In the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern in early 2026, Mississippi’s Department of Human Services (MDHS) has announced the automatic issuance of emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) replacement benefits.
This decision follows widespread power outages and food spoilage in homes across affected areas, including 15 Mississippi counties. Eligible households in these regions will receive extra benefits to replace food lost during the storm without needing to apply.
Mississippi SNAP Alert
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Automatic SNAP Benefits Issued | Households in 15 counties receive replacement SNAP benefits automatically. |
| Eligibility for Automatic Benefits | Residents in 15 impacted counties receive benefits without needing to apply. |
| Application Deadline for Others | Deadline for applications for emergency SNAP benefits: Feb. 23, 2026. |
However, other residents in affected areas must apply by February 23, 2026, to secure these disaster relief benefits. This article provides a detailed overview of the emergency benefits, who qualifies, and how to apply for additional assistance.
What Are Emergency SNAP Benefits?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as food stamps, helps millions of low‑income households across the United States purchase food. When disaster strikes, emergency SNAP replacement benefits are issued to households that lose food because of conditions such as power outages, floods, fires, or other calamities.
The benefits are intended to help individuals restock lost groceries without adding additional financial strain.
For Winter Storm Fern, which caused significant power outages and food spoilage in Mississippi, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized the MDHS to issue replacement benefits automatically to certain households, significantly simplifying the process for those who meet the qualifications.
Who Will Receive Emergency Benefits Automatically?
The MDHS confirmed that 15 counties in Mississippi are eligible for automatic SNAP replacement benefits. Households in these counties do not need to apply to receive their benefits. These payments will be issued directly to their SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) accounts in the coming weeks.
Counties Eligible for Automatic Benefits
The following 15 counties are eligible for automatic emergency SNAP benefits due to the severe impact of Winter Storm Fern:
- Alcorn
- Choctaw
- Claiborne
- Grenada
- Holmes
- Humphreys
- Lafayette
- Montgomery
- Panola
- Sharkey
- Tallahatchie
- Tippah
- Tishomingo
- Yalobusha
- Yazoo
Households in these counties will receive their benefits automatically, and no additional paperwork is required. According to MDHS, benefits will be credited directly to recipients’ EBT accounts. The exact amount will vary, but it generally reflects the value of the food lost during the storm.
Who Must Apply for Emergency SNAP Benefits?
Residents in Other Affected Counties
While 15 counties qualify for automatic benefits, residents in other impacted counties must submit an application to receive replacement SNAP funds. These applicants will need to demonstrate that they lost food due to the storm and subsequent power outages.
The MDHS has set a deadline of February 23, 2026, for these applications. Eligible residents can apply by submitting the Emergency SNAP Replacement Benefits Application Form (Form EA 508). More information on how to apply can be found on the MDHS website or by contacting local offices.
Required Documentation
To apply for replacement benefits, individuals must provide documentation showing food loss due to the storm, including:
- Proof of power outage lasting at least four hours.
- Receipt or inventory of food lost, if possible.
- Evidence of food spoilage, such as photographs or written reports from local officials.
If approved, applicants will receive replacement funds that reflect the value of the food lost. This process helps reduce the impact of the disaster on food security in affected households.
How Replacement SNAP Benefits Are Calculated
Replacement benefits are calculated based on the value of the food lost. For example, if a household experienced significant food spoilage due to a power outage, the replacement benefit would be equivalent to the maximum SNAP allotment for that month, up to the household’s normal monthly benefit amount.
The maximum benefit depends on the household size, income, and state-specific factors. For Mississippi, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit is:
- $1,191 for a household of four.
- $950 for a household of three.
- $794 for a household of two.
These benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
What You Need to Know About SNAP Benefits in Mississippi
1. Eligibility for Regular SNAP Benefits
To qualify for regular SNAP benefits, Mississippi households must meet certain eligibility requirements based on:
- Income: Household income must be within the program’s guidelines.
- Resources: Households must have limited assets, such as savings or property.
- Citizenship Status: Generally, individuals must be U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens.
You can apply for SNAP benefits online or at your local MDHS office. The application process can take a few weeks, but recipients who qualify for benefits will be notified when they can begin using their EBT cards.
2. How SNAP Helps Mississippians
Mississippi is one of the states with the highest rate of food insecurity, and programs like SNAP are crucial for supporting the most vulnerable populations, particularly children, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.
SNAP provides vital support, helping families access nutritious food without overwhelming their budgets. In 2025, over 600,000 Mississippians were receiving SNAP benefits, making it one of the largest social safety nets in the state.
3. Impact of Winter Storms on SNAP Households
Severe weather events like Winter Storm Fern have a direct impact on low-income households, especially those with limited access to emergency food reserves. Power outages during winter storms often lead to spoiled food from refrigerators and freezers, leaving families with little option but to go without.
By providing replacement SNAP benefits, the government helps ensure that these households can regain access to necessary food without needing to wait for regular monthly benefit cycles.
Related Disaster Relief Programs for Mississippians
In addition to emergency SNAP benefits, Mississippi residents affected by Winter Storm Fern may be eligible for other disaster relief programs:
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: For households with significant property damage, FEMA offers grants and low-interest loans to help with home repairs, temporary housing, and other disaster-related needs.
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): For households that had trouble paying energy bills due to power outages, LIHEAP may provide assistance to cover heating or cooling costs during the storm’s aftermath.
- Other Local Aid: Community organizations and local food banks may also provide short-term relief in the form of emergency food supplies, clothing, or temporary shelter.
Confirm Your Benefits
Recipients unsure whether their county qualifies for automatic benefits should consult their SNAP EBT account or contact MDHS directly. Households applying for replacement benefits should retain proof of the food loss and power outage duration when submitting forms. Local MDHS offices can assist with documentation and eligibility questions.
Related Links
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The automatic issuance of emergency SNAP replacement benefits in Mississippi underscores the importance of disaster assistance programs in times of need. With early payments for affected counties, many residents will receive much-needed funds without having to navigate a complicated application process.
For others, the extended deadline of February 23, 2026, ensures they can still apply for support. The replacement benefits are part of Mississippi’s broader effort to bolster food security during disasters, ensuring that even in times of crisis, residents can access the food they need.
FAQs About Mississippi SNAP
Q: How can I find out if my county is eligible for automatic SNAP replacement benefits?
A: Check the list of 15 eligible counties on the MDHS website or consult your SNAP account for updates.
Q: What should I do if I didn’t receive automatic benefits but live in an affected area?
A: You can still apply for replacement benefits by February 23, 2026. Visit the MDHS website for application details.
Q: How much will I receive in replacement SNAP benefits?
A: Replacement benefits are typically equal to the amount of food lost, up to the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for your household size.
