Hurricane Beryl’s recent devastation has left Texas residents grappling with severe damage and recovery efforts. The hurricane, which reorganized into a Category 1 storm on July 8, caused widespread flooding and property damage, particularly impacting certain counties.
Amidst the rebuilding efforts, SNAP recipients have some relief as they can replace lost benefits due to the storm. Here’s what you need to know about this essential support.
Relief
Residents of Texas affected by Hurricane Beryl who receive SNAP benefits can claim replacement food vouchers. This initiative aims to help those who lost food due to power outages, flooding, and property damage. The replacement process provides a critical lifeline for families facing the aftermath of the hurricane.
Extended Deadline
Typically, SNAP recipients have a 10-day window to request replacements after an incident. However, given the extent of Hurricane Beryl’s damage, this period has been extended. Beneficiaries now have until August 8 to submit their replacement requests.
This extension ensures families have enough time to assess their losses accurately.
Application Process
For those opting to apply over the phone, they can call 2-1-1 and select option 2. Applicants must download and complete Form H1855 (Affidavit for Non-receipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits). The completed form should be mailed to:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
P.O. Box 149027
Austin, TX 78714-9027
Applicants need to specify the value of the lost or destroyed food and their monthly benefits to ensure accurate replacements.
Eligibility
Not every county in Texas was equally affected by Hurricane Beryl. Only residents in 121 of the state’s 254 counties are eligible for the extended SNAP benefit replacement. These counties experienced the most significant damage and widespread losses. The eligible counties include:
- Anderson
- Angelina
- Aransas
- Atascosa
- Austin
- Bastrop
- Bee
- Bell
- Bexar
- Bowie
- Brazoria
- Brazos
- Brooks
- Burleson
- Caldwell
- Calhoun
- Cameron
- Camp
- Cass
- Chambers
- Cherokee
- Collin
- Colorado
- Comal
- Dallas
- Delta
- DeWitt
- Dimmit
- Duval
- Ellis
- Falls
- Fannin
- Fayette
- Fort Bend
- Franklin
- Freestone
- Frio
- Galveston
- Goliad
- Gonzales
- Grayson
- Gregg
- Grimes
- Guadalupe
- Hardin
- Harris
- Harrison
- Hays
- Henderson
- Hidalgo
- Hill
- Hopkins
- Houston
- Hunt
- Jackson
- Jasper
- Jefferson
- Jim Hogg
- Jim Wells
- Karnes
- Kaufman
- Kenedy
- Kinney
- Kleberg
- Lamar
- LaSalle
- Lavaca
- Lee
- Leon
- Liberty
- Limestone
- Live Oak
- Madison
- Marion
- Matagorda
- Maverick
- McLennan
- McMullen
- Medina
- Milam
- Montgomery
- Morris
- Nacogdoches
- Navarro
- Newton
- Nueces
- Orange
- Panola
- Polk
- Rains
- Red River
- Refugio
- Robertson
- Rockwall
- Rusk
- Sabine
- San Augustine
- San Jacinto
- San Patricio
- Shelby
- Smith
- Starr
- Titus
- Travis
- Trinity
- Tyler
- Upshur
- Uvalde
- Van Zandt
- Victoria
- Walker
- Waller
- Washington
- Webb
- Wharton
- Willacy
- Williamson
- Wilson
- Wood
- Zapata
- Zavala
If you reside outside the affected counties but suffered losses, contact your local office. They can assist in determining eligibility for replacement benefits.
Texas is resilient, and these measures aim to support the recovery and minimize suffering. Replacing lost SNAP benefits is a step towards rebuilding and ensuring families have the resources they need during this challenging time.
FAQs
How long do I have to apply for replacement benefits?
You have until August 8 to submit your request.
How do I apply for replacement benefits?
Call 2-1-1, select option 2, and complete Form H1855.
What should I specify on the replacement form?
Include the value of the lost food and your monthly benefits.
What if I am not in an eligible county but still suffered losses?
Contact your local office for potential eligibility.
Which counties are eligible for the extended replacement benefits?
Residents in 121 specified counties are eligible.