When there is a power outage, SNAP recipients may lose the food they bought using their Food Stamps. Some northeast Ohians may receive a replacement. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has received a waiver from USDA to automatically replace the benefits of certain beneficiaries, said its Director Matt Damschroder.
Some eligible recipients may benefit from SNAP replacement for counties in Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga. In fact, they could receive Food Stamp replacement by August 30, 2024. So, they will not have to wait long for the money to be on their EBT or Ohio Direction Cards cards.
Who will qualify for SNAP replacement in Ohio?
According to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the waiver will cover beneficiaries in all of Lake and Geauga counties. Besides, there will also be beneficiaries who live in the following Zip Codes in Cuyahoga:
44022, 44070, 44190, 44188, 44181, 44147, 44146, 44145, 44144, 44143, 44142, 44141, 44140, 44139, 44138, 44137, 44136, 44135, 44134, 44133, 44132, 44131, 44130, 44129, 44128, 44127, 44126, 44125, 44124, 44123, 44122, 44121, 44120, 44119, 44118, 44117, 44116, 44115, 44114, 44113, 44112, 44111, 44110, 44109, 44108, 44107, 44106, 44105, 44104, 44103, 44102, 44101.
For your information, replacement is only available for perishable foods. The percentage will be based on the last payment amount you received from the SNAP benefits. Those who qualify will receive a deposit on August 30 automatically. If you live in the areas affected, you do not need to do anything at all.
What is the percentage of the SNAP replacement in NE Ohio?
The federal government claims that the closer their last payment was to the date the storm took place, the more money they will receive to replace the lost perishable foods.
Date of Last Benefit Payment: Replacement Percentage:
- July 30 through August 6, 2024 60%
- July 22 through July 29, 2024 45%
- July 14 through July 21, 2024 30%
- July 7 through July 13, 2024 15%
Although it is not necessary to apply for replacement if you lost the food you bought with your SNAP benefits this time, you may need to complete a form in a future event. Thus, you should fill out JFS 07222 Statement Requesting Replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits within ten days of the food loss.
The Summit County Department of Job and Family Services claims that to be eligible for SNAP replacement the power outage must last more than 4 hours. Of course, it must result in the loss of food. Visit the news release for more details: https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/jfs.ohio.gov/RELEASES/SNAPPowerBlanketReplacement.pdf