Texas has faced another natural disaster, leaving many families in distress, especially those already reliant on SNAP benefits. Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, on July 8 as a Category 1 hurricane, caused significant damage across the state. The storm’s impacts were felt even after it weakened and became post-tropical over Arkansas.
Affected Areas
While it might seem like the entire state suffered, only 121 out of 254 counties are eligible for SNAP benefit replacements due to the severity of the disaster. The eligible counties include:
- Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bell, Bexar, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Delta, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Franklin, Freestone, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kaufman, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, Lamar, LaSalle, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Live Oak, Madison, Marion, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rains, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Titus, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Uvalde, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Wood, Zapata, Zavala
Replacement Benefits
SNAP recipients who lost food due to the hurricane’s effects, such as power outages, flooding, or other disaster-related damages, are eligible for benefit replacements. The state has extended the usual 10-day window for requesting these replacements to August 8, 2024, allowing families more time to assess their losses and apply.
How to Apply
To apply for replacement benefits, follow these steps:
- Contact Options: Reach out to your local SNAP office, call 2-1-1 and select option 2, or visit the Texas Health and Human Services website for instructions.
- Form H1855: Download and complete Form H1855 (Affidavit for Non-receipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits). This form requires you to specify the value of the lost food and your monthly benefit amount.
- Submission: Mail the completed form to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission at P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX 78714-9027.
Important Details
Make sure to provide accurate information on the form, including the value of the food lost and your monthly benefits. This ensures that the replacement amount is correct. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
Final Thoughts
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl has been challenging for many Texas communities. The floods and destruction have left many without basic necessities. The SNAP benefit replacement program is a crucial support mechanism to help affected families recover and rebuild. If you were impacted, ensure you take the necessary steps to claim your replacement benefits before the extended deadline.
FAQs
Who is eligible for replacement SNAP benefits in Texas?
SNAP recipients in 121 eligible counties affected by Hurricane Beryl.
How do I apply for replacement benefits?
Complete Form H1855 and mail it to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.
What is the deadline to request replacement benefits?
The deadline has been extended to August 8, 2024.
What information is needed on Form H1855?
The value of the lost food and your monthly SNAP benefit amount.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the Texas Health and Human Services website or call 2-1-1 and select option 2.
