SNAP clients who experienced a power outage due to the Saturday, July 4th storm, can receive replacement benefits, if their outage lasted at least four hours. Individuals must report their losses to DSS—either orally or in writing—no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2026. This report to DSS can be done through a phone call, a walk-in visit, a hand-written letter, or through form English-1225/Spanish -W-1225S. Once an individual reports the loss of food, if not already provided, DSS is required to obtain a signed statement attesting to the household’s loss through form W-1225/W-1225S.

Prior to replacing the destroyed food that was purchased with SNAP benefits:

• DSS is required to determine that the destruction occurred due to a power outage. This can be verified through a contact outside of the household,

• • a letter from the utility company, or documentation from a community agency, including, but not limited to, the fire department or the Red Cross (only if they assisted the household), or a home visit.

Replacement benefits will be issued in the amount of the loss, up to a maximum of the amount of the household’s monthly benefit. They will be provided to households within ten days after the report of loss or within two working days of receiving the signed household statement required, whichever date is later.