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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.

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.