Ohio Offers SNAP Replacement Benefits After Severe Weather Causes Power Outages
Ohio residents grappling with the aftermath of severe weather conditions—including high winds, tornadoes, and snow—may find relief through replacement benefits for spoiled groceries. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has announced that households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, who lost food due to recent power outages, can apply for aid.
The state experienced a turbulent week of extreme weather, leaving many without electricity for extended periods. For families relying on SNAP benefits, this meant significant losses of perishable food items.
“Households that lost food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage lasting four hours or more may be eligible for replacement benefits,” ODJFS stated in a recent announcement. The replacement amount will be added to their Ohio Direction Card, provided it does not exceed their monthly SNAP allotment.
To access these benefits, affected households must complete and submit JFS Form 07222 within 10 days of the loss. The form must be filed with their local County Department of Job and Family Services, which will verify the power outage before approving the replacement.
The department urges applicants to provide proof of the outage, such as screenshots of news reports, text or email alerts, or outage maps showing their area experienced a power loss of at least four hours.
Families can locate their county office here for further assistance.
The initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on Ohioans who faced unexpected hardships during the severe weather events.
“This program is designed to ensure that families don’t go without food because of circumstances beyond their control,” an ODJFS spokesperson said.
As Ohio continues to recover from the storms, the replacement benefits offer a lifeline for those most affected. Residents are encouraged to act promptly to secure the aid they need.
— Reported by Nexio News
