Acting Governor Dan Patrick has stated that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission has been granted federal authority to enable SNAP recipients to petition for replacement payments for food that was lost or damaged during Hurricane Beryl.
SNAP recipients who lost or damaged food due to the storms that started on July 8 must apply for replacement benefits, which will be added to their Lone Star Cards when benefits are authorized and processed, within two business days. Acting Governor has notified many counties, and SNAP recipients in those counties have to apply for replacement benefits by August 8 to get the benefits. Applying is easy and you just need to call 2-1-1 and choose Option 8 starting on July 11.
Emergency Food Stamps Texas
Under certain circumstances, SNAP recipients who were affected by Hurricane Beryl in Texas may now be entitled to receive replacement food stamps. Those who are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) who have lost food because to Hurricane Beryl now have an extended period of time to apply for replacement benefits. Food purchased with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards may be replaced with SNAP benefits in the event that natural disaster-related effects such as floods, power outages, and property devastation destroy the food.
SNAP beneficiaries who live outside of the designated counties may request for replacement benefits by going to their local benefits office within ten days after realizing they have lost food. Up to May 31, 2024, the HHSC will replace food and formula lost by storms through the WIC program in addition to SNAP payments. By going to TexasWIC.org, those in need can get these benefits.
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What is Texas WIC?
Healthy meals, nutrition education, and access to essential health services are all provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, babies, and Children (WIC), which aims to enhance the health of pregnant women who are nutritionally at-risk, new mothers, babies, and children under five.
WIC, or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, aims to enhance the nutritional status of pregnant women who pose a risk to their health, as well as that of new mothers, infants, and children under five years old. It achieves this by offering a nutritious diet, education on nutrition, and access to basic health services.
Families with modest earnings that fall below 185 percent of the federal poverty criteria are the target people for WIC. In order to qualify for WIC services, women and babies must be at risk for health problems or malnutrition, and participation must be recommended by a medical practitioner.
Pregnancy-related issues, unhealthy diets, or a higher chance of low birthweight are some risks. At WIC clinics, new mothers can get health exams, nutrition education, assistance with breastfeeding, and connections to other resources through the WIC program. Screenings and recommendations for basic health and immunizations are provided to infants and early children.
Application Process Simplified
The Affidavit for Non receipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits, Form H1855, is also available for download by recipients. You must fill the form and submitted it to the Texas HHSC. In person applications for replacement benefits must be submitted by recipients residing in counties not on the list below within ten days of realizing their food was lost or damaged during the recent storms. For replacement food benefits, residents in certain counties must visit their local benefits office.
Support for WIC recipients
Through the local mental health authority, HHSC is also offering crisis counseling to Texans impacted by this calamity. Go to the Where Can I Find Services page to find a mental health authority in your community.
Furthermore, WIC program by Texas Health and Human Services Commission is restoring food and formula benefits that were lost due to the storm through July 31, 2024. To locate an open WIC facility, families may visit TexasWIC.org or call 800-942-3678, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and select Option 3. For food benefits to be replaced, WIC clients must visit the WIC office.
How to Apply for the benefit
If you want this benefit then you can apply by browsing YourTexasBenefits.com or via the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. You can contact 2-1-1 and choose Option 1 to access local services like food or shelter.
How WIC benefits are distributed?
WIC funds are disbursed using an Electronic funds Transfer Card (EBT), resembling a debit card in appearance and functionality. Certain food goods, including as formula, baby food, milk, eggs, tortillas, fruits, and vegetables, can be purchased using WIC cards at participating grocery shops and farmers’ markets.
Foods not on the WIC-approved list and non-food baby/toddler supplies like diapers are not covered by WIC benefits. In addition to selecting which items to include as WIC-authorized purchases, the state is in charge of enrolling qualified mothers, newborns, and children in the program.
Along with encouraging healthy behaviors that can ultimately lower health expenditures, WIC also promotes the purchasing of nutritious foods. Because low-income moms and their newborns had healthier, less complicated births, research has demonstrated that prenatal WIC participation was linked to Medicaid cost reductions for both parties. Concerns have been expressed regarding WIC’s capacity to serve a varied and expanding population in light of the program’s declining enrolment in recent years.
Niamh Prescott has a degree in Mass Communication and an MBA in Finance. She has worked for two media houses and is now running her own media company.
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