JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) has announced that households who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and were affected by the power outages caused by Saturday’s storms can apply for replacement benefits.
The announcement comes after devastating weather conditions, including 22 tornadoes, that hit Mississippi on January 1, 2025. The storm caused power outages lasting more than six hours, leaving many families without electricity and potentially spoiling their food supply.
Who is Eligible for SNAP Replacement Benefits?
SNAP beneficiaries whose food was lost due to the extended power outage may be eligible for replacement benefits. To qualify, households must have experienced a power outage that lasted for six hours or more. This applies to both those who live in areas directly affected by the storm and those who experienced the power outage but were not directly in the path of the tornadoes.
How to Apply for SNAP Replacement Benefits?
To apply for replacement SNAP benefits, households must submit a Replacement SNAP request to their local MDHS office within 10 days from the date of the power outage. It is important to meet the deadline to ensure eligibility for assistance.
The application form required for requesting replacement benefits is the MDHS-EA-508 form, which is available on the Mississippi Department of Human Services website under the SNAP Replacement Benefits section.
Steps to Submit Your Application:
- Download the Form: Visit the MDHS website at SNAP Replacement Benefits – Mississippi Department of Human Services.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the MDHS-EA-508 form with the necessary details.
- Submit Your Form: Once completed, the form can be submitted via mail, email, or directly uploaded on the MDHS website using the document upload feature.
Contact Information for Assistance
If you need help with your application or have any questions, you can contact the Economic Assistance Customer Service Center at 1-800-948-3050. The center provides support for all SNAP-related inquiries and can guide you through the application process.
Why Is This Important?
For many Mississippians, especially those who depend on SNAP benefits to meet their daily food needs, the loss of food due to power outages can be devastating. The replacement benefits help restore some of the food that was lost and ensure that families have access to essential nutrition.
MDHS is committed to providing support during these challenging times and encourages eligible households to apply as soon as possible. The government aims to reduce the hardship caused by the recent storms and assist residents in recovering from the impacts of the severe weather.
In addition to SNAP replacement benefits, MDHS is working closely with local authorities to monitor the storm’s aftermath and coordinate additional support as needed for those affected.
Conclusion
If you are a SNAP recipient in Mississippi who lost food due to the power outages caused by the recent storms, be sure to take action right away to request replacement benefits. Remember, you have 10 days from the date of the power outage to submit your request. By completing the MDHS-EA-508 form and submitting it on time, you can help ease the impact of the storm’s effects on your household.
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