Georgia SNAP Recipients: Hurricane Helene Food Loss Reporting Extended—what You Need to Know
Georgia’s Department of Human Services first announced an extension of time to report any food losses caused by Hurricane Helene. SNAP recipients were meant to have more time to get replacements, however, there is no need to check the deadline because this state received waiver clearance for bulk replacement of Food Stamps.
To your knowledge, certain counties qualify for this waiver, so you do not need to report the loss of food purchased using Food Stamps. The biggest source of food loss is power interruptions caused by the previously mentioned natural calamity.
When Was the Deadline for Georgia SNAP Replacement Claims?
The Georgia Department of Human Services has advised Food Stamp recipients that residents in select counties who received SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in September 2024 have until October 25, 2024 to report food loss. However, reporting is not required following the waiver.
As a result, eligible recipients will not be required to complete paperwork requesting replacement of qualifying food lost due to Hurricane Helene. So, if storm-related power disruptions harmed you, you may be eligible.
These power outages must have lasted at least (or more than) four hours. If you’re not sure if your county qualifies for the SNAP mass replacement waiver, see the list below.
List of Counties That Qualify for SNAP Replacement Through October 25
Wilkes
Wilcox
Wheeler
Wayne
Washington
Warren
Ware
Treutlen
Toombs
Tift
Telfair
Tattnall
Taliaferro
Stephens
Richmond
Rabun
Pierce
Montgomery
McIntosh
McDuffie
Lowndes
Long
Lincoln
Liberty
Laurens
Lanier
Johnson
Jenkins
Jefferson
Jeff Davis
Irwin
Hancock
Glynn
Glascock
Evans
Emanuel
Elbert
Effingham
Echols
Dodge
Columbia
Colquitt
Coffee
Clinch
Chatham
Charlton
Candler
Camden
Burke
Bulloch
Bryan
Brantley
Bleckley
Berrien
Ben Hill
Bacon
Atkinson
Appling
Remember, if your county is not on the list, you have until October 25 to request SNAP replacement. Because many low-income families are away from home, this step may assist them obtain funds to feed their families if they lose their food.