Kentucky D-SNAP Aid Announced for Storm-Affected Areas

By Blake Jackson

The USDA has announced Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits for individuals recovering from the recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding in Kentucky. An estimated 11,500 households across 13 counties are eligible for this food assistance.

D-SNAP provides aid to those who might not typically qualify for SNAP, provided they meet specific disaster-related criteria, including income limits and qualifying expenses resulting from the disaster.

“USDA is dedicated to helping individuals and families in Kentucky as they grapple with the aftermath of recent severe storms and tornadoes,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “We are expediting disaster assistance programs and working closely with state and local partners to provide support to impacted individuals as quickly as possible.”

Kentucky will operate its D-SNAP application process, both virtually and in-person, from May 7, 2025, through May 14, 2025. The eligible counties are Anderson, Butler, Carroll, Christian, Clark, Franklin, Hardin, Hopkins, Jessamine, McCracken, Mercer, Owen, and Woodford. Further details regarding application dates and locations will be shared by the state through local media.

To be eligible for D-SNAP, households must live or work in a designated disaster area, have been affected by the disaster, and meet specific D-SNAP criteria.

Approved households will receive a one-time benefit equal to the maximum monthly SNAP amount for their household size, which can be used at SNAP-authorized retailers, including some online.

Information about Kentucky SNAP can be found at Kynect Benefits, and for broader assistance information, Kentuckians can dial 2-1-1.

This D-SNAP announcement follows other USDA actions to support Kentucky residents, including the approval of waivers allowing SNAP recipients in 52 counties to purchase hot foods with their benefits through May 31, 2025, and waivers for the 10-day reporting requirement for food lost due to power outages.

D-SNAP implementation occurs after commercial food distribution channels are restored and residents can prepare food at home. Kentucky has ensured the necessary public information, staffing, and resources are in place for the D-SNAP operation.

While current SNAP households are not eligible for D-SNAP, the USDA has authorized Kentucky to automatically issue supplemental SNAP benefits to existing SNAP households in the 13 eligible counties to bring their benefits up to the maximum allowable amount if they are not already receiving it.

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