How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE

Click apply online above to be directed to the ODJFS Online Benefit Application Self-Service Portal. Select “Apply Now.” After completing the application, continue with steps 2 through 5. To help assist you through the process, tutorial videos are linked below:

ELIGIBILITY SELF ASSESSMENT

HOW TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN THE SELF-SERVICE PORTAL

HOW TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS IN THE SELF SERVICE PORTAL

CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN APPLICATION FOR FOOD/CASH
CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN APPLIACATION FOR MEDICAID/LTC

NEW! Benefits.ohio.gov now offers a Frequently Asked Questions Virtual Assistant on the Ohio Benefits Program site. The Virtual Benefits Assistant can answer general Ohio Benefits Program related questions on topics including Medicaid, Food, Cash, Child Care, State Hearings and More! The Virtual Assistant is designed to provide information, resources and guidance relating to benefits and self-service portal account “how-to’s”.

Return applications through:

E-Mail:  Allen-family@jfs.ohio.gov

Fax:  Return your signed application to (419) 227-2448

Deliver in person:

Signed applications can be dropped off by using the DROP OFF BOX located at the main entrance of our Agency:
951 Commerce Pkwy.
Lima, OH 45804

Mail:

Signed applications can also be mailed to:
951 Commerce Pkwy.
Lima, OH 45804

If you are applying for Medicaid, your tax status information is needed. Please complete the MAGI Tax Information Worksheet and submit with your application.

NOTE

In some cases, you may want to apply to receive Medicaid without applying for cash or food assistance. By visiting www.benefits.ohio.gov, you can apply for Medicaid only, without applying for cash or food assistance at the same time. To apply through the site, click “Check your eligibility” and follow the prompts.

As part of the application, you will need to submit a number of verification documents. The specific documents accepted are listed in the application, but in general we will need to verify:

• Who is in the household
• All household income, and
• Basic information such as identity, Social Security Number(s) and Birth Verification(s)

To view the list of required documents needed, click here. Please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents.

To upload documents using the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal, view tutorial video HERE.

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter in the mail providing you with a date and time a case worker will call you to complete a telephone interview.  You can call to request a face-to-face interview, if desired.  The interview will generally be within two weeks of the submission of your application*.

• Interviews generally take about 30 to 45 minutes.
• During the interview, your caseworker will be able to answer any questions you may have about the application process.

* Please note: Applications for waiver Medicaid and for those in nursing homes are scheduled separately and will not necessarily fall into these timeframes. Certain other Medicaid applications for benefits may be completed without an actual interview. If yours fits the criteria, you will be notified accordingly. If we have any questions, we will reach out via phone or mail. 

At the end of your telephone interview, your caseworker will inform you of any additional verifications needed to complete your case. The sooner you return the verification’s, the sooner your case can be completed.

Return those verification documents to us with your name and case number or social security number on ALL documents.

EMAIL

Allen-family@jfs.ohio.gov

FAX

Fax your signed application to (419) 227-2448

DELIVER IN PERSON

Signed applications can be dropped off by using the DROP OFF BOX located at the main entrance of our Agency:

951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804