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SNAP CERTIFICATION MANUAL – SECTION 14000 14000 Issuance of Benefits – Summary 14132 Replacement of Food Lost in a Household Misfortune

• If the misfortune is the result of a power outage, determine if the power was out long enough. The two statements below are a general guide for determining if the household misfortune qualifies for a replacement.  A refrigerator will keep food cold for up to four hours during a power outage.  A full freezer will keep its temperature for up to 48 hours and up to 24 hours half full during a power outage. • If yes, go to Step 3. • If not, deny the household’s claim and provide the household with the form Notice of Action (DCO-1) explaining the reason for the denial.

Step 3: Calculate the replacement value. • Enter the date of the misfortune on the Food Loss Replacement Worksheet (DCO- 238W) as shown on the DCO-238. If the loss was the result of a power outage, enter the date the power was restored. • Enter the date reported as shown on the DCO-238, if the difference between the date of the occurrence and the date the loss was reported is more than 10 days, STOP HERE. • Once the date of the misfortune and date reported fields are entered on the DCO- 238W, the look-back period will automatically populate. o The 30 day count will begin with the misfortune date and end after counting back 30 days with misfortune date counting as day 1. • Enter the current monthly benefit amount. In the case of an initial application include the aggregate amount if received. • Enter the most recent purchases 30 days prior to and including the date of the occurrence on the DCO-238W (most recent purchases can also be exported from EBT into the worksheet).