If you had to throw out food after the power outages, you are not alone.
We told you how you can get up to $500 back from your insurance company. But, what if you don’t have insurance? That’s what one viewer asked KPRC 2′s Amy Davis.
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“I am a 78-year-old senior citizen. I just bought groceries on the 15 with my SNAP CARD. I had to throw it all away from the refrigerator. We had no power here in Katy. No power for 20 hours. I hope you can help with info on how to get reimbursed. I don’t have insurance.” Fia, a KPRC 2 viewer said.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people buy the food they need for good health. SNAP food benefits are put on a Lone Star Card and can be used just like a credit card at any store that accepts SNAP.
You can ask for reimbursement for benefits lost
Good news, you can get reimbursed for the food you lost. Texas Health and Human Services said SNAP recipients can apply for replacement benefits.
To replace food lost or destroyed by the storms that began May 16, SNAP recipients must apply for replacement benefits that will be placed on their Lone Star Cards within two business days once benefits are approved.
SNAP recipients in Austin, Chambers, Colorado, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller counties must apply for replacement benefits by June 17. To apply, recipients can dial 2-1-1 and select Option 2.
Recipients can also download Form H1855 (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits). Completed forms should be mailed to Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149027, Austin, TX, 78714-9027, or faxed to 877-447-2839.
Recipients who live in counties other than those listed above can apply for replacement benefits in person within 10 days of discovering their food was lost or destroyed due to the recent storms. Individuals in those counties must go to a local benefits office to request replacement food benefits.
If you do have insurance, you can request reimbursement for the groceries you lost, you can probably get up to $500. You also may be able to get money back for eating out and hotels during this time.
Check here to see what to look for on your insurance policy to see if you have coverage for this. You can also learn more about how to get reimbursed for eating out or hotel stays during the time of the power outage.
Help with food assistance after power outages
If you don’t have insurance or SNAP and need food or rental assistance there are a few options in the Houston area.
- Houston Food Bank
Do you have a question for Investigator Amy Davis? Email AskAmy@kprc.com. Check out other power outage related FAQ here.