Page 328
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES D-SNAP
10/24 VOLUME V, PART XX, PAGE 8
• Cover letter to VDSS requesting to operate a D-SNAP and the application to run the program template (Appendix III)
• Press release and fact sheet which is also a flyer that can be posted (Appendix VI)
F. APPLICATION TO FNS FOR AUTHORIZATION OF THE DISASTER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Upon completion of the application to operate the D-SNAP, local officials must submit the application to Director of the Benefits Division or designee at the Virginia Department of Social Services. Virginia Department of Social Services staff will submit the application to FNS on the locality’s behalf first by email or fax and then a hard copy will be mailed.
G. FNS AUTHORIZATION TO IMPLEMENT THE DISASTER PROGRAM
1. APPROVAL OR DENIAL. FNS approval or denial will be made to Home Office. The letter of approval will generally contain procedures the locality must follow that are specific to the disaster. The approval or denial may be as immediate as the next day.
If the application is denied, Home Office may request a review of the denial should additional information subsequently become available to substantiate the request for authorization.
2. GEOGRAPHICAL AREA. FNS will specify the locality or parts of localities where the D- SNAP is authorized.
3. DISASTER APPLICATION PERIOD. FNS will authorize a period of up to seven days for receiving, processing, and approving applications. Depending on the volume, processing applications may continue to occur after the expiration of the application period.
No D-SNAP application may be taken after the expiration of the disaster application period.
4. DISASTER BENEFIT PERIOD. For the D-SNAP, FNS will specify either a half-month or a full month disaster benefit period, depending on the nature, severity, and anticipated duration of the disaster.
5. USE OF DISASTER RELIEF AGENCY. FNS will authorize the use of any disaster relief agency in administering the Disaster Program as well as specifically authorize which functions the agency may perform in connection with the certification and distribution of D-SNAP benefits.
TRANSMITTAL #35