9079.3 Food Destroyed After It Was Purchased with Food Stamp Benefits

DSS will replace food benefits used for food that was destroyed in a household misfortune or disaster. The household may be entitled to a replacement of the actual value of the loss not to exceed the amount of the household’s monthly allotment at the time of the loss. The household must report the household misfortune or disaster to DSS within ten days of the loss. DSS will verify the fact of the household’s misfortune or disaster. Disasters can include fire, floods, or hurricanes. Household misfortunes can include a breakdown in the refrigerator or freezer or the loss of electricity causing food to spoil. In verifying a household’s misfortune or disaster DSS will accept statements from community agencies, the Red Cross, fire departments, home visits, or other acceptable collateral contact. There is no limit on the number of times a household may receive replacement of food destroyed in a household misfortune or disaster. If a household is eligible for emergency benefits under a disaster program, the household cannot receive both the emergency benefits and replacement benefits for the same time period. Replacements of destroyed food cannot be used to offset food stamp overpayment claims. A household member, or authorized representative, must sign and return to the food stamp office an Affidavit for Replacement of EBT Food Benefits. The affidavit will attest to the loss and must be made within ten days of the report of the loss. If the household does not sign and return the affidavit within ten days of the report of the loss DSS will deny the request for replacement of benefits.