U.S. Department of Agriculture
Forms of Assistance You Can Apply for Online
Food for Florida
Show DetailsProgram Description
Food for Florida is the name of the state of Florida's Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approves state requests to operate a D-SNAP after the state has received a Presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance, and grocery stores are open and operating in your area. Once program operations have been approved, the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) will set a limited period for you to file a Food for Florida application.General Program Requirements
You are eligible for food assistance through Food for Florida if you:
- Are not already receiving food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the regular state food assistance program (Current SNAP households may be eligible for supplemental disaster benefits.)
- Were living or, in some cases, working in the disaster area at the time of the disaster
- Experienced at least one of the following adverse effects:
- Unreimbursed disaster-related expenses (e.g., home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, evacuation expenses, home/business protection, disaster-related personal injury including funeral expenses)
- Lost or inaccessible income
- In some cases, households that have experienced food loss without incurring other disaster-related expenses may be eligible
Your eligibility for Food for Florida is based on your “disaster gross income” or DGI. When you apply for benefits, your caseworker will calculate your DGI by adding your take-home pay, unearned income (such as public assistance payments) and liquid resources (such as bank accounts and cash on hand) and 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 the maximum you may qualify for Food for Florida. To see current DGIs for various household sizes visit:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY11_Income_Standards.htm
Application Process
The Food for Florida online application is activated for declarations at the state level by the Governor and for Presidential disaster declarations for individual assistance. For information and to pre-register for assistance following a state declared disaster using the web-based system, visit http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/fff/.If there is a presidential declaration, you can apply for Food for Florida when you complete the application process on DisasterAssistance.gov.
Program Contact Information
Florida DCF certification staff must review your household’s circumstances to determine eligibility. You may either apply in person for Food for Florida benefits at an application site or pre-register online and report to an application site in your area to show proof of identity and, if eligible, obtain your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card will be loaded with your Food for Florida benefits and works like a debit card at most grocery stores.
You can access a listing of Food for Florida application sites in your area at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/servicecenters.shtml#svcctrs
You can access a listing of Food for Florida application sites in your area at: http://www.dcf.state.fl.us/programs/access/servicecenters.shtml#svcctrs
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm Forms of Assistance without Online Applications
Business and Industrial Loans
Show DetailsProgram Description
The purpose of the Business & Industrial (B&I) Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans which will provide lasting community benefits.General Program Requirements
A borrower may be:
- An individual
- A cooperative organization, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity organized and operated on a profit or nonprofit basis
- An Indian tribe on a Federal or State reservation or other Federally recognized tribal group, or
- A public body.
- Provide employment
- Improve the economic or environmental climate
- Promote the conservation, development, and use of water for aquaculture, or
- Reduce reliance on nonrenewable energy resources by encouraging the development and construction of renewable energy systems.
Application Process
Complete applications should be sent to the USDA Rural Development State Office for the project location. Loan applications can be found by visiting http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b&i_gar.htm.Program Contact Information
A list of offices and additional information can be obtained at:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html For more information please visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b%26I_gar.htm
Crop Insurance
Show DetailsProgram Description
Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop losses resulting from natural causes. The program, administered by USDA's Risk Management Agency (RMA), offers several different plans for crops and livestock. Availability of these crop policy plans varies by state and county.General Program Requirements
To qualify for this benefit program, you must be an agricultural producer/farmer or rancher.Application Process
For a listing of insurance companies and agents offering crop insurance coverage, visit http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/companies/.Program Contact Information
To contact the Risk Management Agency, please email us
at:rma.mail@rma.usda.gov For more information about the Crop Insurance Program and to find
insurance plans available in your area, visit:http://www.rma.usda.gov
Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is a food assistance program specifically for disaster survivors following a presidentially-declared disaster. Recipients accessing D-SNAP benefits use an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which operates much like a debit card.The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) can authorize the issuance of D-SNAP when the President declares a major disaster for individual assistance. States must request that FNS allow them to issue emergency benefits in areas affected by a disaster. FNS works closely with states to prepare plans for D-SNAP.
