DSS SNAP Supplemental Benefits After the Storm and Resources

July 10, 2026

Many families across our district are still recovering from the recent storms. While I am grateful that power has been restored for most residents, I know that restoration did not erase the hardships many experienced. For those who lost refrigerators and freezers full of groceries, the financial burden is real, and it is especially frustrating that many will not qualify for reimbursement because service was restored within the 96-hour threshold. I understand that frustration, and I remain committed to advocating for our communities as we continue to recover. If you are a SNAP recipient, you may be eligible for supplemental benefits to replace spoiled food, so please read details below.

Many are also confronting fallen trees and other debris that will need clearing, as well as damage to roofs, cars, equipment, etc. We will be dealing with this for some time.  As for debris on the roads, now that power lines have been repaired, the Department of Transportation will be able to return for the next phase of road clean-up. 

We are wrestling with what federal and state funds might become available to address private damage, but it is challenging .  To be eligible for FEMA funds, there are many thresholds to clear, beginning with the necessity that the total damages in CT must exceed $6.9 million.  As the damage was localized (and many of us know from previous storms that hit our region) that will be difficult, and it is just the first hurdle, but we will be tracking it.

Please let me know what you are experiencing, so that I can continue to advocate for the district most effectively. 

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that SNAP recipients who experienced long-duration power outages caused by the severe storm that impacted Connecticut on the evening of Saturday, July 4, 2026, may be eligible to receive supplemental benefits to replace spoiled food that had already been purchased.

Federal regulations allow DSS to replace SNAP benefits when a household reports that food purchased with these benefits was destroyed due to events such as fires, floods, or power outages. In the event of power outages, households must have lost power for at least four hours.

To receive replacement benefits, SNAP recipients who experienced power outages lasting at least 4 hours must report their losses to DSS no later than Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

This report to DSS can be submitted by phone, by walk-in visit, or via the W-1225/W-1225S form. DSS requires a signed statement attesting to the household’s loss through the W-1225/W-1225S form.

DSS is also required to determine that the destruction occurred due to a power outage. This can be verified through a collateral contact outside the household, a letter from the utility company, documentation from a community agency (including, but not limited to, the fire department or the Red Cross, if they assisted the household), or a home visit.

Replacement benefits will be issued in the amount of the loss and provided to households within ten days after the report of loss or within two working days of receiving the signed household statement required, whichever date is later.

Although much has improved, we are still dealing with the aftermath, so I wanted to put this list of resources out again in case they are helpful: 

Medical and Emergency Needs

  • If you rely on medically necessary electrical equipment and lose power, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
  • For non-emergency assistance, contact your local town officials or dial 2-1-1.
  • For non-emergency help, contact your town's local officials (click here) or call 2-1-1.

Road Closures

Safety Reminders

  • Stay away from downed power lines and assume every wire is energized. Report downed wires by calling 9-1-1.
  • Operate generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows, and vents.
  • Check on neighbors, especially older adults and anyone who may need assistance.
  • Refrigerated food is generally safe for about four hours without power, while a full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours.
  • Never drive through flooded roadways.

Emergency Alerts