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 (Pages 6-17, Steps 1-14, must be returned)

CLICK HERE TO PRINT AN APPLIACATION FOR MEDICAID/LTC

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”.

Additional OhioBenefits How To’s:
Full Guide – OHID Account and MFA Enrollment Details/Guides
OhioBenefits OHID Account Creation
OhioBenefits MFA Enrollment

Return applications through:

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 one week of the submission of your application*.

• For your scheduled Food Assistance appointment, our county agency will be contacting you by the phone number of 844-640-6446. If you have caller ID set up on your phone, this phone number will appear as ‘State of Ohio.’ Before the date of your scheduled appointment please ensure your voicemail box is set up and not full, your phone is not set to ‘ring no answer,’ and you are in an area with quality reception. It should also be noted that if 800 numbers are blocked by your phone, it is encouraged that you save the 844-640-6446 number in your contacts.
• Interviews generally take about 60-90 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.

Return applications through: