JIC Recovery Release No. 60 - Disaster SNAP Program Launches Thursday, June 22, 2023

Disaster SNAP Program Launches Thursday, June 22, 2023

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) reminds the community that the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) will launch on Thursday, June 20, 2023. D-SNAP provides financial assistance to low-income households that have experienced food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. 

The D-SNAP income thresholds are established by the federal government, and benefits are provided via an electronic debit-like card which is used to purchase food items at authorized food retailers. 

An applicant’s eligibility for D-SNAP is determined by their monthly net income minus total disaster-related expenses incurred between May 22, 2023 to June 20, 2023.

What is my monthly net income? Monthly net income is defined as the sum of an applicant’s monthly pay after deductions, plus the sum of their liquid assets that are easily accessible (i.e. applicant’s checking and savings account), as well as total physical monies.

 An applicant’s monthly net income, minus any disaster-related expenses, will be used to determine eligibility for D-SNAP benefits.

What counts as disaster-related expenses? Disaster-related expenses are expenses the applicant experienced from the effects of Typhoon Mawar, such as damage or destruction of a household. When applying, applicants will sign a letter of self-attestation, verifying that all expenses are accurate and disaster-related. Below is a list of the most common expenses:

• Home and Business Repairs and Property Protection

• Temporary Shelter and Evacuation Expenses

• Disaster Related funeral, pet boarding and medical expenses

• Replacement of necessary personal items such as clothing, appliances, tools, and    educational materials 

• Clean up expenses, and storage expenses

• Food Loss

D-SNAP applicants are required to provide proof of identity. If the D-SNAP applicant does not have proof of their identity they may apply for D-SNAP, but benefits will be delayed until proof of identity is provided.

Residents can apply at any of the three D-SNAP Enrollment Centers listed below: 

 When applying, residents are encouraged to bring items to help them feel comfortable while waiting in line, such as portable chairs, umbrellas, snacks, and drinks and  to take their medication. Residents are also encouraged to apply on the designated day of the first letter of their last name which is listed below:

Below is an income table, as well as the D-SNAP Benefit Allotment you would receive:

Disaster related assistance from either governmental and/or non-governmental organizations, such as FEMA will not be counted against D-SNAP applicants.

If awarded, individuals will receive one month’s worth of benefits.

Self-attestation provided to DPHSS in order to apply for D-SNAP benefits are subject to audit procedures required by USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

For any additional questions or inquiries, individuals can contact the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) at (671) 300-8873 or through email at centralbes@dphss.guam.gov.

D-SNAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

 Can someone apply on my behalf?

Yes, you may have an authorized representative. Your authorized representative must have their photo I.D. as well as a copy of your photo I.D. Your representative will be attesting on your behalf so they must declare the number of members in your household, your monthly net income, and your disaster-related expenses. A letter of authorization or power of attorney is not required.

Is this limited to US Citizens?

U.S. Citizenship is not a requirement for this program. The applicant must be a resident of Guam, been on island from the period of May 22, 2023 to June 20, 2023, and have disaster related expenses.

What happens if I have a roommate? Are we both head of household or do we have to share benefits?

Yes, you both may apply as a head of household, however you can’t both claim the same losses. Example: if the combined households lost $300 worth of food, each would only claim a portion of that loss on your application.

Is there an expiration date on my D-SNAP benefits?

The EBT card provided when awarded D-SNAP will be available for a maximum of 274 days.

If I purchased items related to typhoon preparation or recovery on or after May 22, 2022 but lost the receipt, would purchase summaries (purchase history) work?

A purchase history would be allowable, or we can take the applicant's statement; however, you should be aware that any statements you make in order to receive D-SNAP are subject to audit procedures required by the USDA from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).

Would money that I receive from retirement pension checks, or social security count towards my monthly net income?

Yes, if you receive money from your retirement or social security it will count towards your monthly net income. Money deducted from your paycheck put towards retirement, social security, or 401(k) will not be counted towards your monthly net income.

Below are two examples explaining how to calculate your Final Monthly Net Income.

Example A: 

• Monthly Income: John Doe has a monthly income of $1,500 after deductions. 

• Liquid Assets: In his checking account, John Doe has $200 and $800 in his savings account, bringing his monthly net income to a total of $2,500. ($1,500 + $200 + $800)

• Expenses: Due to a lack of power, $100 worth of food was lost, $200 worth of materials were purchased to fix his home, bringing his total expenses to $300. ($100 + $200)

• Final Monthly Net Income: John Doe would then take his monthly net income ($2,500) and subtract his expenses (-$300), bringing his new monthly net income to $2,200. Conclusion: John Doe has a monthly net income of $2,200, which is under the monthly net income limit of $2,252 for a household of one. John Doe is eligible for $415 in D-SNAP assistance. 

Example B: 

• Monthly Income: Jane Doe receives $2,000 in social security benefits per month that is easily accessible. (able to be withdrawn or used)

• Liquid Assets: In her checking account, she has $500 and $2,000 in her savings account, bringing her monthly net income to a total of $4,500. ($2,000 + $500 + $2,000)

• Expenses: Due to a lack of power, $100 worth of food was lost, $200 worth of fuel was purchased to run her generator, bringing her total expenses to $300. ($100 + $200)

• Final Monthly Net Income: Jane Doe would then take her monthly net income ($4,500) and subtract his expenses (-$300), bringing her new monthly net income to $4,200. 

• Conclusion: Jane Doe has a monthly net income of $4,200, which unfortunately, is over the monthly net income limit of $2,252 for a household of one. Jane Doe is not eligible for this D-SNAP program.

Visit the following links for the latest information:

• Governor’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govlouguam

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.