The Maine Department of Health and Human Services is making a generous gesture to residents impacted by last month’s harsh weather. To the tune of $13.5 million, they’re issuing replacement benefits to SNAP recipients who lost food due to power outages and other storm-related challenges.
This crucial aid, amounting to 60% of their December allocation, will automatically land in eligible Mainers’ accounts on Saturday. This proactive measure ensures that families struggling with storm aftermath won’t have to worry about putting food on the table with the food stamps, allowing them to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives.
Maine Households That Qualify for Food Stamps Replacement
A beacon of hope shines across Maine as around 76,000 households prepare to receive a much-needed lifeline. In the wake of December’s brutal storm, Governor Janet Mills declared a state of civil emergency, triggering a collaborative effort with the federal government that culminated in a $13.5 million emergency fund.
This importan sum will be automatically deposited into the accounts of SNAP recipients affected by the storm. Each eligible household will receive a replacement benefit equaling 60% of their December allotment, a direct response to the hardship caused by power outages and disruptions.
“This replacement assistance will help Maine families recover from the December storm that left hundreds of thousands of residents without refrigerators, freezers and easy access to affordable food,” said Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “This is part of our mission to support health and safety as we adapt to an increased number of damaging storms.”
Are There Household That Won’t Qualify for the SNAP Replacement?
The initial emergency waiver enabling the availability of funds represents the first such waiver granted to Maine since the ice storm of 1998, which had comparable effects on both power infrastructure and the populace statewide.
Households that have already obtained replacement funds, meeting or exceeding 60 percent of their December SNAP allotment as requested, will not be eligible for the automatic benefit replacement.
More information is available online through the state’s Maine Flood Resources and Assistance Hub. Those who have not reported damages by December’s storm are encouraged to do it as soon as possible, by calling 211 Maine, or filling this form in case of individuals or households, or this form when it comes to businesses and agricultural damages.
By reporting this damage you are not applying for assistance, but it’s the first step. This information is to assess damages and will be provided to your town to enable them to learn who has storm-related damages.