COLUMBUS (January 7, 2005) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that disaster assistance is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for victims of the recent severe winter storms and flooding in 14 additional counties: Allen, Ashland, Athens, Coshocton, Crawford, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Marion, Mercer, Morgan, Perry, Seneca and Washington.

"This emergency assistance is available immediately to help families as they begin to recover from the latest round of winter weather and flooding," Taft said.

Families in the declared counties may qualify for up to $1,500 in disaster assistance. Certain elderly and disabled individuals may qualify for up to $750 in disaster assistance. County departments of job and family services determine the amount of funding that eligible individuals and families receive.

In order to be eligible for up to $1,500 in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) disaster assistance money, families must include a minor child, or pregnant woman, and have evidence of economic need. Elderly and disabled individuals in these counties who are not eligible for TANF assistance may be eligible for disaster assistance of up to $750. Only one payment may be made per dwelling. To be eligible for this type of assistance, a person must be at least 55 years old and childless, or receiving certain disability benefits, impacted by the severe weather and provide evidence of an economic need to the county department of job and family services.

Each year, ODJFS reserves at least $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for disaster victims in counties declared in a state of emergency. Since the current state fiscal year began in July more than $10 million in TANF funds have been allocated for disaster relief.

Applications will be accepted at county departments of job and family services in the declared counties. A listing of county job and family service department addresses and telephone numbers may be found online at: http://jfs.ohio.gov/county/cntydir.xml

Since December 22, Governor Taft has issued emergency declarations in a total of 35 counties.

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