5.3.1 Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) for Victims of Natural Disasters

5.3.1.1 DSNAP Introduction

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (DSNAP) policies are used after affected areas have received a Presidential major disaster declaration with “individual assistance” and the Food and Nutrition Service approves a state’s request to operate a DSNAP. The state will notify the appropriate county/tribal/ W-2 FoodShare agencies when this happens and work with the local agencies to provide DSNAP benefits. In Wisconsin, DSNAP is sometimes referred to as “Disaster FoodShare.”

The rules for DSNAP are significantly different from the regular FoodShare program. For example, immigrant status, student status, failure to provide an SSN , work requirements and disqualification status ( IPV ) from regular FoodShare are irrelevant when determining DSNAP benefits. However, committing an IPV in the DSNAP period will count towards disqualification for regular FoodShare.

Eligible applicants not receiving FoodShare benefits during the disaster month who live or work in the affected areas may receive a one-time DSNAP payment equal to the maximum allotment for their household size. To be eligible, applicants must meet a DSNAP-specific income test and have experienced one of the following requirements:

Food damaged by the disaster or spoiled due to lack of refrigeration from a power outage of at least 4 hours;
Damage to or destruction of home, work place, or self-employment business;
Disaster related expenses not expected to be reimbursed; or
Loss or reduction of income.

Current FoodShare members affected by the disaster may receive a supplement equal to the difference between their regular monthly allotment and the maximum allotment for their food unit size the month the disaster occurred.

To be eligible for the DSNAP benefit, applicants/members must apply during the state-defined application period for the disaster. FoodShare assistance groups that have received replacement benefits for food destroyed as a result of the disaster can still receive the DSNAP benefit up to the allotment maximum.

See 7.1.1.5 Replacement Issuance for Destroyed Food for the policy on Replacement Issuance for Destroyed Food.

5.3.1.2 Disaster Supplemental Assistance Program (DSNAP) Applications

All DSNAP applications must be completed in-person by the disaster victim or their authorized representative. This includes the interview process.

New Applicants

New applicants must complete and sign the Disaster FoodShare Wisconsin Assistance Application (F-16060). The IM agency will use this paper form to manually determine eligibility. Applicants for DSNAP benefits who wish to apply for ongoing FoodShare benefits may do so, but will be required to follow the regular application process in order for the IM agency to determine eligibility for ongoing benefits.

Current Members

FoodShare assistance groups currently receiving benefits are eligible to receive a one-time supplement equal to the difference between their regular benefit amount and the maximum allotment for their food unit size. They must complete and sign the Affidavit of Lost Income or Disaster-Related Costs (F-16106) to receive the supplement.

Note: The Disaster FoodShare Wisconsin Assistance Application (F-16060) and the Affidavit of Lost Income or Disaster-Related Costs will be available in the DHS Forms Library during a DSNAP application period.

5.3.1.3 DSNAP Verification Requirements

Applicant’s Information	Status	Suggested ways to verify
Identity	Mandatory	Photo ID Two documents that verify identity. SSA data exchange for health care is acceptable to verify identity. A signed affidavit from a collateral contact attesting to the identity of the applicant. For additional sources of verification see 1.2.6.1 Required Verification to Determine Eligibility.
Residency	When possible	Utility bills, tax bills, insurance policies, driver’s licenses, other ID with address , bills, or other documents that establish the applicant’s home or work address.
Household Composition	If questionable	After taking the application, ask applicant to orally list the names, ages, and birthdates of all household members.
Loss or inaccessibility of liquid resources or of income	Where possible	Obtain a list of banks that were closed due to the disaster and compare with damage maps. Remember that in this day of ATM cards and electronic transmission, few liquid resources are truly inaccessible.
Food Loss	If questionable	Check with the power company. Note: A power outage lasting over four hours can cause food spoilage.

This page last updated in Release Number: 10-04

Release Date: 09/27/10

Effective Date: 09/27/10