ODJFS announces food stamp replacement procedures and disaster assistance funding
With the wide-spread power outages and property damages reported across the state due to the wind storm on September 14, 2008, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) issued memos to county departments of job and family services (CDJFS) about food stamp replacement procedures and funding available for eligible families, elderly people or individuals with a disability.
Food stamp replacement procedures
Food stamp regulations and Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:4-7-11 permit the replacement of food stamps if the situation meets the definition of a misfortune or disaster such as a flood, fire or power outage. Prior to issuing a replacement, the CDJFS must obtain from a member of an assistance group a signed form JFS 07222 - Statement Requesting Replacement of Food Stamp Benefits (PDF file) within 10 days from when the food was destroyed.
The replacement can be for the amount of food lost, but cannot exceed the assistance group member's food stamp allotment for the month in which the disaster occurred. The CDJFS may take into consideration the time of the month the assistance group member's misfortune occurred and how much of the food was perishable when determining the amount of food stamps to replace.
If you currently receive food stamps and have lost food due to the recent power outage, you should contact your CDJFS within 10 days from the time your food was destroyed to see if you are eligible for replacement food stamps.
Disaster assistance funding available for eligible individuals with disabilities and others
Each county in Ohio has received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds to provide disaster assistance to eligible families and non-TANF funds to serve eligible elderly people or individuals with disabilities. In both programs, the applicant must demonstrate that they were financially impacted by the emergency event, such as damage to their house or expenses from living in an alternative arrangement, such as a hotel.
For TANF funds, the assistance is up to $1,500 per applicant. Eligibility includes an income limit (set by the county) and the applicant assistance group must include a minor child or a pregnant woman.
For the non-TANF funds, the assistance is a one-time cash payment of up to $750. Eligibility is limited to people over age 55 and individuals with disabilities without a minor child.
Read the ODJFS notice for more information and eligibility requirements: ODJFS Office of Stability Letter (PDF file)
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