When a major disaster strikes, the state of Mississippi may request to issue Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approves state requests to operate D-SNAP. Local grocery stores must be open and operating, and there must be a presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance for your area.

Once the program has been approved, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) sets a limited period for you to file a D-SNAP application.

You may qualify for food assistance through the Mississippi D-SNAP if you:

• Do not already get help through the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Current SNAP households may qualify for supplemental disaster or replacement benefits.
• Were living or, in some cases, working in the declared area at the time of the disaster.
• Have at least one of these disaster-related effects or unreimbursed expenses:
  • Home or business repairs;
  • Temporary shelter or evacuation expenses;
  • Home or business protection;
  • Personal injury, including funeral expenses;
  • Lost or no access to income.

Your eligibility is based on your “Disaster Gross Income” or DGI. When you apply, your caseworker will calculate your DGI:

1. They add your take-home pay, unearned income (such as public assistance payments), and liquid resources (such as bank accounts and cash on hand).
2. Then they subtract your unreimbursed disaster-related expenses.

The maximum DGI is set each year and is based on household size. If your DGI is less than or equal to the maximum, you may qualify for D-SNAP. 

To see current DGIs for various household sizes visit USDA FNS's SNAP Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Information page.

The Mississippi D-SNAP is only activated after a presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance and only for the areas declared.

To get benefits, MDHS certification staff must review your case to see if you qualify. You must show proof of identity and verify your income and expenses.

To apply, you may:

• Apply in person at a local county office, or
• Send your application by mail or fax.

If you qualify, you will get your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card will be loaded with your D-SNAP benefits and works like a debit card at most grocery stores.