Shutdown prompts early release of Montgomery County food assistance benefits

Montgomery County residents who receive food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will have their benefit cards loaded early for February, courtesy of the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.

>> RELATED: IRS recalling workers to handle tax returns

Cards will be loaded between Jan. 16 and Jan. 31.

Prompted by the Department of Agriculture, the early release of food assistance benefits is being taken in response to the government shutdown. The early-issuance benefits are not additional or bonus funds.

No additional food assistance benefits should be anticipated in February. Those who receive food assistance benefits are encouraged to plan accordingly so they will have money available to meet their food needs that should be covered by the February benefit issuance.

“These benefits are vitally important to thousands of Montgomery County families, and this should relieve some worry about the coming weeks,” Michelle Niedermier, director of Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services, said in a prepared statement released Tuesday afternoon.

>> RELATED: Sen. Portman hopes senators can reach deal

“We are doing everything we can to avoid confusion and communicate clearly to our citizens. Recipients will need to plan purchases carefully to ensure these additional funds meet their food needs normally covered by the February benefit issuance.”

Approximately 70,000 county residents receive food assistance.

County Job and Family Services workers will continue to accept applications for SNAP at The Job Center, will continue to determine eligibility, perform interviews and issue re-certifications per established timelines.

“We anticipate additional guidance from the Department of Agriculture or the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services should the shutdown continue beyond Feb. 1,” Niedermier said.

“We have received no notification that any other public assistance programs are affected by the shutdown at his time,” she said.

About the Author