Are Job and Family Services (JFS) buildings open?
No. JFS lobbies are closed to the public, but agencies are still working. You should apply for benefits online at benefits.ohio.gov or call 844-640-6446.
I’m applying for Medicaid. How will JFS verify my income?
Job and Family Services (JFS) will try to verify eligibility requirements such as income and resources through an electronic data source whenever possible. If they are not able to verify, they should accept what you tell them. They may ask you to provide certain necessary documentation. Most counties have a drop box where you can leave documents, or you can ask them to mail you a prepaid envelope.
If you are a resident of Cuyahoga County, you can also send your verifications as an email attachment to jfs-cuyahoga-mipc@jfs.ohio.gov.
If you are a resident of Lorain County, you can also send your verifications as an email attachment to LorainJFS@jfs.ohio.gov.
Can Ohio stop my Medicaid benefits during COVID-19?
Federal law requires that Ohio keep people on Medicaid who were enrolled as of March 18, 2020, or who enroll during the public health emergency, unless a person moves out of Ohio or asks to stop their benefits. Also, Ohio cannot make stricter eligibility rules than those in place on January 1, 2020.
Does Medicaid cover COVID-19 testing and treatment?
Federal law requires Ohio Medicaid to cover costs of COVID-19 testing and treatment.
Additional information from Ohio Department of Medicaid can be read here.
Will getting the Advance Child Tax Credit affect my eligibility for benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, cash assistance, or Social Security?
No. The Advance Child Tax Credit will not count as income for the purposes of public benefits. If you still have those funds saved after more than 12 months, however, they could count as a resource.