SNAP Replacement Benefits

basics of snap replacement benefits

Households may receive replacement SNAP benefits when food purchased with SNAP benefits was destroyed due to a disaster, such as a flood, fire, or severe weather.

If you lose food due to a power outage caused by a weather event and the power was out for 6 hours or longer, you can receive replacement benefits, if approved. The power outage must be a direct result of the weather event.

You will be asked to report the value of the food that was lost in the disaster. If approved, replacement benefits equal to the value of the food lost will be issued, up to the maximum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month.

In order for food purchased with SNAP benefits to be replaced, the disaster must be reported
within ten (10) days of the date the loss occurred.

steps to receive Snap replacement benefits

1 Report the disaster promptly

Contact your local MDHS office within ten (10) days to report the outage and initiate the replacement benefits.

2 Fill out the replacement form

To certify the outage, complete the replacement form (MDHS EA Form 508). It’s quick and easy!

Household Statement of Food Loss Due to Household Disaster (MDHS EA Form 508)

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3 Send completed form to your county office

Once you’ve completed your Household Statement of Food Loss Due to Household Disaster (MDHS EA Form 508) form, you can submit to your local county office online, in person, by mail, by email, or by fax.

If you need assistance with this process, don’t hesitate to contact the Economic Assistance Eligibility Client Services Center at 800-948-3050.

Replacement benefits may be provided in the amount of the loss to the household, but no more than the maximum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month.

For Households Not Receiving SNAP

You can apply for SNAP online: