Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program DSNAP

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Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
Program (D-SNAP)
US Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition
Service ISM Conference Chicago, IL September 2,
2009
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Objectives

• Program Overview
• Basic Program Policy
• Opportunities for Modernization

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1. Program Overview
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What is SNAP?

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  is the new name for the Food Stamp Program, as of
  Oct. 1 2008.

F.S.P.
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What is SNAP?

• SNAP helps to feed over 34 million people every
  day.
• Benefits are distributed by State agencies.
• Although SNAP is the national name, States may
  use a different name.

• Benefits are placed on specialized debit cards,
  called Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards

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What is D-SNAP?

• D-SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
  Program with temporary eligibility standards to
  serve victims of disasters.
• When a disaster strikes, a State agency submits a
  request to FNS to operate a D-SNAP.
• All States maintain up-to-date plans to operate
  D-SNAP programs.
• D-SNAP programs ensure that eligible victims of
  disasters can rapidly apply and receive benefits
  directly after a disaster.

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When a Disaster Strikes

• Other FNS and non-FNS programs handle immediate
  food assistance as part of disaster relief.

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Why is D-SNAP needed?

• In the aftermath of a Disaster
• Food distribution channels have been affected
• Victims may have lost homes, food, and employment
• Victims may be seeking shelter with friends, with
  family members, or in shelters

• The Role of D-SNAP
• To provide assistance to victims
• To give the community a shot in the arm

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Size and Variety of D-SNAP
2005
2008
2007
2009
2006
590,000
85,500
9.7 million
2009 figure is through April 1, 2009
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History and Lessons Learned

• State planning must encompass both intake and EBT
  issuance.
• Dont begin a program until facilities, staff,
  and support is ready to handle the volume.
• EBT systems DO work in disaster situations.
• Combining D-SNAP with other post-disaster relief
  programs has not worked well.

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2. Basic D-SNAP Policy
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Disaster Plan-of-Action

• Every State has a disaster plan of action and
  regular training for State and local staff
• Plan of Action is approved by FNS
• Ensures preparedness to rapidly implement D-SNAP

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When is a D-SNAP approved?

• Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
  Assistance Act allows FNS to approve D-SNAP when
  a jurisdiction has Presidential major disaster
  declaration
• FNS further requires an Individual Assistance
  declaration, to align our services to individuals
  with other Federal disaster programs

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D-SNAP Approval Process
(FNS typically approves a request to operate
within 24 hrs of request.)
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Who is eligible for D-SNAP?

• Lived or worked in the disaster area
• Plan on purchasing food during that month
• Were personally affected by the disaster (lost
  income, experienced property damage, etc.)
• Must meet special income guidelines

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Sample Application

• Basic information
• Name
• Address
• Phone number

• Eligibility criteria
• Residency
• Plan on purchasing food
• Adverse effect

• Household information
• Members
• Income

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Sample Application
Resources
Disaster expenses
Signature
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Issuance

• Determination of eligibility and issuance must be
  kept separate, per Federal Regulations.
• In the effort to approve within 72 hours, there
  are a few common issuance models
• Fill out application on-site load EBT card
  on-site.
• Fill out application on-site send application
  out of State for data entry/processing EBT
  mailed or picked-up later from site.
• Fill out application on-site give client empty
  EBT card process application and remotely load
  EBT card.

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Common Issuance Models
1.
2.
3.
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3. D-SNAP Modernization
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Automation in Place

• All States have some kind of automated system in
  place for regular SNAP
• To determine eligibility
• To keep track of information on clients
• To manage customer relations
• All States use the Electronic Benefits Transfer
  debit card system
• Some States have automated systems in place for
  D-SNAP

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Manual Process
ENTER
Customer arrives at the site
Worker checks ID and docs. Client signs manifest.
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Automated Process
ENTER
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