JIC Recovery Release No. 55 - D-SNAP Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will launch the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP). D-SNAP gives food assistance to low-income households with food loss or damage caused by a natural disaster. D-SNAP has income and asset limitations. D-SNAP extends benefits to many households that would not ordinarily qualify but suddenly need food assistance because of a disaster. D-SNAP benefits are provided via an electronic debit-like card and can be used to purchase food items at authorized food retailers. Recipients already enrolled in SNAP are not eligible to receive D-SNAP assistance. 

D-SNAP Frequently Asked Questions:

• Which D-SNAP Enrollment Center should I visit? Is it based on what village I am from?

  • It is not based on what village you are from. Residents are encouraged to visit a D-SNAP Enrollment Center that is convenient for them, at a date that is applicable to your last name. 

• What do I need to bring to the D-SNAP Enrollment Center?

  • Bring a valid I.D. You will be asked to sign a self attestation form to determine the net income. 

• What is the timeframe of Net Income?

  • It is based on the applicants’ household MONTHLY net income. 

• Can someone apply on my behalf?

  • Yes, you may have an authorized representative. Have the applicant write a brief letter of authorization with both the applicant’s name and the person handling their affairs, dated, signed and bring both party’s Photo ID’s to the centers when applying, along with all required documents.

• Is this limited to US Citizens?

  • No, citizenship is not a consideration for this program

• What happens if I have a roommate? Are we both head of household or do we have to share benefits?

  • Yes, you both may apply as a head of household, however you can’t both claim the same losses. Example: if the combined households lost $300 worth of food, each would only claim a portion of that loss on your application.

• Is there an expiration date on my D-SNAP benefits?

  • 274 days is the longest time period that benefits will be available on the EBT card provided to you when awarded D-SNAP.

• If I purchased items related to typhoon preparation or recovery on or after May 22, 2022 but lost the receipt, would purchase summaries (purchase history) work?

  • A purchase history would be allowable or we can take the applicant's statement; however, you should be aware that any statements you make in order to receive D-SNAP are subject to audit requirements from Food and Nutrition Services (FNS)/ USDA.

For any additional questions or inquiries contact the Bureau of Economic Security (BES) at (671) 300-8873 or through email at centralbes@dphss.guam.gov

Individuals must bring a valid I.D. and must apply at the following approved D-SNAP enrollment centers:

Each site will serve applicants based on the applicant’s last name using the following schedule:

Below is an income table, to help determine if you qualify for this program, as well as the allotment you would be awarded:

Household income may also be adjusted for any disaster-related expenses that the applicant experienced from the effects of Typhoon Mawar, such as damage or destruction of household. Below is a list of approved expenses:

• Home and Business Repairs and Property Protection

• Temporary Shelter and Evacuation Expenses

• Disaster Related funeral, pet boarding and medical expenses

• Replacement of necessary personal items such as clothing, appliances, tools, and educational materials

• Clean up expenses, and storage expenses

• Food Loss

Retirement accounts, disaster related payments from either governmental and/or non-governmental organizations will not be counted against D-SNAP applicants. If awarded, individuals will only receive a month’s worth of benefits. Any self-attestation provided to DPHSS in order to apply for D-SNAP benefits are subject to any and all audit requirements enforced by the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) under the USDA.

Visit the following links for the latest information:

• Governor’s Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govlouguam

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/09/10.