Relief on the Way for South Carolina Families Affected by Hurricane Helene
Columbia, S.C. – Great news is coming for thousands of low-income families in South Carolina who faced food loss due to power outages caused by Hurricane Helene! The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) announced on Friday that help is on the way, thanks to a waiver approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Automatic Replacement SNAP Benefits
This waiver will automatically provide replacement SNAP benefits to recipients in 28 counties that were hit hard by Helene. Many of these counties are located right in the heart of the Midlands. “We are just so thankful for the electric utilities and county administrators that helped us collect the information needed by the federal government,” said Connelly-Anne Ragley, Chief External Affairs Officer at DSS. She added that these replacement benefits are funded entirely by the federal government.
To qualify for these replacement benefits, residents must already be receiving SNAP, previously known as the Food Stamp Program. Furthermore, the affected counties must have seen at least 50 percent of their total population experiencing power outages that lasted over four hours. Hurricane Helene was quite the storm, leaving countless homes in the dark for hours or even days, which unfortunately resulted in a loss of perishable food items.
Quick and Simple Process
Families residing in the specified 28 counties will automatically receive a replacement of 55% of their SNAP benefits for September, as determined by federal guidelines. No additional documentation is necessary for these eligible individuals, making the process quick and simple. DSS anticipates that the replacement benefits will be available on EBT cards by next week.
“Our goal is to streamline this process and allow folks to have the replacement benefits automatically loaded back onto their cards by or before Tuesday, October 15,” Ragley explained. She also stressed that reaching out to local county DSS offices or the state office won’t speed things up, so patience is key.
For Those Not Under the Waiver
Residents in the remaining 18 counties that aren’t part of the mass replacement waiver still have options. They can apply for individual assistance by submitting a form along with proof of the prolonged power outage. This proof can be a letter from a landlord, insurance company, or utility provider. The deadline for submitting these applications has been extended to October 26th.
“According to federal rules, you typically have two weeks from the event to file that affidavit of loss,” Ragley mentioned. In light of Hurricane Helene’s impact, DSS sought and received extra time for residents in those outlying counties to submit their applications.
Community Support for All
For families that don’t qualify for SNAP benefits, fear not! The local nonprofit organizations are stepping up to help. The United Way of the Midlands has initiated the Neighbors United Drive, aimed at replenishing local food pantries and delivering aid to the areas hardest hit by Helene.
“From previous disasters, we’ve learned that we can achieve so much more when we work together,” said Jennifer Moore, VP of Community Impact at the United Way of the Midlands. The Neighbors United Drive runs through Monday, October 14, and those interested can drop off nonperishable food, hygiene products, and cleaning supplies at their office located at 1818 Blanding Street in Columbia. Collection hours on Monday are from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Financial contributions are also welcomed to assist local food banks, like Harvest Hope, which is prepared to serve anyone in need.
Final Thoughts
In times of stress and uncertainty, it’s uplifting to see our community come together to support one another. Whether through government assistance or community aid, there are resources available to help families bounce back from this difficult time.
Stay safe, South Carolina, and support your neighbors however you can. Together, we’ll rise through these challenges!
