The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that residents in South Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene may qualify for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). An estimated 357,291 households across 28 counties and one tribe in South Carolina are eligible for this support to help with grocery expenses.
The D-SNAP program is available to individuals who might not typically qualify for SNAP benefits but meet certain disaster-related criteria. USDA has extended D-SNAP eligibility to additional areas in Florida, including Desoto, Flagler, Lake, and Polk counties. This expansion brings the total number of eligible regions to 144 counties and two tribes impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
"USDA is committed to making sure that families, farmers and communities impacted by recent hurricanes get the support they need," stated Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The Biden-Harris Administration, including USDA, will do everything in our power to help you respond, recover and rebuild – no matter how long it takes."
South Carolina will manage its virtual D-SNAP application process from November 12 through November 21, 2024. In-person applications will be accepted from December 2 through December 13, 2024. The eligible areas include Abbeville County and several others along with the Catawba Indian Reservation. Further information on application dates and locations will be shared via local media.
Households must reside in a disaster-affected area and meet specific eligibility criteria to apply for D-SNAP. Approved applicants receive one month of benefits equivalent to the maximum monthly SNAP allowance for their household size. These benefits can be used at authorized stores or select online retailers.
In response to Hurricane Helene's impact on South Carolina residents, USDA has implemented several measures such as waiving the reporting requirement for food purchased with SNAP benefits lost due to power outages and allowing mass replacements of lost benefits.
Though current SNAP households cannot access D-SNAP directly, South Carolina has been approved by USDA to issue supplemental SNAP benefits automatically in most affected counties. Residents in Kershaw County can request these supplemental benefits from their state agency.
USDA continues collaborating with state officials and partners to provide timely assistance where needed most. Efforts include dispatching responders alongside FEMA teams for recovery operations and exploring further program flexibilities.
To learn more about USDA’s response efforts or available resources following Hurricanes Helene and Milton, visit USDA’s Disaster Resource Center or contact local authorities via South Carolina’s Department of Social Services website or helpline at 2-1-1.
