Michiganders receiving food assistance whose food spoiled during last week’s power outage in southeast Michigan may be able to replace those benefits.
Thunderstorms left thousands without power last week. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) on Thursday announced that residents participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can request replacement and be reimbursed for food spoiled during power outages. The deadline to apply is Monday.
The benefits are only available to those already in SNAP and don’t apply to Pandemic-EBT benefits. The amount people can get back is based on how much food their household lost and the maximum benefits they receive in one month, according to a news release.
Here are the maximum benefits by household size, although the amount may vary by SNAP recipient:
- One person: $281
- Two people: $516
- Three people: $740
- Four people: $939
- Five people: $1,116
- Six people: $1,339
- Seven people: $1,480
- Eight people: $1,691
For instance, if a person receiving up to $281 in benefits a month lost $100 worth of food because of the storm, they could get a $100 supplement. If they lost more than that, they could get up to $281.
The following counties reported power outages, according to MDHHS: Wayne, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Branch, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston and Monroe. Clients in any county in Michigan can request renewed benefits.
SNAP participants who lost food because of a verified power outage or storm damage can call MDHHS at 844-464-3447 to request replacement benefits. They must provide documentation of the power outages from their energy provider.
I was without power for five days and I had to throw all my food away and that was 500 dollars worth of food
My power was out for three days and I lost $ 100 worth of groceries. I am a senior.
I was a power for a couple of days and I lost a worth of almost 200 worth of food. I went to Chicago couple weeks ago for some meat and all my meat is spoiled. I spent almost $300 with the food stamps.