MIAMI VALLEY TORNADOES: What you need to know today
“Over the last few days, we’ve seen the true Ohio spirit emerging as neighbors help neighbors, families come together, and even strangers reach out to offer support,” said Gov. DeWine. “Hopefully, this additional assistance will help provide reassurance to struggling families.”
ODJFS will provide $150,000 in federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Disaster Assistance to each of the affected counties, to help low-income families, pregnant women and children who were adversely affected by the storms.
ODJFS also will provide $25,000 in state-funded Non-TANF Disaster Assistance to each county, to help childless individuals age 55 or older and disabled individuals who were adversely affected by the storms.
INTERACTIVE MAP:Miami Valley tornadoes, water distribution and general help locations
“These storms arrived with an intensity and ferocity not often seen, and caused a lot of devastation,” said ODJFS Director Kimberly Hall. “We are happy to provide this assistance to families in need, to help them recover.”
The JFS agencies in Montgomery, Greene and Mercer counties will determine the specific eligibility requirements and benefits and services provided, based on local needs. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible should apply at their local JFS agency. For county agency contact information, visit jfs.ohio.gov/county.
How to get help if you need it
In addition, families receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits who live in any county may be eligible to receive replacement benefits if they experienced a power outage of more than four hours and lost food as a result.
UPDATE:Boil advisory has been lifted for some
To apply, families should visit their county JFS agency within 10 days of the loss. Replacement benefits may then be added to their Ohio Direction cards, in an amount not exceeding their total monthly allocation.
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