Automatic Replacement Benefits for SNAP Recipients Affected by Power Outage
Extended Application Period for Those Not Covered by Waiver
According to FOX8, in response to a recent power outage in northeast Ohio many SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients will receive replacement benefits by August 30. This includes people in Geauga, Lake, and Cuyahoga counties who had their food supplies damaged during the outage.
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has received special permission from the federal government to automatically replace benefits for those affected. This waiver covers all of Geauga and Lake counties and specific ZIP codes in Cuyahoga County. The goal is to help those whose perishable foods spoiled due to the power outage.
Director of ODJFS Matt Damschroder said that the amount of replacement benefits will depend on how much each family got in their last regular benefit payment before the power went out. People who are qualified will get these replacement benefits automatically added to their SNAP accounts.
They won’t have to do anything to get them. For people who aren’t directly covered by the waiver, ODJFS has made the time limit from 10 days to 30 days for claiming replacement benefits. Now, people who need these benefits have until September 5, 2024, to claim them.
Governor DeWine Emphasizes State Commitment to Supporting Residents Impacted by Power Outage
Governor Mike DeWine has said that the state is committed to helping people who are being hurt by the power outage. All of the state’s organization’s have been told to help the people who are affected. The automatic replacements and extension of the claim time are two ways that the state is trying to help families and individuals who have been affected by the power outage as soon as possible. The goal of this move is to make sure that everyone can get the help they need during this tough time.