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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES D-SNAP

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a. The affected population is fairly small.

b. The affected population is mostly the same population that is already eligible for or would be eligible for food assistance under the regular program.

c. The disaster appears to be fairly short term.

d. The increase in the demand for food assistance is expected to be manageable.

e. The regular program would be able to adequately respond to the needs of the affected population.

2. The following factors suggest implementation of the Disaster Program:

a. The affected population is large.

b. The affected population includes a large population that would not be eligible for food assistance under the regular program.

c. The disaster is severe and widespread.

d. The increase in the demand for food assistance is expected to be dramatic.

e. The damage is so severe and widespread that application procedures under the regular program would be too cumbersome.

f. The disaster is such that many households would not have the verifications required by the regular program.

g. The affected population needs benefits more quickly than would be provided under the regular program.

h. The regular program would not be able to adequately respond to the immediate needs of the affected population.

E. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION OF A DISASTER

Once a disaster has occurred, the local department of social services director in each locality affected must contact the Director of Benefit Programs or specified designee in the Home Office of the Virginia Department of Social Services to provide information regarding the extent of the damage caused by the disaster. This contact is to discuss and determine information specific to the disaster that may need to be gathered and submitted with the request to run a disaster program, e.g., data from the electric company about the extent of power outages. The local agency and Home Office will also discuss whether the D-SNAP or a modified disaster program is the appropriate response.

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