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HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – Long lines snaked around Huntsville’s First Baptist Church Tuesday as state workers interviewed thousands seeking federal money for food and income lost in April’s tornadoes.

Eligible for the one-time benefit is anyone in Madison County who had damage to their home, lost food or lost income because of the April 27 tornadoes. The benefits range from $200 to $1,200 depending on household income and size. Applications will be taken through Sunday.

Applicants go over their forms in person with social workers and certify that they were damaged. They do not have to prove their loss, but do have to provide their Social Security numbers and are warned that lying on the form is perjury.

There are income caps for the benefit. A one-person household cannot have a monthly income above $1,503 to be eligible. A family of eight cannoth have an income above $3,748

Applicants are given a debit card as they leave, but it will not be activated until the application is processed in Montgomery. That will take several days.

State Department of Human Resources employees — 80 from Madison County and 80 from across the state — are accepting the applications in the Christian Life Center behind the church, facing St. Clair Avenue. The center will open for applicants at 7 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. each day.

The state expects up to 28,000 requests for help here this week, and Tuesday’s turnout of more than 4,000 people suggests they’ll make it.

During some hours, applicants could walk right in. At other times, long lines moved smoothly as volunteers handed out bottled water

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