Tennessee Department of Human Services Announces Food Assistance Benefits Available to Tennesseans Impacted by Hurricane Helene

Disaster SNAP and Hot Foods Waiver Now Available

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) announced today that the department will provide additional food assistance for Tennesseans impacted by Hurricane Helene. Effective immediately, qualifying households who lived or worked in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties that experienced loss as a result of the hurricane are now able to pre-register for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits.

Additionally, TDHS has secured federal approval for a temporary Hot Foods Waiver in 13 counties including: Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. This waiver allows both SNAP and D-SNAP recipients to purchase hot and prepared meals at participating USDA-authorized EBT retailers through November 30, 2024.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)

D-SNAP benefits are provided through an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at grocery stores and other authorized retailers who accept electronic benefit transfer (EBT). These cards will be mailed to qualifying households following approval.

D-SNAP applicants must meet income limits and will receive benefits determined by USDA Food and Nutrition Services guidance. Each applying household’s monthly take-home income and accessible liquid resources during the disaster benefit period minus disaster expenses must not exceed the income limit for the household size. For example, a household of three must meet the limit of $3,068 or less.

Additionally, to be eligible, individuals or households must have experienced at least one of the following conditions as a direct result of the severe weather event:

•  Damage to or destruction of the home or self-employment business.
•  Loss or inaccessibility of income including a reduction or termination of income or a significant delay in receiving income due to disaster related problems.
•  Disaster-related expenses (home or business repairs, temporary shelter, evacuation, etc.) that are not expected to be reimbursed during the disaster benefit period.
•  Food loss.

Recipients of Tennessee’s regular SNAP program are not eligible to receive D-SNAP.

D-SNAP Application Information

Households who meet the qualifications for disaster assistance may apply online at the D-SNAP application page: https://onedhs.tn.gov or by visiting a TDHS County Office or Tennessee Emergency Management Agency Multi-Agency Resource Center (TEMA MARC) location. Applications from households who resided or worked in Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi and Washington counties at the time of the disaster will be accepted beginning at 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, October 21, 2024 through 4:30 PM EDT on Friday, October 25, 2024.

Households who meet the qualifications for D-SNAP can pre-register for an interview 24 hours a day beginning 8:00 AM EDT on October 14, 2024 through 4:30 PM EDT on Thursday, October 17, 2024 via the One DHS Customer Portal at https://onedhs.tn.gov. The D-SNAP pre-registration form will re-open at 8:00 AM EDT on Monday, October 21, 2024 and close at 4:30 PM on Friday, October 25, 2025.

Customers in need of technical assistance can call the D-SNAP Hotline at 1-888-615-8180 from 8:00 AM EDT to 4:30 PM EDT from October 21, 2024 until October 25, 2024. Face-to-face assistance is available in the local TDHS offices and TEMA MARC locations below.

Disaster SNAP Assistance is provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and each eligible county is approved by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

Hot Foods Waiver

TDHS has received federal approval to provide vital relief to SNAP households affected by Hurricane Helene by implementing a temporary SNAP Hot Foods Waiver. Effective immediately and running through November 30, 2024, residents in Carter, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties who receive SNAP (and D-SNAP) benefits will be allowed to use their benefits to purchase hot and prepared foods at USDA FNS-authorized EBT retailer food stores.

This waiver is crucial in addressing the needs of families who are facing prolonged power outages, boil water advisories, and displacement from their homes due to the hurricane. By allowing the purchase of hot and prepared foods, TDHS aims to ensure that those most adversely affected by the disaster have access to nutritious meals during this challenging time.

SNAP and D-SNAP households in the approved counties are encouraged to visit USDA FNS-authorized retailers and use their benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals as needed.

More information is available at: https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/tdhs-disaster-emergency-assistance.html

ABOUT THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES (TDHS)

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) consists of multiple divisions with a unified mission to strengthen Tennessee by strengthening Tennesseans. Led by governor-appointed Commissioner Clarence H. Carter, TDHS serves nearly two million Tennesseans to ensure that all state residents have an opportunity to reach their full potential as contributing members of their community. Among the many services and programs provided by TDHS, some of the leading programs include the Child Support Program, Child and Adult Day Services and Licensing, Families First (the state’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rehabilitation Services for people with disabilities, and Adult Protective Services, along with many others. TDHS is an organization committed to connecting people to resources that help individuals, families and communities thrive towards long-term economic freedom and prosperity. For more information, please visit: Tennessee Department of Human Services.