This Monday, a powerful earthquake shook the surroundings of Los Angeles, California, shaking houses and buildings and frightening thousands of residents who experienced moments of panic.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the 4.4-magnitude earthquake had its epicenter a few miles from the famous Hollywood sign, which actor Tom Cruise wore in rings for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games on last Sunday, at the closing of Paris 2024.
It was felt in the nearby cities of Pasadena and Glendale, and up the coast in areas such as Manhattan Beach and El Segundo, but the epicenter was in Highland Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles County. The USGS did not issue a tsunami warning.
Did You Suffer Losses of Snap Benefits in an Emergency Event? You Can Request Replacement
In the state of California, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) operate under the name CalFresh, which is exactly the same but with different branding. As in all states and territories where the SNAP program operates, when a weather or major event occurs that causes beneficiaries to lose their groceries, it is possible to request a replacement through the website or the offices of the California Department of Services Social.
In cases like Monday’s earthquake, some counties or neighborhoods may be left without electricity, so many families’ food is at risk of spoiling, especially products such as meat and its derivatives, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
How to Apply for Replacement of Lost SNAP Benefits
If you lost food purchased with your CalFresh benefits due to a power outage, you have the option to request a replacement. Remember that you have up to 10 days from the loss to do so. All you need to do is contact your county assistance office.
How Do I Request a Replacement of My CalFresh Benefits?
Simply contact your local county office. You will be asked to complete, sign and return a form called ‘CF 303’. Be sure to include your contact details and briefly describe how and when you lost your food due to the power outage.
What Do I Do if My County Office Is Closed Due to a Power Outage?
Before going in person, it’s a good idea to call your county office to make sure it’s open. They could also assist you by phone if necessary.
Steps to Apply for Replacement of Lost SNAP/CalFresh Benefits
You can request a replacement for your groceries purchased with CalFresh if the following facts are true:
- Groceries were purchased with CalFresh
- They were damaged or spoiled by an emergency event, such as fire, natural disaster, power outages, etc.
In order, you have to do the following to claim:
- Download the Disaster Supplement or Replacement Affidavit Form (CF 303).
- You can do so and return it electronically, or you can print it out and take it to a CalFresh office.
- Go to BenefitsCal.com to upload your form. You can also submit the form by mail or in person to the office of his county; In some counties you also receive it by fax.
The maximum replacement CalFresh benefits you can receive will never exceed the maximum you have been allotted per month, and only to repurchase those groceries that were lost in the natural disaster or power outages.
