Some NE Ohioans to receive replacement SNAP benefits after power outage

*Attached video: SNAP benefits can be stolen by card skimmers: HHS

CLEVELAND (WJW) – Some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties will receive replacement benefits by Aug. 30 after the days-long power outage earlier in the month.

According to Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Matt Damschroder, the state of Ohio has received a waiver from the federal government to automatically replace the benefits of certain SNAP recipients.

According to a press release from ODJFS , the waiver covers SNAP recipients in all of Geauga and Lake counties, as well as the following ZIP codes in Cuyahoga County: 44101, 44102, 44103, 44104, 44105, 44106, 44107, 44108, 44109, 44110, 44111, 44112, 44113, 44114, 44115, 44116, 44117, 44118, 44119, 44120, 44121, 44122, 44123, 44124, 44125, 44126, 44127, 44128, 44129, 44130, 44131, 44132, 44133, 44134, 44135, 44136, 44137, 44138, 44139, 44140, 44141, 44142, 44143, 44144, 44145, 44146, 44147, 44181, 44188, 44190, 44070, 44022

According to the release, the amount of SNAP benefit replacements is based on when the recipient received their last monthly benefit payment and is only eligible for perishable foods.

“The replacement percentage will be based on the household’s last regular benefit amount made available before the storm,” the release said.

ODJFS will automatically deposit the benefits to SNAP accounts by Aug. 30.

According to the release, those who live in the impacted counties and ZIP codes do not need to do anything to receive the automatic benefit replacements.

“Governor Mike DeWine directed all state agencies to find ways to help individuals impacted by the recent widespread power outages in northeast Ohio,” Damschroder said. “ ODJFS secured a federal waiver that will get replacement benefits in the hands of SNAP recipients more quickly by providing blanket approval across Geauga, Lake, and parts of Cuyahoga County. Those not eligible for blanket approval will still have until September 5, 2024, to apply for replacement benefits thanks to the extension we announced last week.”

ODJFS also announced that the usual 10-day period for claiming replacement benefits has been extended to 30 days , meaning those who are not eligible for automatic replacements have until Sept. 5 to apply.

Click here to apply now.

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