(JACKSON, MISS) – The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) announces that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has approved mass replacement benefits for CURRENT Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households in the 15 hardest-hit counties. A separate waiver extending the period to request replacement benefits has already been granted until February 23, 2026, for residents in the additional 28 counties impacted by Winter Storm Fern.
MASS REPLACEMENT BENEFITS
Households in the 15 counties listed below do not need to submit a MDHS-EA-508 Form to receive replacement benefits. Eligible clients in these counties will be issued benefits automatically.
Timing of issuance may vary. Clients in the following counties are encouraged to monitor their accounts over the next few weeks for receipt of benefits:
- Alcorn County
- Choctaw County
- Claiborne County
- Grenada County
- Holmes County
- Humphreys County
- Lafayette County
- Montgomery County
- Panola County
- Sharkey County
- Tallahatchie County
- Tippah County
- Tishomingo County
- Yalobusha County
- Yazoo County
EXTENDED DEADLINE FOR REPLACEMENT BENEFIT REQUESTS
SNAP households in the following remaining counties who suffered a loss as a result of the winter storm have until February 23, 2026, to request replacement benefits:
- Adams County
- Attala County
- Benton County
- Bolivar County
- Calhoun County
- Carroll County
- Chickasaw County
- Coahoma County
- Desoto County
- Issaquena County
- Itawamba County
- Jefferson County
- Lee County
- Leflore County
- Lowndes County
- Madison County
- Marshall County
- Pontotoc County
- Prentiss County
- Quitman County
- Sunflower County
- Tate County
- Tunica County
- Union County
- Warren County
- Washington County
- Webster County
- Wilkinson County
Before applying for SNAP Replacement benefits, please review these four items:
- SNAP Replacement is ONLY available to current SNAP clients.
- The amount of replacement benefits received will NOT exceed the amount you currently receive.
- Food loss must be the result of a weather-related power outage lasting more than 4 hours or an event such as tornadoes, floods or snow.
- Submission of the replacement benefit attestation is a legal request for benefits that should be truthful and accurate.
The application may be downloaded and submitted via the secure document upload feature on the MDHS website at SNAP Replacement Benefits - Mississippi Department of Human Services.
For the latest information and updates:
MISSION — The Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) offers Mississippians, young and old, tangible help today to create lasting hope for tomorrow.
ABOUT MDHS – MDHS is a state agency dedicated to serving the people of Mississippi. With offices in all 82 counties, MDHS provides a wide range of public assistance programs, social services and support for individuals and families of all ages — from early childhood to older adulthood.
FAQs
1. How do I upload my documents?
Current SNAP clients can submit their documents using one of the following methods:
- EA Document Upload feature on the MDHS website
- Email your local county office
- Fax to your local county office
2. Where do you get proof that you had a power outage?
- Visiting their utility provider’s website to request an outage verification letter
- Providing a photo of a verified text message regarding the outage
- Providing a photo of the real-time, interactive outage map
NOTE: If documentation is submitted from a utility provider, the address must match the client’s case files. Submitting falsified documents is considered fraud and may result in penalties.
3. How long will it take for replacement benefits to be issued once I submit my 508 Form?
Forms will be processed as quickly as possible.
4. How do I receive replacement SNAP benefits?
Current SNAP recipients who experienced a loss of food as a result of a power outage lasting more than 4 hours during Winter Storm Fern may apply for replacement benefits. Replacement benefits may be provided in the amount of the loss to the household, but no more than the maximum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month. The replacement request form (MDHS-EA-508) may be accessed here:
http://www.mdhs.ms.gov/snap-replacement-benefits-supplemental-nutrition….
5. How much will I receive in replacement benefits?
Current SNAP recipients may receive replacement SNAP in the amount of the loss to the household, but no more than the maxiumum amount of SNAP benefits issued for the month. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
6. How long do I have to request replacement SNAP benefits?
- Current SNAP households in the approved counties, who suffered food loss as a result of Winter Storm Fern have until February 23, 2026, to request replacement benefits.
- Current SNAP households not in the approved counties must report the disaster to their local MDHS office within 10 days of the date of loss.
- The replacement request form (MDHS-EA-508) may be accessed here:
http://www.mdhs.ms.gov/snap-replacement-benefits-supplemental-nutrition….
