Apply for SNAP Replacement Benefits After Power Outages in Mississippi and Tornado Mayhem

Mississippi, January 1, 2025 – Mississippi residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and were impacted by the recent storms are now eligible for replacement benefits. The Department of Human Services (MDHS) has announced that households who lost power for more than six hours due to the severe weather, including tornadoes, can apply for replacement aid.

The National Weather Service confirmed that 22 tornadoes struck Mississippi on Saturday, causing significant damage. Two fatalities, ten injuries, and widespread destruction to hundreds of structures were reported. Many residents in the affected areas were left without power, prompting the state’s response to assist those dependent on SNAP for food security.

How to Apply for Replacement Benefits

SNAP recipients who experienced power outages lasting over six hours can request a replacement of their benefits. To do so, they must submit a request to their local MDHS office within 10 days from the date of the outage.

To facilitate the process, the MDHS has made the replacement request form (MDHS-EA-508) available online. Beneficiaries are encouraged to visit the MDHS website to access the form.

The completed form can be submitted through various methods: by mail, email, or through the MDHS online document upload feature. For those requiring assistance or additional guidance, the Economic Assistance Customer Service Center is available to help at (800) 948-3050.

Deadline and Importance of Timely Submission

It is critical that SNAP recipients apply for replacement benefits within the 10-day window to ensure that they receive assistance. As many households were impacted by the power outages, this relief will help mitigate the disruption to food access caused by the storms.

For more information and to access the necessary resources, affected individuals are encouraged to visit the MDHS website or contact the Economic Assistance Customer Service Center for further support.

Conclusion

As Mississippi continues to recover from the devastating weekend storms, the MDHS’s efforts to provide SNAP replacement benefits offer vital support to those who need it most. By applying for assistance within the given timeframe, impacted residents can help ensure their food security during this challenging time

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