On July 8 Hurricane Beryl made landfall near Matagorda, Texas bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and flooding leaving millions without power which has led to widespread hardship.

In a significant relief measure, Acting Governor Dan Patrick announced today that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has secured federal approval to provide replacement benefits for recipients of SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.

“”The recent storms have impacted many families across the state,” Patrick said. “By providing these replacement food benefits, we will offer relief to those who need our help the most. As we continue our recovery process, it is vital that SNAP and WIC recipients have access to these benefits to continue to feed their families.”

 

 

To address the losses from the storms that began on July 8, SNAP recipients in the 121 counties declared disaster areas by Patrick must apply for their replacement benefits by August 8. Once approved, benefits will be added to recipients’ Lone Star Cards within two business days. A comprehensive list of the affected counties can be found at the conclusion of this article. Applicants from the designated counties can call 2-1-1 and select Option 8, or download, complete, and submit Form H1855 English – Form H1855 Spanish (Affidavit for Nonreceipt or Destroyed SNAP Benefits) by mail or fax to the designated addresses provided by HHSC. Those living outside these areas must visit a local benefits office in person within 10 days of their loss.

“Three million homes and businesses lost power with Hurricane Beryl’s impact, which caused people’s food to go bad,” said Molly Regan, HHSC deputy executive commissioner of Access and Eligibility Services. “This loss was especially painful for families who rely on SNAP benefits. Replacement food benefits will relieve some of the challenges many are facing.”

In parallel, WIC is also acting swiftly to replace food and formula benefits lost during the storm, with this offer valid through July 31. Affected families can obtain necessary information and assistance by visiting TexasWIC.org, calling 800-942-3678 during business hours, or applying in person at a WIC office. For breastfeeding support, WIC provides a 24/7 hotline. “Many WIC recipients have been impacted by Hurricane Beryl,” said Rob Ries, HHSC deputy executive commissioner for Family Health Services. “Texas WIC and local WIC offices are here to help meet their food, formula and breastfeeding needs as quickly as possible.”

 

 

For broader assistance, including SNAP and Medicaid, Texans can apply at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the mobile app to manage their benefits. Additionally, local resources such as food or shelter can be found by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting Option 1. 

Affected counties:

Anderson, Angelina, Aransas, Atascosa, Austin, Bastrop, Bee, Bexar, Bell, Bowie, Brazoria, Brazos, Brooks, Burleson, Caldwell, Calhoun, Cameron, Camp, Cass, Chambers, Cherokee, Collin, Colorado, Comal, Dallas, Delta, DeWitt, Dimmit, Duval, Ellis, Falls, Fannin, Fayette, Fort Bend, Franklin, Freestone, Frio, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Grayson, Gregg, Grimes, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Harrison, Hays, Henderson, Hidalgo, Hill, Hopkins, Houston, Hunt, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kaufman, Kenedy, Kinney, Kleberg, Lamar, LaSalle, Lavaca, Lee, Leon, Liberty, Limestone, Live Oak, Madison, Marion, Matagorda, Maverick, McLennan, McMullen, Medina, Milam, Montgomery, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Newton, Nueces, Orange, Panola, Polk, Rains, Red River, Refugio, Robertson, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, San Patricio, Shelby, Smith, Starr, Titus, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Upshur, Uvalde, Van Zandt, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Willacy, Williamson, Wilson, Wood, Zapata and Zavala.

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