General Program Requirements
The D-SNAP system operates under a different set of eligibility and benefit delivery requirements than the regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Those who may not ordinarily qualify for SNAP may be eligible for D-SNAP, as the D-SNAP eligibility requirements take into account a household's out-of-pocket disaster-related expenses and count only take-home pay and accessible liquid resources. D-SNAP applications are generally accepted for a period of seven days, except in extraordinary circumstances. Eligible households are issued an allotment sufficient to meet their food needs for a 30-day period.USDA provides administrative funding to individual states, which operate their own D-SNAP programs. USDA funds 100 percent of the costs of D-SNAP benefits for eligible households. While program requirements vary somewhat from state to state, those eligible for D-SNAP typically must have experienced one of the following:
- Food damaged by disaster event or spoiled due to power outage
- Disaster-related expenses not expected to be reimbursed during the benefit period (e.g., home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, evacuation expenses, home/business protection, disaster-related personal injury including funeral expenses)
- Lost or inaccessible income, including reduction or termination of income, or a delay in receipt of income for half the benefit period
Each household's circumstances must be reviewed by state human services agency certification staff to determine eligibility. Currently, applicants must apply in person directly to each state D-SNAP program for benefits.
Application Process
You can access a listing of state D-SNAP hotlines to obtain information on application sites in your area at:http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm
Individuals may also apply in-person using a paper application at a disaster services site. Mobile units may also be operating to assist special needs populations or isolated areas.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm
http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm
Emergency Conservation Program for Agricultural Producers
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) shares the cost of rehabilitating eligible farmlands damaged by natural disaster with agricultural producers. During severe drought, ECP also provides emergency water assistance for livestock and for existing irrigation systems for orchards and vineyards. Emergency cost-sharing is limited to new conservation problems created by natural disasters which would, if left untreated, render the land impaired or endangered. (Conservation problems that existed before the natural disaster are not eligible for cost sharing assistance.) ECP may be available in areas without regard to a President or Secretarial emergency disaster designation.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a farmer or rancher who owns or controls farmland that needs to be rehabilitated due to damage from natural disasters or needs emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought.Application Process
To apply for assistance, contact the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office nearest you using this office locator tool:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/
Or write the Farm Service Agency, Emergency Conservation Program Manager at:
National Program Manager
Emergency Conservation Program
Farm Service Agency
Conservation and Environmental Programs Division
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 4710
Washington, D.C. 20250
Program Contact Information
For more information, please visit:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp
Farm Emergency Loans
Show DetailsProgram Description
The emergency loan program aims to help family farmers recover from losses resulting from natural disasters. These loans can be used to:
- repair or replace buildings or other structures
- purchase livestock and equipment
- pay essential farm operating and family living expenses
- refinance debt, or
- repair or replace essential household contents damaged in the disaster.
General Program Requirements
To qualify for an Emergency Loan, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who owns or controls farm/ranch land, who has suffered production or property losses from a natural disaster (including severe drought) and who has been denied a loan by a commercial lender. Applicants must also have an acceptable credit history; not have received debt forgiveness from the Agency; and not have had any controlled substance convictions. For production loss loans, the applicant must have suffered at least a 30 percent loss in yield. Emergency loans may also be made to replace damaged farm/ranch property.Application Process
Applications for emergency loans must be received within 8 months of the county's disaster or quarantine designation date. To apply for an emergency loan, applicants must submit an application form (FSA-410-1) and business plan, in addition to other forms required to determine eligibility.You may obtain information about this program and how to apply at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl
Program Contact Information
Or you may contact the FSA program manager directly via phone or email:1-202-720-1632jim.radintz@wdc.usda.gov You may also obtain information through your local FSA office or USDA service center. To locate the office nearest you, visit:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa The Business and Cooperative Programs website is available at:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/b%26I_gar.htm
Farm Operating Loans (Direct and Guaranteed)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers farm operating loans to farmers who are temporarily unable to obtain private, commercial credit. Operating loans may be used to purchase items needed for a successful farm operation. These items include livestock, farm equipment, feed, seed, fuel, farm chemicals, repairs, insurance, and other operating expenses.Both guaranteed loans and direct loans are available through this program. Eligibility for each type of loan depends on applicant qualifications.
Under the guaranteed loan program, FSA guarantees loans made by conventional agricultural lenders for up to 95 percent of the principal loan amount. The maximum FSA guaranteed operating loan is $1,214,000.
Applicants unable to qualify for a guaranteed loan may be eligible for a direct loan from FSA. Direct loans are made and serviced by FSA officials, who also provide borrowers with supervision and credit counseling. Applicants must show sufficient repayment ability and pledge enough collateral to fully secure the loan. The maximum amount for a direct farm operating loan is $300,000.
