SNAP (Food Stamps) replacements accessible – Power outage disrupts service in parts of this state

If you’re a SNAP recipient in Northeast Ohio and have suffered a power outage, you may be eligible for a replacement of your Food Stamps benefits. Power outages can lead to the loss of perishable food, and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has secured a waiver from the USDA to automatically replace benefits for certain residents in affected areas. Here’s everything you need to know about qualifying for and receiving this replacement.

Who Qualifies

The SNAP replacement is available to beneficiaries in specific areas of Northeast Ohio, particularly those in:

• Lake County
• Geauga County
• Cuyahoga County: Only specific ZIP codes are covered, including 44022, 44070, 44190, and many others.

The waiver applies specifically to these counties and ZIP codes, ensuring that affected residents receive timely assistance.

Amount

The amount of your SNAP replacement depends on the timing of your last benefit payment relative to the date of the storm that caused the power outage. The closer your last payment was to the storm date, the higher the replacement percentage. Here’s the breakdown:

These percentages represent the portion of your last SNAP benefit payment that will be replaced to compensate for the loss of perishable foods.

When Will You Receive

Eligible residents will automatically receive their replacement benefits on August 30, 2024. The money will be loaded onto your EBT or Ohio Direction Card without any action required on your part. This automatic replacement simplifies the process, ensuring that those affected by the power outage receive assistance quickly.

Considerations

• Automatic Replacement: For this specific event, you do not need to apply for the SNAP replacement. The ODJFS will handle everything, and the replacement will be automatically deposited into your account.
• Future Events: In future instances where you might lose food due to a power outage, you may need to apply for a replacement. To do so, you’ll need to fill out the JFS 07222 form, “Statement Requesting Replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits.” This form must be submitted within ten days of the food loss.
• Power Outage Duration: According to the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services, to qualify for a SNAP replacement, the power outage must last more than four hours and result in the loss of food.

Future Events

While this replacement process is automatic, future replacements might require you to take action. Here’s how to be prepared:

1. Keep Track of Power Outages: If you experience a power outage lasting more than four hours, document the time and any food loss.
2. Complete Necessary Forms: If you need to apply for a replacement in the future, promptly fill out the JFS 07222 form within ten days of the event.
3. Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or your local SNAP office for any changes to procedures or eligibility criteria.

If you’re in Northeast Ohio and have been affected by a power outage, don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive a SNAP replacement. The automatic deposit on August 30, 2024, will help you recover some of the losses you may have incurred. Make sure to stay informed and prepared for any future events where a replacement might not be automatic.

For more details, refer to the official news release from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services here.

FAQs