In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Governor Greg Abbott has declared that Fort Bend and Washington counties will receive automatic replacement of SNAP benefits to aid residents affected by the storm. This move, coordinated with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), aims to ensure that those facing food loss due to the natural disaster can swiftly regain access to vital nutrition assistance. In a recent statement, Governor Abbott acknowledged the hardship endured by Texans and expressed gratitude towards the state and federal entities working together to provide this essential support.
According to the Office of the Texas Governor, the approval for the extension by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Services spans a total of 20 counties including, among others, Austin, Brazoria, and Galveston, addressing the needs of communities facing varying degrees of loss following the hurricane. SNAP recipients residing in these areas are slated to receive a portion of their July benefit allotment automatically on their Lone Star Card by July 30, this measure simplifies the recovery process for families who might otherwise struggle to navigate bureaucratic requirements in times of distress.
The recent announcement also detailed options for those seeking additional benefits, including dialing 2-1-1 and choosing Option 8, or submitting Form H1855 for cases of nonreceived or destroyed SNAP benefits. Texas HHSC Deputy Executive Commissioner Molly Regan reiterated the commitment to help families during recovery, emphasizing that support is available for those who need it most.
For residents outside the listed counties but still impacted by Hurricane Beryl, the option to request SNAP replacement benefits remains available, demonstrating the overarching goal of the HHSC to extend a lifeline to all those affected regardless of their location. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has established a Receiving Disaster Assistance page, which encompasses information and guidance for reaching out to local benefits offices, downloading necessary forms, and understanding how to seek aid effectively.
Texans in need of additional support are encouraged to apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid through the YourTexasBenefits.com portal or the corresponding mobile app. Furthermore, the state has streamlined access to local resources, including food and shelter, through a simple call to 2-1-1, Option 1 – ensuring Texan families have an accessible path to recovery resources after the hurricane's impact.
