MFIP:
For replacing the food portion of MFIP, follow the SNAP provisions.


MSA, GA, HSP:
No provisions.


SNAP:
For information on overall provisions for replacing benefits, see 0024.06 (Provisions for Replacing Benefits), TEMP Manual TE02.11.18 (Food Destroyed in a Misfortune or Disaster).

Issue replacement benefits to a unit when the unit reports that food purchased with SNAP benefits, EBT or cash-out money, was destroyed in a unit misfortune or disaster. A unit misfortune or disaster may include (but is not limited to):

●	Fire.
●	Flood.
●	Appliance failure (including individual appliance failures).
●	Power outage (including a utility disconnection).

Submit a PolicyQuest when you are unsure if a unit’s request for benefit replacement is considered a unit misfortune or disaster.

There is no limit on the number of times units may apply for and receive benefit replacements for food destroyed in a unit misfortune or disaster.

The benefit replacement amount is the loss the unit claims or the unit’s monthly SNAP benefit allotment, whichever is less. The benefit replacement amount cannot exceed the unit’s monthly SNAP allotment, unless the unit received SNAP or MFIP food portion benefit supplements. Supplements must be replaced up to their full value.

To issue a benefit replacement for food that was purchased with SNAP benefits and destroyed in a unit misfortune or disaster all the following MUST be met:

• The unit must report the loss of food within 10 business days of the date the food was destroyed in the misfortune or disaster. At the time of the report and if the unit met the 10 business day reporting requirement, send the unit a Verification Request Form (DHS-2919)(PDF) and a blank Nonreceipt/Replacement Request (DHS-1609) (PDF)

• Allow the unit 10 business days to return verification and Nonreceipt/Replacement Request (DHS-1609) (PDF) from the date the form is sent to the client.

NOTE: Case note the date the Nonreceipt/Replacement Request (DHS-1609) (PDF) is due back.

• To have food benefits replaced, the unit must return the completed and signed Nonreceipt/Replacement Request (DHS-1609) (PDF) and verification of the disaster or misfortune within 10 business days.

The misfortune or disaster may be verified through a collateral contact, documentation from a community agency including, but not limited to, the fire department, utility company, the Red Cross, or a newspaper article. See 0010 (Verification).

If all above criteria are met, enter a detailed case note and submit a benefit replacement request through TSS BENE following TE02.11.18 (Food Destroyed in a Misfortune or Disaster). Benefit replacements must be issued within 10 business days after the unit reports the loss of food, or within 2 working days after receiving the completed DHS-1609, whichever is later. TSS BENE staff will issue the replacement benefits.

If the unit does not meet the criteria above, deny the request and enter a case note detailing the reason why the request to replace benefits was denied. When a replacement is denied because the Nonreceipt/Replacement Request (DHS-1609) (PDF) was not received timely or the food loss was not reported timely MAXIS will automatically send a denial notice. See TE02.11.18 for the appropriate denial reason codes.