Applying for food, cash and medical assistance through Franklin County is a several-step-process. Please read the following information carefully to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible. Please note it may take up to 30 days to complete your application. We complete cases in the order that they are received and when all verification documents have been received.
STEP 1: SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
You can submit your application in the following ways:
- ONLINE: Access the Self Service Portal at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov, click "Apply For Benefits," and follow the prompts. For help creating an account, check out these How To videos.
- BY PHONE: Call 1-844-640-OHIO (6446) Note: Franklin County processes applications over the phone Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. If your wait for a caseworker exceeds five minutes, the system can call you back in the order the call was received.
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STEP 2: GATHER VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS
As part of the application, you will need to submit a number of verification documents. The specific documents accepted are listed in the application, as well as this flyer, but in general we will need to verify:
- Who is in the household,
- All household income, and;
- Basic information such as identity, Social Security Number(s) and birth certificate(s).
Please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents.
STEP 3: THE INTERVIEW
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a call, followed by a letter in the mail giving you an appointment date and time. Please note that the majority of our appointments are conducted over the phone. The appointment will generally be within two weeks of the submission of your application.
- Please be prepared to provide verification documents.
- Interviews generally take up to 90 minutes. If your benefit has a work requirement, you may be asked to complete an additional interview.
- During the interview, your caseworker will be able to answer any questions you may have about the application process.
STEP 4: RETURN ANY ADDITIONAL VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS
At the end of your interview, your caseworker will give you a checklist of any additional verification documents we need to complete your case. The sooner you return the verification documents, the sooner your case can be completed. Return those verification documents to us with your name and case number or social security number on ALL documents.