Wildfire Victims in Deschutes County Granted Extended Deadline for SNAP Benefit Replacement

In the wake of recent wildfires in Deschutes County, Oregon, the state's Department of Human Services has announced a crucial extension for residents who lost food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This move aims to provide much-needed support to households impacted by the ongoing natural disaster.

Restoring Food Security for Deschutes County Families

Expanded Deadline for SNAP Benefit Replacement

Typically, individuals have just 10 days to request replacement SNAP benefits after a disaster-related loss. However, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has received federal approval to waive this standard deadline for Deschutes County residents. This means that those who lost food purchased with SNAP funds due to the wildfires now have until Thursday, July 25, to submit their replacement benefit requests.This extended timeline is a crucial lifeline for households in the affected area, providing them with additional time to navigate the process and ensure they can access the necessary resources to replace the lost food. By granting this flexibility, ODHS aims to alleviate the burden on families already grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires.

Eligibility and Replacement Benefit Process

Any Deschutes County resident who disposed of food bought with SNAP benefits that was destroyed due to the disaster is eligible to request replacement benefits. The maximum replacement amount is equal to the household's normal monthly SNAP benefit, ensuring that families can recoup the full value of their lost provisions.To request replacement SNAP benefits, individuals must be prepared to provide a detailed list of the lost food items, along with the estimated cost to replace them. In some cases, they may also need to furnish proof of the event that led to the food's destruction.Replacement benefits are then added directly to the household's existing Oregon Trail / Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, streamlining the process and ensuring seamless access to the necessary funds.

Summer EBT Replacement Benefits

The extended SNAP benefit replacement deadline also applies to families participating in the new Summer EBT program for school-aged children. Unlike the standard SNAP replacement process, there is no deadline for requesting Summer EBT benefit replacements.Households that receive both SNAP and Summer EBT food benefits can contact the Summer EBT Call Center to request replacement for both programs simultaneously. The Call Center is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, providing a convenient and streamlined option for affected families.

Resources to Meet Basic Needs

In addition to the SNAP benefit replacement process, the ODHS has also highlighted several resources to help Deschutes County residents meet their basic needs during this challenging time.For those in need of food assistance, the Oregon Food Bank's website (oregonfoodbank.org) can help locate nearby food pantries and other community-based food resources.Older adults and individuals with disabilities can also access government programs and community support by calling 1-855-673-2372 or visiting the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon website (adrcoforegon.org).Finally, residents can dial 211, text their zip code to 898-211, or visit 211info.org to find a wide range of additional resources tailored to their specific needs and location.By leveraging these various support systems, Deschutes County families can work to rebuild their food security and resilience in the aftermath of the wildfires.