OKDHS Provides SNAP Disaster Assistance to Atoka County

OKLAHOMA CITY -- In light of the April 14 tornado that hit Atoka County, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) will provide emergency disaster food benefits to households affected by the disaster.
Beginning at 8 a.m., Thursday, May 12, OKDHS will begin taking applications for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. Interviews will be conducted by local county OKDHS staff at the county office in Atoka. Applications will be taken through Friday, May 20.

“This is part of the OKDHS mission, helping Oklahomans in times of need,” said Kathie Wright, Programs Manager for the SNAP Section. “Current SNAP recipients in Atoka County will complete a disaster-related affidavit declaring they sustained either a loss of income or incurred disaster-related expenses as a result of the April 14 tornado. Other households that are not currently receiving SNAP are also encouraged to apply at the Atoka County office for the disaster benefits.”

Wright says those applying for D-SNAP must have been residing in the disaster area at the time of the tornado.  Benefits will be approved for eligible households up to the maximum allotment allowed by household size.

Household composition is based on the persons normally living in the household the day of the disaster. Households must meet an income and liquid resource test in order to qualify for the D-SNAP. Identity must be verified for each applicant through a photo ID, a signed affidavit from a collateral contact attesting to the identity of the applicant, or two documents that verify identity and residency. Applicants should be able and prepared to provide a specific list of disaster-related damages incurred as a result of the tornado event.

For additional information, phone the local Atoka County Human Services Center office at (580) 889-3394 or toll free 1-800-225-0051

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