Please see the information sheet here and the message below from DTA:
As you know, winter storm Nemo passed through New England on February 8 and 9, bringing significant damage to a number of communities. High snow fall combined with significant wind conditions has caused widespread power outages across much of the Massachusetts coast. While some power outages were for a relatively short period of time, many Massachusetts families were impacted by sustained outages and may be in need of SNAP replacement benefits. Please note, only current SNAP clients are able to request these household misfortune replacement SNAP benefits.
SNAP households who suffered a food loss related to the winter storm have 10 days to report the food loss by phone, in writing or in person. Because the storm and power loss occurred on February 8 and 9, households should report their loss associated with this storm by the end of the day on Tuesday, February 19, 2013. They must then return a signed and completed statement of loss within 10 days of reporting the food loss.
Typically, households requesting replacement benefits are required to provide verification of their power outage or other cause of food loss. However, households that live in the coastal counties of Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth are not required to provide verification. More information on verifications can be found in the information sheet attached.
DTA has applied to USDA for a waiver to provide “mass/automatic replacement benefits” to some households living in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Norfolk and Plymouth Counties. If granted, DTA would automatically replace 40% of these households’ February SNAP benefits. If it is granted, DTA will notify community partners immediately.
Please see the attached information sheet for more information on SNAP replacement benefits and how households can apply. If you have any questions, please contact your local DTA Transitional Assistance Office. We hope this information is helpful.
Thank you.
Stephanie
Stephanie Brown
Assistant Commissioner for Policy, Program and External Relations
Department of Transitional Assistance
600 Washington Street, Boston MA 02111
