Last updated 8/19/22
Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services (FCDJFS) is taking precautions to protect our residents and employees, as well as limit the spread of the COVID-19. This web page will be updated with new information as it becomes available.
Important Information for Residents and Community Partners
Skip the Trip
Customers and residents who need public assistance benefits like food assistance, cash assistance or Medicaid do not need to apply in-person at one of our Opportunity Centers. They can apply online at www.benefits.ohio.gov or over the phone at 1-844-640-OHIO (6446).
Customers can check on the status of an existing case, submit verification documents and sign up for text message notifications online through the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal at https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov/.
Customers can also email case documentation and/or submit applications for PRC emergency assistance it to [email protected]. Make sure to include your full name and case number in the body of the email if you are submitting documents.
• Verifications Needed for Benefits
• FCDJFS Skip The Trip Flyer (English) (Arabic) (Nepali) (Somali) (Spanish)
• Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal (Video)
What To Expect
Hours of Operation - Agency Opportunity Centers remain open, but public access to the buildings is limited. Residents may drop off case documents and fill out requests for contact forms weekdays between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.* but we cannot provide in-person customer assistance. If you need to apply for benefits or check on the status of a case, please take advantage of online services (www.benefits.ohio.gov) and/or telephone options (1-844-640-6446).
*The case verification dropbox at the Northland Opportunity Center is accessible to the public 24/7.
Extended Telephone Wait Times - Expect extended telephone wait times as a result of increased call volume. FCDJFS is working extensively to ensure we answer all questions pertaining to benefits and additional aid we provide.
Verification Documents - You can create an account through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal can upload and submit verification documents from their computer or mobile device. You can also take a picture of a required verification document and email it to [email protected]. Please make sure to include your full name and case number in the email.
If you would prefer to deliver verification documents in-person can submit them in on-site dropboxes at each Opportunity Center during hours of operation, weekdays from 8 a.m. - noon.
SNAP Emergency Allotments - Ohio has been approved for emergency allotments for May 2022 to bring all Assistance Groups up to each Assistance Group’s maximum allotment and at least a $95 supplement to all Assistance Groups. The emergency allotments are scheduled to be issued the morning of May 27 and residents will be able to access benefits by May 28.
In addition, the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill expanded eligibility for college students to qualify for food assistance through SNAP. Click HERE to learn more.
SNAP Allotments Increase - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is increasing the SNAP maximum allotments for all assistance group (AG) sizes which will go into effect on October 1, 2021. The new maximum allotments an AG may potentially be eligible for are:
• $250 for an individual
• $459 for an AG of 2
• $658 for an AG of 3
• $835 for an AG of 4
• $992 for an AG of 5
• $1,190 for an AG of 6
• $1,316 for an AG of 7
• $1,504 for an AG of 8
PRC Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Franklin County's new PRC Emergency Rental Assistance program has the flexibility to cover up to 100% of your delinquent rent costs to get you caught up with your landlord. Franklin County can also help cover the cost of up to three (3) additional months of rent in advance for families who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as help with utilities.
Eligible families must reside in Franklin County, have at least one minor child and/or a pregnant person (in their 3rd trimester or later) in the household, and have a gross household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level in order to qualify.
The new PRC Emergency Rental Assistance Program is in effect beginning June 1 through Dec. 31, 2021 or until funding is exhausted. To learn more and to access step-by-step instructions on how to apply, click HERE.
• PRC Emergency Rental Assistance Program Flyer
• PRC Emergency Rental Assistance Program FAQ
• Download Rental Assistance Resources Flyer
Additional Housing Resources
IMPACT Community Action and the Community Shelter Board is providing immediate rental and utility assistance for Franklin County families that are struggling in the pandemic economy. For more information or to apply for rental or utility assistance, residents may visit Apply.ImpactHopeFund.org beginning on March 8 or call (614) 274-7000 to reach the Community Shelter Board.
Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 authorized Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program to extend through the 2021-22 school year for school children eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The federal government has not yet approved Ohio's plan to issue P-EBT to children under 6 in SNAP households.
P-EBT Eligibility - Your child is eligible for free or reduced-price school meals, your child should receive P-EBT funds for meals missed during school year 2021-22 in the following circumstances:
• The child is in quarantine for at least a 5-day consecutive period due to illness from or exposure to COVID-19
• The child's school is closed for at least 5 consecutive days due to COVID-19 related circumstances
• The child's school is operating remotely or on an altered or reduced schedule
Children who were not matched to an existing EBT or P-EBT account will be issued a P-EBT card. One card will be issued per child; siblings are not grouped together. There may be families who have one or more children matched to a SNAP account, whereas other siblings in the home were unable to be matched and will receive a P-EBT card.
Not sure if your child is eligible? This P-EBT tool may help.
(Reminder: Using P-EBT does NOT impact you or your child's immigration status. The public charge rule does NOT apply to P-EBT funds.)
If you have any questions, call 1-866-244-0071 or email [email protected].
Click HERE to learn more or visit OhioPEBT.org.
• Ohio P-EBT 2021-22 School Year
• P-EBT FAQ
• P-EBT Non-School Children
• P-EBT Pin Information (Somali) (Spanish)
• P-EBT Helps Immigrant Kids! (Arabic) (French) (Somali) (Spanish)
• Eligibility Search Tool