Last Call for Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Kershaw, Lexington and Richland Residents: DSNAP Benefits Approaching Deadline!
COLUMBIA, S.C. — If you’re nestled in Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Kershaw, Lexington, or Richland counties, it’s time to pay attention! The clock is ticking for you to apply for the Disaster Supplemental Assistance Program (DSNAP) benefits due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) wants you to know that you need to act fast!
What’s Happening?
From Wednesday, December 11, through Friday, December 13,
residents can pre-register online and then head to their designated DSNAP site to grab those much-needed benefits. These sites will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, so there’s plenty of time to swing by. Just remember to arrive within those hours if you’re planning to apply in person.
Who Can Apply?
Are you a resident who lived in the affected counties during the storm? Did you experience unreimbursed losses or damage from the hurricane that swept through on September 27, 2024? If your answer is “yes,” then you could be eligible for DSNAP benefits! But hold your horses — just losing some food won’t cut it for qualifying. The losses that count include things like:
- Damage to your home or property
- Losing essential household supplies
- Other unreimbursed disaster losses
Important Guidelines to Keep in Mind
Before you jump into the application process, here are a few important notes to keep in mind:
- If you’re already a current SNAP recipient, unfortunately, you won’t be eligible to apply for DSNAP.
- Did you apply for DSNAP between November 11 and November 21 and get denied after a telephone interview? Sorry, but you can’t re-apply.
What to Bring When You Apply?
If you’re planning to go in person to apply for those benefits, make sure you’re prepared! You’ll need to bring along some documentation to help support your application. This will ensure the team can efficiently process your request without any hitches.
Don’t Agree with the Decision? Here’s What To Do!
If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having your DSNAP application denied and you believe it’s unjust, you don’t just have to accept it. You can request a fair hearing. Just give a ring to 1-800-311-7220 or write to your local county DSS office to get the ball rolling!
Your Local DSNAP Application Locations
Check out the designated counties below for the DSNAP locations where you can go to apply:
- Edgefield County
- Fairfield County
- Greenville County
- Kershaw County
- Lexington County
- Richland County
Being prepared can make a world of difference, so don’t miss out! The deadline is fast approaching, and it’s crucial to take action now if you need assistance after Hurricane Helene. Remember, every bit of help counts!
Don’t let the time slip away — mark your calendars, gather your documents, and head out to apply for your DSNAP benefits!