March 18, 2020
Columbus, OH – Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services Opportunity Centers will re-open to public Wednesday, March 18. However, customers and Franklin County residents who need public assistance benefits like food assistance, cash assistance or Medicaid are highly encouraged to apply over the phone or online.
“The health and safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. But we are the social safety net and our community needs us now more than ever,” FCDJFS Director Joy Bivens said. “That’s why we’re asking customers to skip the trip to one of our Opportunity Centers and apply online or over the phone. They can also check on their case status or sign up for text message notifications, all without leaving home.”
Residents who need food assistance, cash assistance or Medicaid can apply or check on the status of an existing application by visiting
www.benefits.ohio.gov or calling
1-844-640-OHIO (6446). Customers can also 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.
Additionally, FCDJFS has launched a new Web page,
jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/COVID19, where it will provide updates about Agency operations or guidance on how to apply for benefits as well as helpful links and resources, including telehealth links for customers enrolled in each of the state’s five Medicaid Managed Care Plans.
FCDJFS will re-open each of its three Opportunity Centers (East Opportunity Center at 1055 Mt. Vernon Ave., Columbus, 43203; Northland Opportunity Center at 1721 Northland Park Ave. Columbus, 43229; and West Opportunity Center, 314 N. Wilson Road, Columbus, 43204) to the public under normal hours of operation on Wednesday, March 18. However, there may be limits to the number of customers who can be seen in-person simultaneously based on health guidance.
The Agency is working in consultation with Franklin County Public Health in addition to other state and local partners and is regularly disinfecting Opportunity Center lobbies, as well as employee common areas.
The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services provides timely public assistance benefits and builds community partnership through inclusion, responsiveness and innovation. Learn more at https://jfs.franklincountyohio.gov and follow FCDJFS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.