Hot food as well as ready-to-eat meals can now be purchased by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in over 40 Texas counties affected by recent storms, as announced by Governor Greg Abbott.

Hot Food Available for Texas SNAP Benefits in Storm-Affected Counties

On Tuesday, it was announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to extend SNAP benefits for recipients in the communities affected by the recent storms. 

This will provide assistance to families with food, health care, safety, and disaster services.

Until June 30, participating retailers are allowing SNAP recipients to purchase hot foods, such as rotisserie chicken and deli items, using their Lone Star Cards. 

Typically, SNAP benefits do not cover hot food, food meant to be eaten on-site, alcoholic beverages, or tobacco products, Newsweek reported.

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10-Day Window Opens for SNAP Replacement Benefits Requests

Starting from May 26, families will have a 10-day window to request the benefits. Contact the Department for Community-Based Services at (855)-306-8959 or visit the local food stamps office with your case number prepared.

According to WNKY, the replacement benefits would only be available to individuals who experience a power outage lasting at least four hours due to severe weather conditions.

The federal government provides funding for SNAP benefits, which are then managed and distributed by each state to its residents. 

The timing of receiving your benefits is determined by your case number. For instance, individuals with case numbers ending in 01 will receive their benefits earlier in the month compared to those with case numbers ending in 99.

States have the freedom to select their payment systems. In certain states, especially those with smaller populations, all benefits are distributed on a single day. 

Some organizations allocate payments based on the initial letter of your last name. Irrespective of the system, SNAP benefits are consistently distributed on the same dates every month.

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