YourTexasBenefits.Com, Emergency Food Stamps and Updated Hurricane Ike Information

As might be expected, there have been some major challenges for those reeling from the devastation wreaked by Hurricane Ike in Texas. One of the most recent hurdles has been getting food stamps to evacuees who need immediate assistance. There have been some recent updates, possibly hard to keep up with for those trying to figure out their next move - where to live, how to find employment, rebuild or repair homes - and more. According to information found at KATC here: www.katc.com/Global/story.asp those staying in Louisiana may be able to get emergency food stamps. This could be much needed relief for those hurricane victims who are short of food.

YourTexasBenefits.com and emergency food stamps

Those who want emergency food stamps can go to the site, YourTexasBenefits.com to find out about applying for emergency food stamps, located here: www.yourtexasbenefits.com/ where applicants can find out about applying for emergency food stamps. To get questions answered, specific Texas Health and Human Services offices, arranged by county, can be seen here: www.yourtexasbenefits.com/wps/themes/html/SSPortal/officeLocator/results.html ,worth saving for any varying information or details pertaining to a particular area.

Because the deadline to apply is currently October 17, timely applications are important. Having worked with those who were homeless due to sudden emergencies (flooding, house fires, unemployment) I've seen how following an application process properly can save time and money for those who are temporarily homeless.

Emergency food stamps - what if an individual was already receiving food stamps before Hurricane Ike?

Best bet? Check the Your Texas Benefits website or check with the local Texas Health and Human Services Commission here: www.hhsc.state.tx.us/GettingHelp_Assistance.html for updates and information. Depending on the resident's county, coming into an office may not be necessary and food stamps can be available or replaced for September. Again, this information could vary, depending on the resident's home county.

What identification or paperwork is required for emergency food stamps?

While a driver's license and the ability to answer questions designed to prove identity are a minimum requirement, it wouldn't hurt to have as much information and paperwork as possible. Anything that helps to verify income and assets plus a driver's license could speed up the process.

Using YourTexasBenefits.com or other ways to apply for emergency food stamps

There are several options for applying. YourTexasBenefits.com is only one of several of these possibilities. Dialing 2-1-1 and going to a local HHSC office are all options. For those who speak Spanish, the site has Spanish language info as well.

Updated information on shelters and resources for Hurricane Ike evacuees or others affected by the storm

To find out about transitional shelters and housing, check info on the FEMA website here: www.fema.gov/index.shtm
as well as a list of hotels which may be paid for under FEMA guidelines, located here: www.femaevachotels.com/ and be sure to check for updated information, which was recently upated as of September 14 (so staying on top of the latest information is crucial). Assistance may be available through October 14 but not (at this point) for hotel expenses before then.

Not directly affected by Hurricane Ike? What you can do to help

For those who want to aid recovery, it could be very worthwhile to check out this site, Texas Responds: www.texasresponds.org/Joom/ As always, the Red Cross is also helping out, as it does for many areas during disasters. Texas Responds provides information for those wanting to donate, either as an individual or through their company. All sorts of donations and volunteer help are accepted.

What about homeowners and homeowners insurance?

In addition to checking the basic info at the Texas Department of Insurance here: www.tdi.state.tx.us/CONSUMER/storms/cpmhurrike.html
you can check out an article I wrote after dealing with a natural disaster, one which includes tips for speeding up insurance payments and keeping track of the information. It can be found here: www.associatedcontent.com/article/1034824/hurricane_ike_other_natural_disasters.html and lists ways homeowners may be able to expedite homeowners insurance payments.

Sources
1. YourTexasBenefits.com website: www.yourtexasbenefits.com
2.. Texas Health and Human Services Commission: www.hhsc.state.tx.us/index.shtml
3. Hurricane Ike, Other Natural Disasters- Speed Up Homeowners Insurance Payments:www.associatedcontent.com/article/1034824/hurricane_ike_other_natural_disasters.html
4. Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.state.tx.us/CONSUMER/storms/cpmhurrike.html
5. FEMA:www.fema.gov/index.sthm
6. Can Louisiana Help Texas? KATC.com, Sept 18:www.katc.com/Global/story.asp