MCARTHUR, Ohio — South Central Ohio Job and Family Services is offering cash assistance to households in Hocking, Ross and Vinton counties that were affected by last month’s flooding, the agency said in a post shared by the Vinton County Emergency Management Agency.
The agency’s 2026 Disaster Related Program provides $1,500 to eligible households that receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and have a child under 18 living in the home, and $750 to non-TANF adults who are 55 or older or who receive disability income, according to the flyer. Applicants must live in Hocking, Ross or Vinton County to qualify.
The flooding struck the region in mid-September, prompting Gov. Mike DeWine to declare a state of emergency for 19 Ohio counties, including Ross and Vinton, and triggering a federal review of damage assessments in Vinton County that is scheduled for Oct. 21.
To qualify for the disaster assistance, applicants must certify that they have already exhausted other available resources, such as FEMA funds and insurance payouts, and that they do not have more than $500 in available cash, checking or savings funds, the application states. Household income also must fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, and applicants must submit proof of household income for the past 30 days with their application.
The program can help cover a range of disaster-related needs beyond the direct cash payments, including emergency housing, utility hookups or reinstallation, structural home repairs for homeowners, replacement of damaged appliances other than a washer and dryer, furnace, air conditioning or water heater repairs for homeowners, replacement of essential furniture such as beds and kitchen tables, clothing, vehicle repairs when a vehicle is necessary for work or medical needs, and short-term food replacement for households that did not use SNAP benefits.
The application also offers voter registration assistance and advises applicants of their right to request a state hearing through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services if their application for aid is denied.
South Central Ohio Job and Family Services serves Hocking, Ross and Vinton counties and investigates reports of abuse and neglect involving children and older adults in addition to administering public assistance programs. The agency’s main office is located at 475 Western Ave. in Chillicothe and can be reached at (740) 773-2651 or toll-free at 1-855-726-5237.
Residents who believe they may qualify for the disaster assistance program are asked to contact their local Job and Family Services office for more details.
The information contained in this story was obtained from South Central Ohio Job and Family Services and the Vinton County Emergency Management Agency.
