SNAP Recipients May Qualify for Replacement Benefits After Power Outages or Other Issues
Report Food Loss to the Local Benefits Office Within 10 Days for Possible Replacement
According to The Ascent, a power outage can be very frustrating especially if it causes your food to spoil and leads to extra costs. If you have SNAP benefits and your food spoils because of a power outage or other issues you might qualify for replacement benefits. The USDA states that a refrigerator keeps food safe for up to four hours without power. If the outage lasts longer you should throw away perishable items like meat fish eggs and leftovers to avoid getting sick.
If you lose food during such events you should quickly contact your local benefits office to report the loss and request replacement benefits. This coverage applies to various incidents including power outages fires, floods and equipment failures such as a broken refrigerator. To qualify for these replacement benefits you need to submit a statement of loss to your state agency within 10 days of the incident. The agency must provide the replacement benefits within 10 days of receiving your report or within two working days of receiving a signed statement of loss whichever comes later. You can receive up to one month’s worth of benefits.
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4 Hours of Power Outage: USDA’s SNAP Benefits Replacement Policy for Spoiled Food, 10-Day Deadline to Claim! (PHOTO: High Plains Public Radio)
Keep Your Food Fresh: Keep Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Closed, Use a Portable Cooler and Stockpile Shelf-Stable Foods
To avoid food spoilage during power outages keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Consider using a portable cooler and keeping shelf-stable foods on hand. These steps help protect your food and reduce stress. For questions about replacement benefits contact your local assistance office.
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