Gov. Abbott Announces Benefits Extension for Bexar County Residents Affected By Storms

AUSTIN, TX — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Bexar County will have additional time to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during recent storms, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission received federal approval to extend the deadline for affected SNAP recipients to report food losses from 10 days to 20 days.

SNAP recipients in Bexar County now have until Sept. 17 to apply for replacement benefits. Funds should be added to recipients' Lone Star Cards within two business days after a request is received.

“As families across Texas recover from recent severe weather and flooding, it is critical that they have the support they need to rebuild,” Abbott said. “SNAP replacement benefits will help families replace food that was lost or destroyed as we deliver all available resources to affected Texans.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service approved the deadline extension at the request of HHSC.

“Recent storms and power outages have made it harder for many families in Bexar County to access healthy food,” HHSC Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth said. “We are grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration in making these replacement benefits available.”

SNAP recipients can request replacement benefits by calling 2-1-1, selecting a language and choosing option 7. Recipients can also visit a local HHSC office to request replacement benefits. Offices can be located through YourTexasBenefits.com by selecting “Find an Office” at the bottom of the page.

Clients of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, can also request replacement benefits for food purchased with September WIC benefits that was lost because of power outages or storm damage.

WIC clients who need replacement benefits should contact their WIC office before Sept. 30. Local offices can be found through the Texas WIC Office Locator.

Texans affected by disasters can also visit the HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance webpage for additional information. Those looking for local resources, including food or shelter, can call 2-1-1 and select option 1.

Resources:

• SNAP replacement benefits and disaster assistance: HHSC Receiving Disaster Assistance
• Find an HHSC office: Your Texas Benefits
• Find a local WIC office: Texas WIC Office Locator