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VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES D-SNAP

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The local social services agency must request approval to run the D-SNAP. The request must be in writing and submitted to the Director of Benefit Programs or specified designee. The plan must be designed to provide benefits to applicants within three calendar days. (The first day is the day after the application is filed.) A sample cover letter and template for the request are in Appendix III of this chapter. The request to operate the disaster program must include the following information:

1. Names, positions and phone numbers of key contact people responsible for the operation of the D-SNAP. Include also the date of request.

2. Completion of a needs assessment that includes:

• Status of food distribution, i.e., a statement whether commercial channels of food distribution have been both disrupted and restored.

• A statement of why the food assistance needs of these households cannot be met by the regular program.

• An estimate of the number of households expected to apply, and whether the D- SNAP is needed to meet the needs. There must be separate calculations for applicants and ongoing recipients.

An estimate of how long it will take to accept and process D-SNAP applications from the affected population. The disaster application processing period cannot exceed seven days. Include the date application processing is anticipated to begin and the date it will end.

• Indicate the disaster period requested, i.e., whether a full or half-month of benefits is requested. This recommendation will be based on the nature, severity, and anticipated duration of the disaster. (FNS will make the final determination)

3. Public information plans for informing the public about the availability of the D-SNAP. The LDSS must identify newspapers, radio stations, television stations, and key media and government websites that cover its service area.

4. List of volunteers and their contact information to assist the LDSS in the operation of the D-SNAP. Information about any disaster relief agencies that the local agency wants to use in administering the D-SNAP. Examples include the Red Cross or Salvation Army. Specify the functions that will be delegated to the disaster relief agency in connection with the certification and issuance of benefits and the geographical areas in which these functions will be performed. NOTE: Volunteers, including relief agencies, may not conduct eligibility interviews or determine eligibility.

The Virginia disaster state plan does not assign a role to private disaster relief agencies within the Commonwealth. However, access to volunteers from those agencies is available, if needed. During a declared State of Emergency, VDSS is the lead agency for Emergency Support Function (ESF)-6 with responsibility for mass care, housing and human services. In this role, the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters

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