HONOLULU (KHON2) — The replacement benefits deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, beneficiaries has been extended to April 2, the state Department of Human Services announced.
Federal officials authorized the state department to extend the deadline for replacement benefits for those who experienced extended electrical outages as a result of the Kona low storm.
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Eligible households will be reimbursed for SNAP-purchased food that was destroyed during the storm. Recipients of the replacement funds will receive a replacement amount based on the value of the food lost, and cannot exceed the beneficiary’s monthly SNAP benefit.
The extension is limited to beneficiaries in specific neighborhoods in each county. Those eligible for replacement benefits reside in the following regions:
- City and County of Honolulu
- Kāneʻohe, Kailua, Wahiawā, Mililani and Honolulu
- Hawaiʻi County
- North Kona, South Kona, Volcano, Keaʻau, Kurtistown, Mountain View, Kaʻū and Kohala
- Maui County
- Upcountry and Haʻikū
- Kauaʻi County
- Kalāheo, Kīlauea, Waimea, Princeville, Kōloa and Kapaʻa
For SNAP beneficiaries outside of the above neighborhoods but still experienced loss of SNAP-purchased food, replacement benefits must be requested within 10 days of the food loss.
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Those interested in applying should contact the DHS Processing Center or by contacting the Public Assistance Information Line at (855) 643-1643. To apply, a signed written statement regarding your food loss must be submitted and include the following:
- Name of the SNAP beneficiary
- An estimated value of the amount of food lost
- A description of why and how the loss occurred
- Contact information
For sample applications, statements and other information, visit the Department of Human Services website…