SNAP replacement benefits available for weather-affected households

Current recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits can replace any food lost due to the kona low weather event.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services is allowing eligible households to be reimbursed for food purchased with SNAP benefits that was destroyed due to extended power outages or flooding during the severe weather.

The replacement amount will be based on the value of food lost, not exceeding the total monthly SNAP benefit issued to the household.

The Department of Human Services is accepting applications for SNAP replacement benefits from SNAP households statewide.

To qualify, SNAP recipients must submit a written statement reporting the food loss within 10 days of the incident. The statement must include:

• The name of the SNAP participant
• An estimate of the value of food destroyed
• A description of what occurred and when
• Contact information for the participant

A sample written statement is available on the Department of Human Services website; however, recipients may submit their own written statement and are not required to use the sample form.

Written statements may be submitted to any Department of Human Services processing center statewide. The processing center on Kauaʻi is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday at 3059 ʻUmi St. in Līhuʻe.

Once received, submissions will be reviewed and validated. Approved applicants will receive replacement benefits following the review process.