The Oklahoma Department of Human Services sends this information as posted below:
OKLAHOMA CITY (April 30, 2024) – Current Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as “food stamps”) recipients in the following twelve counties whose households lost food because of the April 27 and 28 severe storms may request a replacement of benefits up to the monthly amount received for April 2024. Customers must submit their request form by May 28, 2024.
Carter | Cotton | Garfield |
Hughes | Kay | Lincoln |
Love | Murray | Okfuskee |
Oklahoma | Payne | Pontotoc |
Oklahomans residing in storm-damaged areas may have lost food due to extended power outages, including nearly 220,000 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 United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (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, 2024.
“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.”
Mobile Offices deployed to affected counties
Over the past month, Oklahoma Human Services has been perfecting a Mobile Office experience for our customers. Two Mobile Offices have been traveling the state to serve local community residents, but were also designed to offer crisis response, when needed.
To ensure Oklahomans affected by the storms still have access to agency services, one Mobile Office is currently stationed at the Carter County Oklahoma Human Services office located at 410 Travertine Dr. in Ardmore, which is currently without power due to the storms. Future locations will be shared on our website.
Each Mobile Office contains all amenities found in any county office and is staffed by experienced Family Services Specialists who can serve community members who participate in the food (Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP), medical and childcare subsidy assistance programs.
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 Mastercards, or 1-888-929-2460 for Child Support Mastercards.
If a client’s home has been completely destroyed and they have no way of receiving a replacement card in the mail, recipients may request the replacement card be sent to them at an alternate mailing address. Clients may call 405-522-5050 or make updates in person by visiting their local county office or the Mobile Offices.
Individuals needing food assistance may apply for SNAP at OKDHSLive.org via computer or mobile device. Those unable to complete the application online may also call 405-522-5050 to make an application by proxy over the phone.
For additional services and resources not provided by Oklahoma Human Services, please call 2-1-1 or visit the 2-1-1 Oklahoma website.
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