Disaster Resource Hub now open; SNAP benefits can be recouped
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The State of Indiana has opened a Disaster Resource Hub for people impacted by the August storms and subsequent flooding. The hub is located at on.in.gov/August2026Disaster. The hub is a comprehensive resource center for individuals seeking state and federal assistance and updates related to the severe weather events that began Aug.11.
The hub also includes an application for the State Disaster Relief Fund. Impacted Hoosiers may qualify for emergency aid grants up to $5,000, designed to help families secure essentials like clothing and uninsured medical devices while they are displaced from their homes.
Those with questions about this program may call the Indiana Department of Homeland Security at 317-232-2222.
On Aug. 15, President Donald Trump approved an Emergency Declaration for the state of Indiana to enable FEMA to directly support the ongoing response to flooding. With the current declaration, FEMA can provide direct federal assistance, including specialized teams, equipment, supplies, and technical support, as needed, to help Indiana protect lives, restore essential services, clear roads for emergency access and keep communities safe.
However, Federal assistance is not available to homeowners and renters at this time.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority is providing temporary housing grants to help eligible displaced Hoosiers transition from emergency shelters into hotels, apartments and other temporary accommodations. Hoosiers in need of temporary housing can find more information at IN211.communityos.org or by calling 211. Additionally, Hoosiers can find American Red Cross shelters in impacted areas here.
Gov. Braun has activated emergency SNAP benefit replacements for eligible SNAP recipients who lost food due to the storm or power outages. Affected Hoosiers will need to submit an affidavit for replacement benefits. The affidavit must be submitted within 10 days of the event, and the loss (due to power outage, flood, etc.) must be verified. The document may be uploaded to the FSSA Benefits Portal, https://fssabenefits.in.gov/bp/#/ It also can be faxed to 888-436-9199 or dropped off at any Division of Family Resources office.
The value of the lost food will be replaced on participants’ Hoosier Works cards. The 10-day window begins on the day the food was lost. Reporting the loss first by phone ensures participants meet the deadline as long as the form is submitted immediately. The Indiana Division of Family Resources may be reached at 800-403-0864.
The Affidavit for Replacement of SNAP Benefits form can be found at in.gov/fssa/dfr/files/AFFIDAVITFSSNAPReplace.pdf
An employee from the Division of Family Resources will call to speak to the applicant. This call must be completed before a claim is accepted. A missed call is the most common reason a claim stalls.
SNAP recipients qualify for benefit replacement if:
- They were receiving benefits at the time of the loss;
- They were affected by a power outage in excess of four hours, resulting in the loss of refrigerated or frozen foods;
- Their food, regardless of whether it was frozen, refrigerated, or in a pantry, was touched by floodwater.
Spoiled food does not have to be kept as proof of damage. Photos and outage alerts may help a claim but are not required. The value of the food actually lost, up to an amount equal to the SNAP recipient’s monthly benefit, may be claimed.
Locally, those in need of emergency assistance due to the storms and flooding are encouraged to call United Way of Howard and Tipton Counties Information and Referral at 765-457-4357.