County JFS has disaster assistance info

VW County JFS information

Changes in the state’s disaster assistance guidelines could mean some local residents could receive additional aid through the program.

Households eligible for food assistance in June should now have access to 13.3 percent replacement benefits on their EBT card. Households with spoilage of an amount greater than has already been replaced can also complete a JFS07222 Statement Requesting Replacement of Food Assistance Benefits, according to the Van Wert County Department of Job and Family Services. However, any forms accepted by the county JFS on Monday and Tuesday, July 2 and 3, do not need to be resubmitted. The Statement Requesting Replacement of Food Assistance Benefits form is available online at http://www.odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/file.asp?id=1466&type=application/pdf or at the Van Wert County JFS office and can be submitted at the County JFS front desk, by mail, or fax (419.238.6045).

“In emergency situations, things can change quickly as information becomes available. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service made changes to the original ODJFS application before approving it,” said County JFS Department Director Mary Beth Holtsberry. “The intent was to get replacement benefits to recipients as soon as possible. That has happened, despite vast power outages and interruptions in communications that would have prevented some Ohioans from receiving any replacement assistance.

“We now need to focus on getting the word out to recipients whose loss was more than the replacement they have already received,” Holtsberry added.

Disaster Assistance

Applications will be available at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at the Van Wert County JFS office for qualifying households without power for more than a week as a result of the widespread power outage. Homes with power restored before 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 6, will not be eligible.

There are two categories of disaster assistance:

TANF for families with minor children and pregnant women with a $500 cap per household and

Non-TANF for individuals over 55 with no dependent children or individuals of any age in receipt of disability payments who have no dependents, with a $300 cap per household.

The amount of assistance will be the lesser of the actual cost or the insurance deductible up to the maximum allowable.

Allowable expenses include emergency shelter, electrical and telephone repairs, home repairs, generator, air conditioner, fans, cooler, lighting and cooking supplies and containers for hauling potable water.  Other needs not specifically addressed will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

One payment may be made per dwelling.  If there are multiple qualifying groups living in the same house, only one should apply.

Income guidelines are in the table included with this story.

Those not currently receiving assistance from the Van Wert CDJFS should provide proof of income for the past 30 days and citizenship and a social security number for all members of the household when applying.  As available, include proof of insurance deductible and receipts for expenses to date.

These guidelines apply to Van Wert County residents. Residents of other counties should apply at their county JFS office.