MCBDD News

This week, DODD put out communications to the State regarding a flexibility they are allowing where, in some cases, home delivered meals can be authorized for individuals who did not receive their SNAP benefits during the shutdown. Late yesterday afternoon, DODD met with the SSA Directors in the State to let us know their expectations and the parameters for using this flexibility. With so many moving parts, we are putting a process in place to keep everything organized and consistent.

DODD has stated that this flexibility can only be authorized AFTER an individual does not receive their benefit, and needs to be verified. If you, your family member, or someone you provide services for is on a waiver and did not get their scheduled SNAP allotment, please send the following information to Rebecca Macklin at rmacklen@mahoningcountyoh.gov:

-              Individual’s name

-              Date individual’s SNAP benefits are reloaded monthly

-              Typical amount of SNAP benefits received monthly

-              Balance of current SNAP card

In addition to this, we will need verification of this information. DODD stated that a screenshot from the EBT site is preferred (https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/apspssp/ssp.portal/login/accountLoginSignUp). If this is absolutely not possible, a statement from the payee/authorized rep stating that the information they are providing is true and correct to the best of their knowledge will suffice.

Once that information is sent in to Rebecca, the SSA and Supervisor will review the information, the budget, and the individual specific details and will let the team know if the request is approved or denied. Please understand, we do not know how many requests we will receive. We will get back to everyone as soon as possible, but it may take 1-2 days to receive an approval/denial notice.

There were a couple of things that DODD stated that are of note:

1. This request can not come in anticipation of not receiving benefits – please only submit once it is verified that the individual did not get their November funds
2. If the individual is on a Level 1 or SELF waiver, and there is no room in the budget, then this flexibility cannot be utilized.
3. If the individual is going to need a prior authorization, we were asked to hold off authorizing until DODD gets clarity on if a PA can be approved for this flexibility. There is a strong chance that if the authorization would result in a PA, the flexibility cannot be  utilized.
4. As soon as the SNAP funds are loaded, the SSA must be notified so that the authorization can be ended. This flexibility is ONLY until SNAP funds become available.
5. As with any waiver service, community resources should ALWAYS be utilized first
6. At this time, this is not available if the individual served is a minor