ST. CLAIRSVILLE, OH — The Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services has funding available through the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency program to assist families that can demonstrate a need due to experiencing job loss or reduction of employment hours because of COVID-19.

Applications will be availableMonday. Funding for the program is limited. PRC can assist families with rent, mortgage, or basic home utilities (electric, water, heating expenses, or cooking fuel). The maximum amount for this one-time assistance is $1,000 per family or household. Other community resources should be explored before applying for this program, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP.

Applicants must be eligible based on the following criteria:

∫ Be a resident of Belmont County;

∫ Be a parent with a minor child in the home (under age 19 and still in high school) or be a specified relative; be a legal guardian or legal custodian with a minor child; or be an individual who is at least six months pregnant; and

∫ Be income eligible based on 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The income review will be based on the previous 30 days’ gross income or projected 30 days’ gross income from the application date.

Monthly Income Limits

Family of 1: $2,127

Family of 2: $2,874

Family of 3: $3,620

Family of 4: $4,367

Family of 5: $5,114

Family of 6: $5,860

Family of 7: $6,607

Family of 8: $7,354

All requests for assistance must include verification of expenses. Payments will be made directly to vendors, and the vendors must be willing to work with the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services in processing PRC assistance. Services will be provided on a case by case basis.

Beginning Monday, applications may be obtained at belmontcdjfs.com under COVID-19, by contacting your case manager, or by calling 740-695-1075, ext. 1252. Applications do require signatures. Verification of all gross income will be required for the last 30 days from the date of application. If you’ve had a change in circumstances and lost income, verification will be needed.

Applications must be returned to BCDJFS, 68145 Hammond Road, St. Clairsville, OH 43950. Submit proof of all gross income for the past 30 days or the next projected 30 days’ gross income and expense requests with the application.

PRC assistance is based on availability of funding or when the COVID-19 emergency ends. For more information, call 740-695-1075 ext. 1001.