Originally published July 11, 2024
BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio (River News Network) – Belmont County kids and parents will once again have some help crossing a big item off their back-to-school shopping list.
Tuesday, Belmont County Job & Family Services (BCDJFS) and the Belmont County Commissioners announced the return of the school clothing voucher program August 12, 13, and 14.
BCDJFS Fiscal Administrator Jack Regis Jr. explained the program offers vouchers for school clothes for families meeting income and other guidelines. Families must fall under the 150% poverty guidelines.
For example, a household with one parent and one child would be eligible if they make $2,465 gross income per month. A family of four qualifies if their gross monthly income is $3,750.
BCDJFS officials stressed that families’ income will be considered for the 30 days prior to their application. So if a parent has a higher paycheck one week, they could defer the application to a timeframe more reflective of what they earn.
The amount of each voucher will be determined before the shopping days by calculating the total TANF dollars and number of students approved for the program, according to a BCDJFS official.
Kinship families where a grandparent or other relative are caregivers are encouraged to apply.
Regis said the program is “worthwhile” and is the largest expenditure of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) dollars by Belmont County each year.