Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Manual

1150.010.00 Food Purchased With SNAP Benefits Lost in a Household Misfortune

IM-62 May 24, 2022; IM-37 June 27, 2014; IM-68 October 18, 2010; IM-63 August 31, 2009; IM-09 January 30, 2008; IM-80 August 28, 2006

Food purchased with SNAP benefits is replaced when the food is destroyed due to a household misfortune or disaster, such as, but not limited to:

  • Fire
  • Flood
  • Power outage due to a storm

To be eligible for replacement of food lost due to power outages, the power must be off for a minimum of 4 hours.

NOTE:  Electricity being disconnected by the power company due to non-payment of the utility bill is NOT considered a household misfortune or disaster.

The Replacement Request (IM-110) form:

  • is used to provide the household a method to request replacement of food purchased with SNAP benefits lost due to a household misfortune
  • can be completed by an adult member of the SNAP household or the Authorized Representative
  • is used by the agency to document the decision regarding the request

The report of the loss may be made by telephone, mail, or in person; however, the IM-110 must be signed by an adult member of the household or an authorized representative before processing.

Ask the household the dollar amount of food lost and the circumstances surrounding the loss. If the determination is that the household is eligible for a replacement, the agency representative will issue the amount lost not to exceed one month’s allotment. If the issuance to be replaced includes restored benefits, the entire benefit amount is replaced, if appropriate.

NOTE: Do not use ebtEDGE.com to verify the amount of benefits to determine the replacement amount.

Agency staff notifies the household of the decision on the Action Taken on Your SNAP Case (IM-112) form. If a replacement is totally or partially denied, the household has the right to request a fair hearing; however, no replacement can be made while the denial is being appealed.

For replacement decisions made and entered by FSD staff, the original IM-110 must be scanned and indexed following local procedures. For assistance in processing a replacement, use FAMIS Resources by searching for Replacing Food Destroyed by a Household Misfortune.