Replacement Issuance 430-05-85-10

(Revised 06/01/15 ML3440)

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IM 5441

 

 

A replacement issuance must be provided when a household reports that food purchased with SNAP benefits was destroyed in a household disaster or misfortune, such as but not limited to:

• A fire

• A flood

• A tornado

• Loss of electricity due to a power outage of more than 4 hours

• Food stolen from a client's home

• Malfunction of an appliance
• If a household reports their EBT card was stolen and benefits were used AFTER this was reported

NOTE: If a household reports their EBT card was stolen and benefits were used PRIOR to this being reported, a replacement cannot be authorized.

The household need not be currently participating.  The worker must verify the loss through a collateral contact such as, but not limited to, the fire department, Red Cross, a police report, landlord or a home visit.

 

The worker must document in the household’s case file each request for replacement, the date, the reason, and whether or not a replacement was provided.

 

Replacement issuances are provided only:

• If a household timely reports the loss within 10 days of the loss.

• If a signed SFN 270 - Request for Replacement or signed statement from the client is received within 10 days of the date of the report.

The signed SFN 270 - Request for Replacement or signed statement from the client must be faxed to the State Office along with verification of the loss. The State Office completes all replacements. The worker must retain a copy in the case file.

 

If the worker does not receive the signed SFN 270 - Request for Replacement or signed statement from the client within 10 days of the date of the report, no replacement is made. If the 10th day falls on a weekend or North Dakota Department of Human Services holiday, and the request or statement is received the day after the weekend or North Dakota Department of Human Services holiday, the worker must consider it timely.

 

There is no limit to the number of replacements.

 

The maximum replacement cannot be for more than one month and cannot be more than the Thrifty Food Plan if that had been the original amount issued, unless the issuance includes underpayments which must be replaced.