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Volume II

OMTL-677 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program R. 8/01/2025

MS 8220 AUTHORIZING REPLACEMENTS DUE TO A CASUALTY LOSS (1)

A household can receive a replacement for the amount of food purchased with SNAP benefits that is later destroyed in a household disaster such as a fire, flood or power outage of four hours or more per Public Health Guidelines. The household’s electricity being turned off for failure to pay the bill is not a power outage and does not meet the criteria for a replacement. Food purchased with an EBT card that is later stolen is not considered a casualty loss. The household may receive a replacement for the amount of loss up to the household’s current month's allotment. Replace SNAP benefits only for the amount of food lost that was purchased with SNAP benefits. Do not automatically replace the household’s full monthly allotment.

[Note: When a Presidential disaster declaration is issued (e.g., tornado, earthquake, etc.), and a household is eligible for DSNAP benefits due to the declaration, the household cannot receive both the disaster allotment and a replacement allotment. See MS 9000.]

Before issuing a replacement, complete an in-depth review to ensure the request meets policy requirements and verification is provided. If the household has a pattern of requesting replacements, additional verification is needed and/or receipts should be requested before approval of the replacements. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) now requires states to separate replacement amounts from normal issuance amounts on budget reports, and large numbers of replacements be substantiated. As a result, an in-depth investigation and verification of replacements is of utmost importance.

When a household reports food purchased with an EBT card has been destroyed, take the following action:

A. Question the household thoroughly to determine if the reported amount of food spoiled is reasonable based on the situation. If the casualty loss happened at the first of the month, did the household just receive their SNAP benefits and spend them on a full month’s worth of food, or is it the end of the month and they have very little food left for the month? Ask the household where the food was located when it spoiled (i.e., cabinet, refrigerator, freezer, etc.). This is necessary as food stored in a cabinet would typically not spoil in a power outage, but the same food would most likely be destroyed in a fire. Investigate all requests for replacement of SNAP benefits, especially requests made due to power outages that are:

1. Made by households on a regular basis;

2. A result of a misfortune other than a natural disaster; or

3. Requests for replacement of the household’s entire monthly allotment.

Document the case record in sufficient detail for a reviewer to follow the actions taken in the case. Only replace food purchased with SNAP benefits.