Skip to main content

D-SNAP: Disaster Food Assistance After a Hurricane, Flood or Fire

By FoodBankLocator Editorial Team · Published · Last reviewed

After a hurricane, flood, wildfire or other disaster, families can lose food to a power outage, lose income when a workplace closes, or face sudden costs. USDA runs a short-term program for these situations called the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. D-SNAP is not always available. It starts only after certain steps happen, in a limited area, for a limited time. This guide explains what D-SNAP is, how it differs from regular SNAP, the other disaster food options USDA describes, and what to do in the first days after a disaster. Details come from USDA's D-SNAP fact sheet and disaster assistance page, listed in the Sources section.

What D-SNAP is

USDA says D-SNAP lets the agency quickly offer short-term food assistance benefits to families suffering in the wake of a disaster. According to USDA's fact sheet:

  • Eligible households receive one month of benefits, equal to the maximum benefit normally issued to a SNAP household of their size.
  • Benefits are issued on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to buy food at most grocery stores.
  • Affected households use a simplified application.
  • D-SNAP benefits are issued to eligible applicants within 72 hours.

USDA's fact sheet is dated 2013, so confirm the details with your state agency when a D-SNAP opens. You can compare the regular maximum benefit amounts in our SNAP income limits guide.

Who may qualify

The fact sheet says that households not normally eligible for SNAP may qualify for D-SNAP because of their disaster-related expenses, such as loss of income, damage to property, relocation expenses and, in some cases, loss of food due to power outages. That is the main difference from regular SNAP, where income and deductions are based on ordinary monthly circumstances.

USDA also publishes D-SNAP income eligibility standards for each fiscal year, on its disaster assistance page. This guide does not reprint them, because they are specific to D-SNAP and are updated annually. Your state agency will tell you which standards apply when it opens a D-SNAP.

People who already receive SNAP

USDA says that when a state operates a D-SNAP, ongoing SNAP clients can also receive disaster food assistance. A household with disaster losses whose regular SNAP benefits are less than the monthly maximum can request a supplement that brings its benefits up to the maximum for its household size. USDA says this provides equity between D-SNAP households and SNAP households receiving disaster assistance.

USDA's disaster page describes another option for existing SNAP households. A state or U.S. territory may request disaster waiver flexibilities so that regular program benefits can be replaced if food bought with benefits was destroyed. If you receive SNAP and lost food, ask your state agency whether replacement is available. See how to apply for SNAP in your state for the number to call.

When and where D-SNAP happens

D-SNAP is not automatic. The fact sheet says USDA approves D-SNAP operations in an affected area under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, when the area has received a Presidential disaster declaration of Individual Assistance (IA) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). State agencies must request USDA's approval to operate a D-SNAP within the disaster area, and USDA's disaster page adds that this applies if retail food stores are operating in the impacted area.

USDA says it approves the operation for a limited period of time, typically 7 days, during which the state agency may accept D-SNAP applications. That short window is the most important thing to know. If you hear that a D-SNAP is open in your county, find out the dates and apply right away.

How to find out whether your area has one

  • Your state SNAP agency. The agency runs D-SNAP, so its website and hotline are the best source. Use the phone numbers and links in our state directory guide.
  • USDA's disaster assistance page. It carries a map of states and territories with an active disaster response, and lists recent D-SNAP approvals by state.
  • 211. Call 211 for local disaster resources. The service is explained in how to find a food pantry today.
  • Local news and emergency management. Announcements of D-SNAP dates often come from the state agency and local officials.

Other disaster food help USDA describes

D-SNAP is one of several tools. USDA's disaster page says:

  • USDA Foods are stored in every state and U.S. territory and may be used by state agencies or local disaster relief organizations to provide food to shelters or to families and individuals sheltering in place.
  • At the request of a state or territory, and when there is a Presidential Disaster Declaration for individual assistance, USDA may approve a waiver that lets SNAP households buy hot, prepared foods for immediate consumption for a period of time.
  • In certain circumstances, USDA can provide infant formula and food within 96 hours of a request by FEMA or a state agency.

Other organizations that help

Feeding America's help page lists three places to turn after a disaster. FEMA works in areas hardest hit by natural disasters to help communities recover. The Red Cross is on the ground following many disasters and provides relief and resources. And the Feeding America network of food banks and meal programs is built to provide nationwide relief and recovery support to affected communities. Food banks and pantries often keep serving during an emergency, though hours may change, so call first. Our pantry visit guide lists useful questions.

What to do in the first few days

These are practical suggestions rather than USDA rules.

  1. Contact your state SNAP agency and ask whether a D-SNAP has been approved for your county and when applications are open.
  2. Keep records of disaster-related losses, such as photos of damage, notes about lost food and records of relocation costs, since D-SNAP considers those expenses. The agency will tell you what proof it needs.
  3. Do not wait for the program to open before looking for food. Use a food bank or a pantry in the meantime.
  4. If you already receive SNAP, ask about the supplement and about replacing food that was destroyed.
  5. Watch for the end date. With a typical 7-day window, a delay of a few days can matter.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 18, 2026.