TO:	Commissioners; TA & FS Directors; WMS Coordinators; CAP Coordinators

FROM:	Patricia A, Stevens, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Temporary Assistance

SUBJECT:	Response to Power Outages

EFFECTIVE DATE:	Immediately

CONTACT PERSON:	FS Questions - Eastern Regional Team (518) 473-1469
	TA Immediate Need Questions – Central Regional Team

In response to several local district inquiries, this GIS is being issued to remind local districts of the policies in place to deal with emergencies such as the recent power outage of August 14th, 2003

Food Stamp Recipients:	Food Stamp Sourcebook section 10 provides direction on replacement of food which was purchased with Food Stamp Benefits (also see 91 ADM-41).  An issuance of Food Stamp Benefits to replace food which was purchased with FS Benefits but subsequently destroyed in a household misfortune must be made provided that:

a.	The household reports the loss within 10 days of the date of the misfortune; and
b.	The household returns a signed and completed form LDSS-2291 “Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with Food Stamp Benefits (rev 9/01)” within 10 days of the date of the report of loss.  If the 10th day falls on a weekend or holiday, a statement received the day after the weekend or holiday is timely received.

Examples of household misfortunes resulting in food loss include a fire, a flood, an extended power outage or an equipment (refrigerator or freezer) failure.  No limit is place on the frequency of replacement issuances for food destroyed in a household misfortune.  Attached is an electronic copy of the LDSS-2291 “Request for Replacement of Food Purchased with Food Stamp Benefits (rev 9/01)”.

Temporary Assistance:	Local Districts can provide Emergency Temporary Assistance to those individuals and families whose food has spoiled due to the power outage, who are not eligible for Food Stamps and who are in an immediate need situation.  The amount is normally a prorated portion (for the number of days of need) of the non-shelter portion of the household's standard of need.  The household must meet all other eligibility factors as specified in the Temporary Assistance Source Book ( chapter 10, section F for ESNA or chapter 11, section C for EAF.)   Local districts that anticipate mass requests for such assistance may use the DSS-880-"Register Of Application And Authorization For Emergency Assistance."