JFS reimbursing SNAP recipients for food that went bad during outages
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (June 17, 2022) – People who used their SNAP cards to purchase food that spoiled during this week’s power outages can request reimbursement through the Tuscarawas County Office of Job and Family Services.
Eligibility Supervisor Natalie Aubihl says just call or stop by their office to request the form, which must be turned in with documentation showing that you spent at least four hours without power within 10 days of the outage.
“Let us know how much they are requesting back in additional SNAP benefits due to the outage, and then we ask that they just verify that the outage had happened. That is an easy way to expedite the process if we have the verifications along with the form, and they can just screenshot and email us or drop off the screenshot of AEP that they had that power outage.”
She says they’re processing applications as quickly as possible and can issue replacement benefits as soon as the next business day.
“It’s a huge relief for them. Just trying to help them when they’re already in a very hard situation not having power, not having electric. A lot of cell phones are down during this time. Just trying to get them the benefits they need.”
For those not receiving SNAP benefits, there’s a form on AEP’s website you can fill out to claim outage-related damages including hotel stays and the cost of replacing spoiled. However, a company spokesperson told WJER that customers aren’t eligible for reimbursement if they lost power because of a storm. She suggests homeowners and renters check with their insurance companies to see if those expenses are covered under their policies.