In response to the severe storms that recently battered Oklahoma, the state's Human Services department announced an extended deadline for residents to apply for replacement Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This decision, endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (USDA-FNS), provides much-needed relief to those who suffered food losses due to prolonged power outages caused by the storms on April 27 and subsequent days.
Typically, SNAP recipients have a 10-day window to request replacement benefits. However, acknowledging the extraordinary circumstances, officials extended this period until May 28. "A significant number of individuals relying on the SNAP program in storm-affected regions experienced food loss because of prolonged power outages," stated the Oklahoma Human Services in a recent announcement.
For those needing replacement cards or wishing to apply for SNAP benefits, the process remains accessible through multiple channels. Applicants can call 405-522-5050 for assistance, visit local county offices or the Mobile Office in person, or request help online. Counties newly approved for SNAP replacements due to storm damage include Blaine, Cleveland, Comanche, Craig, Custer, Johnson, Kingfisher, McClain, Okmulgee, Osage, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pottawatomie, Tillman, Wagoner, Washington, and Washita.
In a related development, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced an update to its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) requirements, potentially increasing payments for some recipients. The SSA's new guidelines redefine what constitutes a public assistance (PA) household. Previously, a PA household required every member to receive a public income-maintenance (PIM) benefit, such as Social Security or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Under the revised rules, households where only some members receive government benefits, including those receiving SNAP, now qualify as PA households. This expansion means households with mixed sources of public assistance can now receive higher SSI payments, reflecting the SSA's assumption that these households are not receiving additional financial support internally.
"I'm committed to making systemic changes to help people access the critical benefits they need, including SSI," said SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley. He emphasized that the policy update aims to remove significant barriers to accessing SSI and promote greater equity within the program.
SSI serves low-income Americans who are disabled or 65 and older. Beneficiaries typically must earn less than $1,971 monthly and have assets below $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. In 2024, SSI checks could reach up to $943 for singles and $1,415 for couples. Nearly 7.5 million people received SSI checks in January, with an average payment of $654.
The inclusion of SNAP benefits in the PA household definition is the first update since the SSA originally defined it in 1980. This change acknowledges the growing reliance on SNAP, with approximately 41.9 million Americans receiving this form of nutrition assistance as of April, representing about 12.5 percent of the U.S. population.
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin, praised the SSA's rule change. "The rule change is a big boost to individuals who live in households and were originally disqualified from receiving benefits through SSI, as well as those who need an increase in the assistance they're receiving to manage the higher cost of living everyone is facing today," Beene told Newsweek. He highlighted the significance of addressing barriers that potential applicants face and the SSA's efforts to remedy these issues.
These developments come as Americans nationwide grapple with rising living costs and the lingering impacts of severe weather events. The extended deadline for SNAP benefits in Oklahoma and the broader eligibility for SSI payments reflect ongoing efforts by federal and state agencies to provide critical support to vulnerable populations.
As the extended deadline for SNAP applications approaches, Oklahoma residents are encouraged to take advantage of the additional time to secure their benefits. Simultaneously, the updated SSI rules will provide much-needed financial relief to those struggling to meet their daily needs, illustrating the government's commitment to supporting its citizens during challenging times.
