The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced today it has received approval from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue emergency food stamps to residents of Harrison, Jefferson, and Jennings Counties who suffered losses due to the severe weather that began September 14. Emergency help may apply to residents of those counties who have been affected by the disaster, including those not currently receiving state assistance.
"By extending disaster food stamps to additional counties, we will be able to alleviate more of the losses caused by the severe weather that impacted so many Hoosiers," said FSSA Secretary Mitch Roob. "The Disaster Food Stamp Program allows many who are not normally eligible for food stamps to receive assistance if they are facing significant hardship. It is, however, critical that residents answer eligibility questions honestly, as those who knowingly misrepresent themselves or their situations will be subject to investigation that may end in possible criminal charges."
Those applying for the Disaster Food Stamp Program (DFSP) should answer "yes" to one of the five questions below.
1. Did the disaster damage or destroy your home or self-employment property?
2. Does your household have any additional expenses as a result of the disaster?
3. From September 14 through October 13, did your household have to pay for food to replace what was lost in the disaster?
4. Did the disaster delay, reduce or stop any of your household's income?
5. Does your household have any cash or money in checking or savings accounts which you cannot get to because the bank is closed due to the disaster?
Families have seven days to apply beginning October 1, 2008 and ending October 7. The one-month benefit period covered by this disaster application runs from September 14th through October 13th. When applying, applicants should bring a state driver's license or other form of identification, such as work or school ID, birth certificate, wage stub and a document that verifies their home address. Applicants may be asked for their Social Security number. In addition, if a client currently receiving benefits was given the maximum food stamp allotment for their household size in September and has received a replacement for these benefits, they will not be eligible for any further disaster food stamp benefits.
Please note, persons who purposely provide false information on a food stamp application may be denied food stamps and legal action may be taken. To report potential public assistance recipient fraud, all parties can express their concerns to the fraud hotline at 1-800-446-1993. For further details on eligibility or to submit your application, visit these assistance centers, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Locations where victims may apply for DFSP beginning October 1 include:
HARRISON COUNTY:
2201 Concord Avenue, Suite 120
Corydon, IN 47112
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
493 W. Hutchinson Lane, Suite A
Madison, IN 47250
JENNINGS COUNTY:
1171 N. State Street
North Vernon, IN 47265
For more information on FSSA, go to: www.in.gov/fssa.
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