Applying for aid after storm

Three types of assistance are available.

STAFF REPORT

WARREN — Gov. Ted Strickland has authorized more than $66,000 worth of funding to help low-income people affected by the storm-related power outages that began Sunday.

People whose homes were damaged by high winds can receive financial assistance by applying through Oct. 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services office on North Park Avenue.

All applicants are asked to bring proof of income, proof of loss and estimate for cost of repairs and Social Security numbers for all members of the household.

There will be $55,000 available for a JFS program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. A requirement for the funds is a person must own a home with disaster-related loss or property damage up to $1,000 per person. Applicants must also live in Trumbull County, have dependent children under age 19 and meet income guidelines.

The department is also able to provide $11,000 worth of assistance to elderly and disabled individuals who have experienced a loss or damage to their home as a result of the storm.

To qualify, a person must be age 55 or older without dependents or must receive disability benefit payments such as supplemental Social Security income, Social Security disability, Veterans Administration disability, Public Employees Retirement System disability, railroad retirement disability or black lung benefits.

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has also notified the local JFS office that Food Stamp regulations allow replacement of Food Stamps if food is lost because of a misfortune or disaster such as a power outage.

To qualify, a person must demonstrate that he or she was without power for four hours or more.

Food Stamp customers must obtain a letter from their power company documenting that they were without power for at least four hours. If approved, a Food Stamp Direction card will be issued for September.

Customers must contact their case worker to be considered for the request.

For more information, contact the Trumbull JFS at (330) 675-2000.