Cash and Food Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
Apply online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or call 844-640-6446. You may also get application assistance at the Summit County Job and Family Services office.
What happens after I apply?
You may need to complete an interview and provide documents verifying information such as household members, income, expenses or other circumstances. Read all notices carefully and submit requested information by the listed deadline. Missing an interview or deadline may delay your application or affect your eligibility.
How do I submit documents or report a change?
Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to manage your case and upload documents. You can also email your documents SummitE-Docs@jfs.ohio.gov. Physical documents can be placed in the drop boxes located outside of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (1180 South Main Street) or sent vis USPS.
Include identifying information requested by the agency, keep proof of submission and follow the instructions in your notice.
How is my benefit amount decided?
Benefit amounts are calculated under each program’s rules. The agency may consider household size, income, allowable expenses and other circumstances. Your official eligibility notice will explain the decision made for your case.
How do I know whether I may qualify?
Review the current income guidelines for general information. Income is not always the only eligibility factor, so the best way to receive an official determination is to apply.
Review the current income guidelines for general information. Income is not always the only eligibility factor, so the best way to receive an official determination is to apply.
You may need to complete an interview and provide documents verifying information such as household members, income, expenses or other circumstances. Read all notices carefully and submit requested information by the listed deadline. Missing an interview or deadline may delay your application or affect your eligibility.
Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to manage your case and upload documents. You can also email your documents SummitE-Docs@jfs.ohio.gov. Physical documents can be placed in the drop boxes located outside of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (1180 South Main Street) or sent vis USPS.
Include identifying information requested by the agency, keep proof of submission and follow the instructions in your notice.
Benefit amounts are calculated under each program’s rules. The agency may consider household size, income, allowable expenses and other circumstances. Your official eligibility notice will explain the decision made for your case.
SNAP benefits are added to an Ohio Direction Card. The card works like an electronic benefit card at participating retailers and can be used to purchase eligible food items.
Call Ohio Direction Card Customer Service at 866-386-3071 or visit their website at: https://www.connectebt.com/ebtconnect/recipient/OH/. Protect your personal identification number, or PIN, and review your transactions regularly. Report a lost or stolen card as soon as possible.
Some SNAP recipients must meet work requirements to continue receiving benefits. Exemptions may apply based on age, disability, pregnancy, caregiving responsibilities, employment and other circumstances. Because work requirements and waivers may change, review the current SNAP work-requirement information or contact Summit County Job and Family Services.
SNAP Employment and Training may help eligible participants build skills, prepare for work and meet certain work requirements.
Download the ConnectEBT app to get transactions alerts and lock your card when not using it and learn more about multiple ways to protect your card (PDF).
Ohio Works First is Ohio’s time-limited TANF cash-assistance program for eligible families with children and certain pregnant individuals.
Eligibility is based on program rules, household composition, income and other circumstances. Families caring for a minor child and certain pregnant individuals may qualify. In some circumstances, a child may qualify even when the adult caring for the child is not included in the cash-assistance group.
Most work-eligible adults must participate in assigned employment, education, training or other approved activities unless an exemption applies. Your case worker will explain your responsibilities, approved activities and any self-sufficiency plan you are required to follow.
Possibly. Having a job does not automatically make a household ineligible. The agency will review household income and other eligibility factors.
Not necessarily. PRC has its own eligibility rules. Review the current Summit County PRC Plan or contact Summit County Job and Family Services for an official determination.
Ohio Works First is generally limited to 36 months for households subject to the state time limit. Certain child-only cases, extensions or exceptions may be treated differently. Your caseworker or official notice can explain how the time limit applies to your household.
No. TANF is the federal program/funding framework. Ohio Works First is Ohio’s cash-assistance program operated under TANF.
Other programs and services, including PRC, may also receive TANF funding.
Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) is a Summit County program that may provide short-term assistance or services to eligible families facing an urgent need or barrier to employment and self-sufficiency.
It is separate from monthly Ohio Works First cash assistance.
Covered needs are determined by the Summit County PRC Plan. The plan identifies the services available, who may qualify, required documents, benefit limits and other conditions.
Not every expense is covered, and receiving assistance is subject to eligibility and available funding.