General Program Requirements
To be eligible for a farm operating loan (OL) from the Farm Service Agency (FSA) you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not be delinquent on a Federal debt
- Not have caused a loss to the Government by having a previous Federal debt forgiven
- Not have a poor history of repaying debts
- Not have any controlled substance convictions
- Be the operator of a "family-sized farm" after the loan is closed (see our Glossary Terms for a definition of family-size farm)
- Not have any outstanding judgments against you
- Be unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
Application Process
To apply for a direct farm operating loan, submit an application form (FSA-2001) and business plan, in addition to other forms required to determine eligibility.To apply for a guaranteed loan, visit your lender, who will arrange for the guarantee.
Program Contact Information
For more information about this program and how to apply,
visit:http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=dflop You may also obtain information through your local FSA office or
USDA service center. To locate the office nearest you, visit:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa
Farm Ownership Loans (Direct and Guaranteed)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes farm ownership (FO) loans to farmers and ranchers who temporarily cannot obtain a loan from a bank, Farm Credit System institution, or other lender due to disaster and financial hardship. FSA also makes loans to beginning farmers. Both "guaranteed" and "direct" loans are available though this program. Under the guaranteed loan program, conventional lenders (banks, Farm Credit System institutions, and other lenders) make the loan, and FSA guarantees it for up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest. The maximum FSA guaranteed FO loan is $1,214,000. Your lender can tell you if a guarantee is the right loan for you.Applicants who are unable to qualify for a guaranteed loan may be eligible for a direct loan from FSA. Direct loans are made and serviced by FSA officials using Government funds. FSA provides direct loan customers with supervision and credit counseling so that they have a greater chance to be successful. The maximum direct FO loan is $300,000.
General Program Requirements
To be eligible for a farm ownership loan from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- Not be delinquent on a Federal debt
- Not have caused a loss to the Government by having a previous Federal debt forgiven
- Not have a poor history of repaying debts
- Not have any controlled substance convictions
- Be the operator of a "family-sized farm" after the loan is closed
- Not have any outstanding judgments against you
- Be unable to obtain credit elsewhere.
Application Process
To apply for a direct farm ownership loan, submit an application form (FSA-2001) and business plan, in addition to other forms required to determine eligibility.To apply for a guaranteed loan, visit your lender, who will arrange for the guarantee.
Program Contact Information
For more information about this program and how to apply,
visit:http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=dflop You may also obtain information through your local FSA office or
USDA service center. To locate the office nearest you, visit:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=us&agency=fsa
Louisiana Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Louisiana Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) is the state of Louisiana's disaster food assistance program for low to moderate-income residents. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approves a state request to operate a D-SNAP after the state has received a Presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance and grocery stores are open and operating in your area. Once program operations have been approved, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will set a limited period for you to file a Louisiana D-SNAP application.
General Program Requirements
You are eligible for food assistance through the Louisiana D-SNAP if you:
- Are not currently receiving food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the regular food assistance program (current SNAP households may be eligible for supplemental disaster benefits)
- Were living or, in some cases, working in the disaster area at the time of the disaster
- Experienced at least one of the following adverse effects:
- Unreimbursed disaster related expenses (e.g., home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, evacuation expenses, home/business protection or disaster-related injury including funeral expenses)
- Lost or inaccessible income
- Plan to buy food during the disaster benefit period
In some cases, households that have experienced food loss without incurring other disaster related expenses may be eligible.
Your eligibility for Louisiana D-SNAP is based on your “disaster gross income” or DGI. When you apply for benefits, your caseworker will calculate your DGI by adding your take-home pay, unearned income (such as public assistance payments) and liquid resources (such as bank accounts and cash on hand) and 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 Louisiana D-SNAP. To see current DGIs for various household sizes visit: http://www.fns.usda.go v/snap/government/FY11_Income_Standards.htm.
Application Process
The Louisiana D-SNAP online system is active at all times to take online pre-registrations for declarations at the state level and for Presidential disaster declarations. For more information and to pre-register for assistance, visit https://dsnap.dss.state.la.us/CustomerPortal/CPLogon.jsp.You can also pre-register over the telephone at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578).
If you are visually impaired, please call the Customer Service Center at 1-888-LAHELPU (1-888-524-3578) for assistance to register an account.
Louisiana DCFS certification staff must review your household’s circumstances to determine eligibility and complete the full application process to receive benefits. Once you have completed the pre-registration process for Louisiana D-SNAP benefits online or through the help line, you must complete the application process in person at an application processing site in your area to show proof of identity and obtain your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The EBT card will be loaded with your Louisiana D-SNAP benefits and works like a debit card at most grocery stores.
Program Contact Information
After a state D-SNAP has been activated, you can access a listing of state application processing site locations in your area at:http://www.dss.louisiana.gov/
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm Mississippi Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
Show DetailsProgram Description
When there is a Presidentially declared major disaster for which individuals are eligible for assistance, the state of Mississippi may request authorization to issue disaster food assistance benefits. The United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approves state requests to operate D-SNAP after the state has received a Presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance and grocery stores are open and operating in your area. Once program operations have been approved, the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) will set a limited period for you to file a D-SNAP application.
General Program Requirements
You may be eligible for food assistance through the Mississippi D-SNAP if you:
- Are not already receiving food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the regular state food assistance program (Current SNAP households may be eligible for supplemental disaster benefits);
- Were living or, in some cases, working in the disaster area at the time of the disaster; and
- Experienced at least one of the following adverse effects:
- Unreimbursed disaster-related expenses (e.g., home or business repairs, temporary shelter expenses, evacuation expenses, home/business protection, disaster-related personal injury including funeral expenses); and
- Lost or inaccessible income
Your eligibility for D-SNAP benefits is based on your “Disaster Gross Income” or DGI. When you apply for benefits, your caseworker will calculate your DGI by adding your take-home pay, unearned income (such as public assistance payments) and liquid resources (such as bank accounts and cash on hand) and subtracting 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:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/government/FY11_Income_Standards.htm
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.Program Contact Information
MDHS certification staff must review your household’s circumstances to determine eligibility. You may apply in person for Mississippi D-SNAP benefits at an application site in your area and, if eligible, obtain 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.
You can access a listing of Mississippi application sites in your area at:http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us
You can access a listing of Mississippi application sites in your area at:http://www.mdhs.state.ms.us
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program
Show DetailsProgram Description
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory or prevented planting occur due to a natural disaster.Eligible crops must be commercially produced agricultural commodity crops for which the catastrophic risk protection level of crop insurance is not available. Crops include crops produced for food, livestock feed, or fiber; mushrooms, floriculture, specialty crops, Christmas trees, turfgrass sod, seed crops and aquaculture (including ornamental fish).
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be or have been a rancher or agricultural producer/farmer.Producers interested in receiving risk protection under this program must file an application for coverage and pay the application service fee prior to the crop's application closing date. These application closing dates are established by your local State Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee and are published annually.
Application Process
Eligible producers must apply for coverage of noninsurable crops using Form CCC-471, "Application for Coverage", and pay the applicable service fees at their local FSA office. The application and service fees must be filed by the application closing date as established by the producer's FSA state committee.Program Contact Information
For more information or help in identifying your application
closing dates and coverage periods, please contact your local FSA office.
Contact information for each FSA office can be obtained at:http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/stateOffices?area=stoffice&subject=landing&topic=landing Additional information available at:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/newsReleases...
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/newsReleases...
Rural Housing Loans
Show DetailsProgram Description
Direct and guaranteed loans may be used to buys, build, or improve the applicant's permanent residence. New manufactured homes may be financed when they are on a permanent site, purchased from an approved dealer or contractor, and meet certain other requirements. Under very limited circumstances, homes may be re-financed with direct loans. Dwellings financed must be modest, decent, safe, and sanitary. The value of a home financed with a direct loan may not exceed the area limit. The property must be located in an eligible rural area. Assistance is available in the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana's, and the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands. Direct loans are made at the interest rate specified in RD Instruction 440.1, Exhibit B (available at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/04401.pdf or in any Rural Development local office).General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, applicants must have very low, low or moderate incomes. Very low income is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income (AMI); low income is between 50 and 80 percent of AMI; moderate income is below 115 percent of AMI. Families must be without adequate housing, but able to afford the housing payments, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). Qualifying repayment ratios are 29 percent for PITI to 41 percent for total debt. In addition, applicants must be unable to obtain credit elsewhere, yet have an acceptable credit history. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.Application Process
Interested applicants should contact their local USDA Rural Development field office for more information. To obtain contact information for the field office nearest you, visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.All applications for loans and grants are handled at the local level. For help with an application, contact your Rural Development office at:
202-720-4323
Program Contact Information
For more information about the Guaranteed
Loan program, visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ For more information about the Direct
Loan program, visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ More on Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Programs:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH
Rural Housing: Housing Repair Loans and Grants
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Rural Housing Repair Loans and Grants program provides loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, modernize, or to remove health and safety hazards in their rural dwellings. Loans are arranged for up to 20 years at one percent interest. Grants may be arranged for recipients who are 62 years of age or older and can be used only to pay for repairs and improvements to remove health and safety hazards. Loan/grant combinations may be arranged for applicants who can repay part of the cost. Very low income for this program is defined as below 50 percent of the area median income.General Program Requirements
