truly help me after election & I'll vote for them (just hope they don't forget to help after being elected)!!!
Taxed More
10:47 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
What about the people who lost food that they EARNED?
DMChasmail
2:57 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
DMChasmail
2:57 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Cruel comment, "Taxed More." If only you could "walk in other persons' shoes" even if just for a day. Yes, granted, there are those who cheat to receive benefits; they've always been around and always will be, unfortunately. But you're being cruel to how many who have been living a "hell on earth" over the past couple of years. Be thankful for your blessings and stop judging.
DMChasmail
2:57 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
Cruel comment, "Taxed More." If only you could "walk in other persons' shoes" even if just for a day. Yes, granted, there are those who cheat to receive benefits; they've always been around and always will be, unfortunately. But you're being cruel to how many who have been living a "hell on earth" over the past couple of years. Be thankful for your blessings and stop judging.
Hairsonfire
8:39 am on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
I don't understand any of these comments. Maybe because I have a good job and have never been in a position where I needed any government assistance. It seems once you are in that scenario, the victim mentality of "poor me" and "help me" overrides all rationality - why should I work when I can get free money if I answer the DHS questions correctly? I don't know. I just don't know. I have been so fortunate.
deborah villeroel
2:49 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
what about working people that lost food in the hurricane. i live with my inlaws and was told to stock up on food, which we did, and since we are the on the highest level in staten island knew we weren't going to get any floods, but three transformers went down and didnt have electricity for 8 days which means all freezer foods were spolied. i am talking about meats, fish, and goodies for the kids, as well as stuff in the fridge. what can i apply for???
Hairsonfire
4:52 pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Home Owners Insurance will likely provide compensation.
Kathy Lolio
1:17 pm on Thursday, November 8, 2012
I must agree with Ira Khay, as I too, am unsuccessfully dealing with the Middletown DHS also. My worker....AND her supervisor, won't return my calls, won't meet with me, etc. I owe thousands of dollars in medical bills that I believe should be covered under my Medical Assistance plan, but I can't get either one to speak to me about it. I was advised to call the Attorney General's Office....because this is ridiculous!! I don't appreciate be treating like the scum of the earth just because I need assistance. I'm not asking for pity from anyone and I'm not playing the Pity card. Just stop judging me when you don't know my situation! We're not ALL out to use the system. I am on Disability...I previously worked up until right before my back surgery....that left me WORSE off than I was! Trust me, I would rather work and earn a living on my own than to receive a "hand out", as some of you seem to think it is. It's SO humiliating each month when I go shopping and use my SNAP card and people look down at you like you're dirt under their finger nails. I'm in my 40's....I'm not a kid who doesn't WANT to work. It gets very lonely and boring staying home all day not able to do what others do, and being in pain 24/7, so please don't judge all of us by the ones who use the system. Good luck to you and your son, Ira Khay....and yes, you DID do the right thing by keeping your precious son! Don't allow these people, who have NO clue what we're going through, to bring you down!