Replacement benefits are available for spoiled food purchased with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) funds in the wake of dangerous storms that surged through Nebraska last week, leaving thousands without power.
A press release from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services stated replacement benefits can be issued if food purchased with SNAP or Summer EBT spoiled as a result of a power outage. Refrigerated food can be replaced if power was out for at least four hours, while frozen food may be replaced if power was out for more than 24 hours.
Anyone wishing to request replacement funds can call the ACCESSNebraska Economic Assistance Hotline toll-free at 1-800-383-4278 to report the food loss within 10 days of power being restored. DHHS will mail applicants a replacement request form and verify the power outage.
The form must be signed and returned to DHHS within 10 days of the report. If approved, replacement funds will be issued to a current SNAP or Summer EBT card.
Additionally, the replacement request form can be filled out by visiting a local DHHS office within 10 days of the outage.