Ops Memo 2013-08: SNAP: Replacement of Food Lost Due to Winter Storm (Nemo)

Overview
Winter storm Nemo passed through New England on February 8 and 9, bringing significant damage to a number of communities. SNAP policy at 106 CMR 364.900 allows for the replacement of food destroyed by household misfortune such as loss of electricity or fire.

Because a large number of households concentrated in certain areas of the state, lost electricity due to the winter storm, the Department requested and received a waiver from the USDA. This waiver allows for the mass replacement of lost benefits via BEACON without the client having to report food loss and complete the usually required Statement of Loss/Request for Replacement Food Due to a Household Disaster or Misfortune form (SNAP- 9B) which is Attachment A. In addition, the Department has received a waiver of the reporting deadline for replacement benefits.

Purpose of Memo
This Field Operations Memo:

• describes the replacement of lost benefits under the waiver;
• discusses the extension of the reporting deadline for replacement benefits under Nemo;
• reminds case managers of procedures for replacements under regular household misfortune rules;
• discusses replacement for clients after automatic replacement has been received;
• provides clarifying information about third party verification or collateral contact for households; and
• transmits stakeholder information.