Emergency assistance due to recent storms available for people with disabilities

The President has declared a state of emergency for Ohio and granted a request from Governor Kasich for federal aid. This has given the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to assist with providing life-saving and life-sustaining resources and services as needed. An Emergency Operations Center is also in operation in collaboration with the state to determine needs and find resources to meet those needs.

If you are a person with a disability and have lost power due to the recent storms in Ohio, FEMA encourages you to call 2-1-1 (see also the 2-1-1 Ohio website). If you are in an emergency situation, call 9-1-1.

FEMA also reports that groups like the National Guard are doing wellness checks in certain areas and can provide water, ice, assistance finding a cooling center or shelter, a shelter to charge assistive technology equipment or durable medical equipment, keep medication cold, and more. Call 2-1-1 for more information on specific services in your area.

See also Ohio's Emergency Management Agency website for more information.

Assistance from county departments of job and family services

People with disabilities, those who are elderly, and low-income families who live in the following counties can get disaster assistance from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services:

Allen, Athens, Auglaize, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clermont, Clinton, Coshocton, Fairfield, Franklin, Gallia, Greene, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hancock, Highland, Hocking, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, Paulding, Perry, Pike, Preble, Putnam, Ross, Scioto, Shelby, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Washington and Wyandot.

Low-income families with children, including pregnant women, may be eligible for up to $1,500 in assistance per household. Elderly individuals and pepole with disabilities may be eligible for up to $750 in assistance per household. The assistance can be used for a range of necessary expenses and essential purchases.

To be eligible, you must earn 200 percent of the federal poverty level or less, or about $46,000 for a family of four. Contact your county department of job and family services (PDF file) to apply for assistance.

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