September 24, 2020 3:20 a.m.

The Oregon Department of Human Services has received federal approval to extend the normal 10-day deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in 20 counties to request replacement of benefits as a result of food lost due to power outages and wildfires that began on September 7th.

An ODHS release said the extension gives SNAP recipients in those counties, including Douglas, until October 7th to apply to replace food purchased with their SNAP benefits.

ODHS Self-Sufficiency Programs Director Dan Haun said replacing SNAP benefits will help Oregonians provide food for their families so they can focus on recovering from the wildfires.

The release said SNAP recipients do not need to visit an office. They can request replacement food benefits by calling their local office and submitting the required information by email, fax or regular mail. Recipients can use a DHS form linked with our story at www.541radio.com: https://www.oregon.gov/dhs/ASSISTANCE/FOOD-BENEFITS/Pages/Replacement%20-Benefits.aspx. They can also submit a signed and dated written request that includes how the food was destroyed, the date it happened, destroyed food items and the amount paid for each item.

Oregonians in need can apply for SNAP or other benefits at: https://govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits