Ops Memo 2011-44: SNAP: Household Misfortune Related to Hurricane Irene

Hurricane Irene passed through Massachusetts on August 28, 2011, bringing significant damage to a number of communities. Affected households who receive SNAP benefits may request replacement of food lost due to household misfortune, such as an extended power outage, a flood or an equipment failure (such as a refrigerator or freezer).

The purpose of this memo is to remind staff of the SNAP household misfortune benefit in the wake of the recent hurricane damage to many areas of the state. The memo will remind staff of the household misfortune rules and the situations in which clients may be eligible for replacement.