SNAP recipients who lost food during power outages can apply for replacement benefits

ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program who lost food during the days-long power outages in Adams County may be eligible for replacement benefits.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is encouraging all Adams County SNAP recipients who lost food as a result of the recent outage to immediately request replacement benefits by phone or in person with their County Assistance Office.

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The department said the state is able to provide replacement up to one month of SNAP benefits if food is destroyed by a natural disaster.

The requests must be submitted within 10 days of the food loss.

“Under federal law, Affidavits for Replacement of Food Destroyed in a Household Disaster must be submitted within 10 days, and the Shapiro Administration has requested a waiver with the federal government to try to extend this timeline for food loss experienced as a result of this week’s storms due to the extent of power outages and damages,” the Department of Human Services wrote in a news release. “SNAP recipients who were affected by a power outage are encouraged to submit the affidavit as soon as possible to start the replacement process.”

To get the ball rolling on replacing SNAP benefits, you can find your local County Assistance Office by clicking here, call the statewide customer service center at 1-877-395-8930, or upload a completed affidavit form to COMPASS or the my COMPASS PA mobile app. Click here to learn more about updating case information on the app, and click here to learn how to upload documents.

“The last thing you need to worry about right now during this power outage is being unable to eat, so I want all impacted, eligible Pennsylvanians to know that help is available right now. If you are a SNAP recipient and this transformer fire caused a power outage that spoiled your food, you can receive replacement SNAP benefits,” said Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh.

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