In response to the ongoing power outages impacting the territory, the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (VIDHS) Division of Family Assistance is set to provide replacement SNAP benefits to households affected by extended power outages. This initiative aims to support those who have lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to these unforeseen circumstances.
Eligible SNAP recipients who experience a power outage lasting four or more hours may apply for replacement benefits. The replacement program is part of a broader effort to assist individuals affected by disasters and misfortunes, including fires, floods and malfunctioning refrigeration units.
“Ensuring timely assistance for those in need is crucial, especially as power outages disproportionately affect our most vulnerable populations,” Delegate Stacey Plaskett said in a statement Friday, highlighting that her team advocated for this program’s availability to Virgin Islands SNAP recipients.
According to a release from Human Services, households affected by power outages or other qualifying disasters should report their food loss within 10 days. Applications for replacement benefits can be picked up at any SNAP office location or downloaded from the VIDHS website at http://www.dhs.gov.vi/.
Program Details:
- Eligibility: Households may be eligible if they lost food due to a qualifying disaster such as a fire, flood, power outage (four or more hours), or broken refrigerator/freezer.
- Maximum Replacement: Equivalent to one month of benefits.
- Reporting Loss: Report food loss within 10 days. Forms can be submitted by mail, email, or fax.
Submission Process:
- Request Form: Complete and submit the form to your district office within 10 days of the loss.
- Verification: VIDHS will verify the reported incident through third-party contacts. If verification is not possible, additional documentation may be required.
- Issuance: Replacement benefits will be issued within 2 to 10 business days upon verification and approval.
For more information or to contact VIDHS, SNAP recipients can reach the Certification Unit Offices at the following numbers:
- St. Croix: (340) 772-7100 Ext. 7159; 7166 or (340) 772-7120
- St. Thomas: (340) 774-0930 Ext. 4303 or (340) 774-2399
- St. John: (340) 774-0930 Ext. 4303; (340) 774-2399 or (340) 776-6334
Applications can be submitted in person or via drop boxes located at the following addresses:
- St. Croix: 41-B Mars Hill, Frederiksted, VI 00820
- St. Thomas/Water Island: 1303 Hospital Ground, St. Thomas, VI 00802
- St. John: Multipurpose Building, 307 Enighed, Contant, Cruz Bay, VI 00830
For further details, visit the VIDHS website at www.dhs.gov.vi, follow them on Facebook or call (340) 774-0930.
