Virginia Department of Social Services Launches 

Disaster SNAP Benefits for Victims of Hurricane Helene

RICHMOND, VA (November 18, 2024) - In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) is offering a new, temporary Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) to assist residents in qualifying affected counties. The recovery program is designed to help individuals and families in the hardest hit areas by providing temporary food assistance to those who suffered financial hardships due to the disaster. 

D-SNAP provides immediate relief to those who do not currently receive SNAP benefits but need food assistance due to Hurricane Helene's impact on their homes, employment and income. Eligible residents in eight localities will be able to apply for D-SNAP benefits from November 18 to 22, 2024.  

“We understand the immense challenges many families are facing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and we are committed to providing recovery relief to help them regain their footing,” said VDSS Commissioner James Williams. “The Disaster SNAP program is a critical tool aimed at restoring stability for families who have suffered significant financial setbacks and food insecurity due to the storm. Our priority is to ensure that residents in the hardest-hit areas can access the resources they need to begin the long road to recovery.” 

D-SNAP is available to residents of the following localities who received the Individual Assistance declaration from FEMA and the President and were impacted by the hurricane between September 25 and October 24, 2024: Carroll, Grayson, Scott, Smyth, Tazewell, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties. 

To qualify, individuals must meet the federal Disaster Gross Income Limit guidelines and have experienced: 

• A loss of food or income, including a reduction or termination of income, or a significant delay in receiving income, 
• damage to or destruction of their home or business, 
• or additional disaster-related expenses, such as home repairs, temporary shelter, or evacuation costs that are not expected to be reimbursed

Disaster Gross Income Limit

D-SNAP applicants in the designated impacted areas can apply in-person at their local department of social services (LDSS) office. Applicants are required to bring a form of identification to complete their application. The addresses of participating LDSS locations can be found on the VDSS website.

While current SNAP recipients are not eligible for D-SNAP, SNAP customers in the affected counties listed above who are not already receiving the maximum allotment in SNAP benefits will automatically receive a supplemental benefit on their existing Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This benefit will cover the difference between their current monthly allotment and the maximum D-SNAP benefit for their household size without having to apply at their local agency. If customers do not receive this benefit by November 22, they may contact their LDSS.

More information about eligibility, the application process, and D-SNAP benefits can be found by visiting dss.virginia.gov/storm. 

###

About the Virginia Department of Social Services

The Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), one of the Commonwealth’s largest government agencies, is comprised of approximately 2,000 state staff who proudly serve alongside more than 10,000 employees of 120 local departments of social services and community action agencies to deliver critical social services to Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens. VDSS is committed to ensuring Virginians have access to the high-quality human services and resources needed to enhance their individual and collective well-being, and shape strong futures for themselves, their families and communities. The agency provides a wide range of services and resources in the areas of food and energy assistance, foster care and adoption, child support, and abuse and neglect prevention, among others. For more information, visit dss.virginia.gov.