HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Hillsborough County residents impacted by Hurricane Ian can now pre-register for food assistance through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP).
D-SNAP, implemented by the Florida Department of Children and Families, requires that Hillsborough County applicants pre-register from now through Sunday, Oct. 30, by visiting disasterassistance.gov.
Once an applicant registers, they can schedule and conduct their phone interview through Sunday, Oct. 30.
The Florida Department of Children and Families is implementing the D-SNAP food assistance program in phases throughout the counties that were impacted by Hurricane Ian and recognized as a disaster-declared county.
Applicants who are eventually approved for D-SNAP will receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card by mail that can be used to purchase food. The EBT card cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, or non-food items.
To qualify, applicants must not be receiving regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and must meet financial eligibility requirements. The applicants must have been living or working in a disaster-declared county at the time of Hurricane Ian.
In addition, applicants must have suffered a disaster-related loss, such as one of the following:
- Damage to their home or self-employment property
- Loss of food
- Reduction or loss of income
- Other disaster-related expenses
When pre-registering, applicants should have a state driver’s license or identification number and a Social Security number to help determine eligibility more quickly. The pre-registration application will require some verification.
Applicants who cannot pre-register online can visit the D-SNAP event location in-person when open. The date and location for the D-SNAP event in Hillsborough County will be determined soon.
After Hillsborough County applicants pre-register, the applicant will call the D-SNAP Call Center at (800) 621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. from Friday, Oct. 28, through Sunday, Oct. 30. For additional information on the D-SNAP program, visit MyFLFamilies.com.
Separately from the D-SNAP program, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at Hillsborough Community College at the Regent, 6437 Watson Rd., Riverview, FL 33578. It is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, including Saturday and Sunday.
The DRC offers assistance for Hurricane Ian survivors with applying for federal assistance, disaster loans, updating applications, and learning about other resources that are available. There is also information about a variety of state agencies, FEMA, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The DRC is open to all Florida residents. You do not have to be a Hillsborough County resident to visit the DRC and receive assistance.
The location at Hillsborough Community College at the Regent opened on Oct. 25.
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