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Cash and Food Assistance

Help buying groceries, meeting essential family needs and overcoming short-term financial barriers

Summit County Job and Family Services administers food and cash assistance programs for eligible residents. Different programs serve different needs. Eligibility depends on factors such as household size, income, family circumstances and program requirements.

Groceries

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.

  • Apply for SNAP Start a new application for benefits, including Food, Cash, Early Childhood Services, or Medical Assistance.
  • Ohio Cash Assistance - Ohio Works First (OWF) Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of the state's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.

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.

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.

  • Income Guidelines U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines Used to Determine Financial Eligibility for Certain Programs

Photo Credit: Groceries - Photo by Maria Lin Kim on Unsplash.