SNAP reimbursement deadline extended for Ohio Helene victims

(WKBN) – Parts of southern Ohio were impacted by Hurricane Helene. Strong winds knocked out power to thousands in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas.

While some customers were still without power on Monday, most service has been restored.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has extended the deadline to apply for reimbursement for food lost in the storm that was purchased through SNAP benefits.

“We have secured a federal waiver that increases the window for seeking reimbursement of food benefits from 10 to 30 days, for those who lost power in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene,” said Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder. “SNAP recipients who lost food due to a power outage of at least four hours can apply for replacement benefits through October 27, 2024.”

Households that lose food purchased with SNAP benefits due to a power outage of at least four hours can apply to receive replacement SNAP benefits for food the household lost such as meat, dairy and other perishable items. The loss amount cannot exceed the client’s monthly allotment. This is true for this storm or any other that impacts an area where there is a power failure.

The deadline now for Hurricane Helene victims in southern Ohio is Oct. 27.

The CDJFS will have to verify the extended power outage before replacing benefits. Households should be prepared to verify the extended power outage. This includes screenshots of news reports, text or email alerts, or outage maps that show their specific area was without power for four hours or more.

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