HHSC Announces Replacement Benefits for SNAP Recipients Affected by Storm in Travis County

AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval to extend the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in Travis County to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by recent severe weather.

SNAP recipients in Travis County with food lost or destroyed by the May 28 storm must apply for replacement benefits by June 30. Replacement benefits will be added to Lone Star Cards within two business days.

"The flooding and power outages left many communities in difficult situations, and I'm grateful we're able to offer replacement benefits to help individuals and families recover the food that was lost," said Molly Regan, HHSC deputy executive commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services.

Eligible Travis County residents can request replacement food benefits by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting option 7, or by downloading Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits) on the HHSC website. Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 877-447-2839.

SNAP recipients who don’t live in Travis County must go to a local benefits office and request replacement benefits within 10 days of discovering their food was lost or destroyed due to the May 28 storm.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to approximately 1.6 million eligible, low-income families and individuals in Texas. Those in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com, or can use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits.

To find local resources, such as food or shelter, dial 2-1-1 and select option 1.