OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Human Services has received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service to accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as 'food stamps') replacement applications from households in additional stormaffected counties. This approval comes as the agency continues to respond to SNAP households’ loss of food due to power outages from the April 27 and later storms. Clients may submit a request for replacement of their April benefits by May 28.
To apply for replacement of SNAP benefits you currently recieve, complete the Request for Destroyed Food Replacement form by May 28.
To apply for new SNAP benefits, visit OKDHSLive.org.
Additional approved storm-affected counties include: Blaine, Cleveland, Comanche, Craig, Custer Johnson, Kingfisher, McClain, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Tillman, Wagoner, Washington, Washita.
The original 12 counties approved for replacement benefits by USDAFNS included: Carter, Cotton, Garfield, Hughes, Kay, Lincoln, Love, Murray, Okfuskee, Oklahoma, Payne, Pontotoc.
Oklahomans residing in these storm-damaged areas may have lost food due to extended power outages, including nearly 174,187 individuals served by the SNAP program.
'Our hearts are absolutely broken for our neighbors who have lost their loved ones, homes and workplaces in these devastating storms,' said Deb Smith, Deputy Director of Oklahoma Human Services and Director of Adult and Family Services. 'Our clients should not have to worry about additional food costs while they recover, and we are deploying every resource available to us to help. We encourage SNAP families who have been affected to request a replacement of their benefits immediately.'
Usually, SNAP customers would only have 10 calendar days to request a replacement of SNAP benefits. However, the agency received approval from the USDA-FNS to allow additional time for customers to report their loss of food. Affected households in the identified counties must submit the Request for Destroyed Food Replacement form by May 28.
“We’re saddened by the devastation of the recent storms in Oklahoma. The additional time for SNAP recipient families to report their food losses will, hopefully, provide some peace of mind,” said Southwest Regional Administrator, Bill Ludwig. “We will continue to work together to provide support, as needed.”
Lost cards and other ways to access assistance Recipients who have lost their food benefit card may request a replacement card using the following means: Online at www.connectebt. com, or by contacting Conduent at 1--888-328-6551 In-person by visiting their local county office or the Mobile Offices Individuals receiving state benefits, foster care reimbursements, adoption assistance or Child Support on the 'Oklahoma Mastercard' debit card who have lost their card due to the storms may request a replacement card by calling 1-888-401-9843 for non-Child Support.