Residents of Mobile County who sustained hurricane damage who are NOT currently receiving food stamps may apply for the program this week. In order to receive the benefits, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria established by the USDA, which sets forth all regulations for the nation’s Food Stamp Program.
"This is an effort to help families who find themselves in need of food stamps because of hurricane-related losses of income and other financial resources," state Department of Human Resources Commissioner Walley explained.
Commissioner Walley noted that disaster-related food loss alone does not make hurricane victims eligible for food stamp benefits.
The department will accept applications Tuesday October 12th through Saturday October 16th at the Mobile Civic Center from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The application schedule will be based upon the first letter of the head of household's last name: Tuesday: A-F; Wednesday: G-K; Thursday: L-R; Friday: S-Z; Saturday: make-up day.
Identification and Proof of residency at the time of the disaster must be presented when applying for benefits.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the plan that permits some hurricane victims to apply . The plan was authorized for Baldwin, Clarke, Conecuh, Covington, Escambia, Monroe and Mobile County.
Disaster victims approved for food stamps in the designated counties will receive their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail in approximately five days.