The Rural Housing: Housing Repair Loans and Grants program provides loans and grants to very low-income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their dwellings or to remove health and safety hazards. Furthermore, you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who lives in a rural area.Application Process
To apply for a loan or grant online go to http://www.sc.egov.usda.gov, or you may contact your State's Rural Development field office using this office locator tool:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Program Contact Information
For more information about the housing repair loan program, visit:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/
If you are 62 years or older, you may qualify for a housing repair grant. For more information about this program, visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ More on Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Programs:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/
If you are 62 years or older, you may qualify for a housing repair grant. For more information about this program, visit:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/ More on Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities Programs:http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH
Rural Rental Housing
Show DetailsProgram Description
Low-income rental and cooperative housing is available for low-income rural residents. Listings of participating housing projects are available through each State's Rural Development office. Potential applicants must apply directly to building management to determine eligibility for housing.General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must live in a rural area and characterize your financial situation as low income or very low income.Application Process
Interested applicants should contact the owner or manager of the rental or cooperative housing facility to determine eligibility for housing. For a listing of low-income rental and cooperative housing in your area, contact your state's Rural Development field office using this office locator tool:http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Show DetailsProgram Description
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides supplemental foods, healthcare referrals, nutrition education, and breastfeeding promotion and support at no cost to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.Additionally, 46 state agencies operate the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), which provides fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and expands the awareness and use of farmers' markets.
General Program Requirements
Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, as well as infants, and children up to 5 years of age are eligible if they are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutritional risk and meet a state residency requirement.
In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
| Household Size* | Maximum Income Level (Per Year) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $20,665 |
| 2 | $27,991 |
| 3 | $35,317 |
| 4 | $42,643 |
| 5 | $49,969 |
| 6 | $57,295 |
| 7 | $64,621 |
| 8 | $71,947 |
A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.
Application Process
To find out if you may be eligible for WIC benefits, complete the WIC Prescreening Tool. The tool is available in English, Spanish and Chinese. It provides information on how to apply for WIC benefits to those who may be eligible.For more information about how to apply for WIC benefits, contact your state agency. Contact information for each state agency, including toll-free numbers, can be found at:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/Contacts/statealpha.HTM
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/
Texas Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP)
Show DetailsProgram Description
When there is a Presidentially declared major disaster for which individuals are eligible for assistance, the state of Texas may request authorization to issue disaster food assistance benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service approves a state request to operate Disaster SNAP after the state has received a Presidential disaster declaration for individual assistance and grocery stores are open and operating in your area. Once program operations have been approved, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will set a limited period for you to file a Disaster SNAP application. If eligible, residents will receive one month’s worth of disaster food assistance benefits that are accessed using an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.
General Program Requirements
You are eligible for Disaster SNAP benefits after a disaster in Texas if you:
- Are currently not receiving regular SNAP benefits (current SNAP households may be eligible for supplemental disaster benefits)
- Were living in the disaster area at the time of the disaster.
- Experienced at least one qualifying disaster related expense, such as:
- Lost or inaccessible income
- Home or business repairs
- Temporary shelter expenses
- Evacuation expenses
- Home/business protection against storm damage expenses
- Cost to replace personal or household items
- Clean-up expenses
- Personal injury, including funeral expenses
A household’s eligibility for Disaster SNAP is based on its “disaster gross income” or simply its disaster income. When a household submits a Disaster SNAP application, a caseworker will calculate the disaster income by adding total take-home pay, unearned income (such as Social Security payments) and liquid resources (such as bank accounts and cash on hand). The maximum Disaster Income Limits are set each year at the Federal level and are based on household size. Texas also adds a standard disaster-related expense deduction to the Federal limits, so you may qualify even if your income is above the Federal limits. If your disaster income is less than the maximum you may qualify for Disaster SNAP. To see the current Federal Disaster Income Limits for various household sizes visit: http://www.fns.usda.go v/snap/government/FY11_Income_Standards.htm
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.Program Contact Information
Please visit the Texas Health and Human Services web site after a disaster has been declared for more information at:
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/index.shtml
Current SNAP and new D-SNAP customers can find information about which retailers are open for business in a given disaster area by calling the Lone Star Help Desk toll-free at 1-800-777-7EBT (1-800-777-7328).
http://www.hhsc.state.tx.us/index.shtml
Current SNAP and new D-SNAP customers can find information about which retailers are open for business in a given disaster area by calling the Lone Star Help Desk toll-free at 1-800-777-7EBT (1-800-777-7328).
Managing Agency
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) http://www.fns.usda.gov/disasters/disaster.htm