NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Tennesseans affected by the massive tornadoes that ripped through the state earlier this month will soon be able to apply for emergency federal benefits.
The Department of Human Services announced that the state will begin accepting applications for “disaster SNAP” benefits for qualified residents of the state. SNAP refers to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.
Separately, the state is also accepting applications for one-time cash payments to families significantly impacted by the March 3 storms, that killed 25 people and destroyed hundreds of buildings.
To qualify for the disaster food stamps, individuals must meet income requirements and can’t already be a current SNAP recipient. Individuals must also prove that they experienced a loss of income due to the storm, damage to residence or place of employment or some other unreimbursed disaster-related expense.
To qualify for the cash assistance, families must have a child under the age 18 or a pregnant woman, as well as have a valid Social Security Number and live in a building or worked for a business that was significantly damaged by the March 3 tornadoes.