How to Apply

If you have already applied, check your status here

Applying for food, cash and medical assistance through Allen 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.

NEW! Benefits.ohio.gov now offers a Frequently Asked Questions Virtual Assistant on the Ohio Benefits Program site. The Virtual Benefits Assistant can answer general Ohio Benefits Program related questions on topics including Medicaid, Food, Cash, Child Care, State Hearings and More! The Virtual Assistant is designed to provide information, resources and guidance relating to benefits and self-service portal account “how-to’s”.

Step 1: Check Your Status

If you have already applied

If you have already applied, check your status here.

If you haven’t applied

If you haven’t already applied online, proceed to step 2.

Step 2: Submit an Application

Apply Online

Click apply online above to be directed to the ODJFS Online Benefit Application Self-Service Portal. Select “Apply Now.” After completing the application, continue with steps 2 through 5. To help assist you through the process, tutorial videos are linked below:

Print a Paper Application

Benefits.ohio.gov now offers a Frequently Asked Questions Virtual Assistant on the Ohio Benefits Program site. The Virtual Benefits Assistant can answer general Ohio Benefits Program related questions on topics including Medicaid, Food, Cash, Child Care, State Hearings and More! The Virtual Assistant is designed to provide information, resources and guidance relating to benefits and self-service portal account “how-to’s”.

Additional OhioBenefits How To’s

Return Your Application

Return applications through:

Email
Allen-family@jfs.ohio.gov

Fax
Fax your signed application to (419) 227-2448

Deliver in Person
Signed applications can be dropped off at:
951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804
Drop box located at our front entrance doors

Mail
Signed applications can also be mailed to:
951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804

Note

In some cases, you may want to apply to receive Medicaid without applying for cash or food assistance. By visiting www.benefits.ohio.gov, you can apply for Medicaid only, without applying for cash or food assistance at the same time. To apply through the site, click “Check your eligibility” and follow the prompts.

Step 3: 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, 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 Verification(s)

To view the list of required documents needed, click here. Please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents.

To upload documents using the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal, view tutorial video here.

Step 4: The Interview

Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter in the mail providing you with a date and time a case worker will call you to complete a telephone interview. You can call to request a face-to-face interview, if desired. The interview will generally be within one week of the submission of your application.

For your scheduled Food Assistance appointment, our county agency will be contacting you by the phone number of 844-640-6446. If you have caller ID set up on your phone, this phone number will appear as ‘State of Ohio.’ Before the date of your scheduled appointment please ensure your voicemail box is set up and not full, your phone is not set to ‘ring no answer,’ and you are in an area with quality reception. It should also be noted that if 800 numbers are blocked by your phone, it is encouraged that you save the 844-640-6446 number in your contacts.
Interviews generally take about 60-90 minutes.
During the interview, your caseworker will be able to answer any questions you may have about the application process.

Please note: Applications for waiver Medicaid and for those in nursing homes are scheduled separately and will not necessarily fall into these timeframes. Certain other Medicaid applications for benefits may be completed without an actual interview. If yours fits the criteria, you will be notified accordingly. If we have any questions, we will reach out via phone or mail.

Step 5: Return Any Additional Verification Documents

At the end of your telephone interview, your caseworker will inform you of any additional verifications needed to complete your case. The sooner you return the verification’s, 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.

Return applications through:

Email
Allen-family@jfs.ohio.gov

Fax
Fax your signed application to (419) 227-2448

Deliver in Person
Signed applications can be dropped off at:
951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804
Drop box located at our front entrance doors

Mail
Signed applications can also be mailed to:
951 Commerce Pkwy., Lima, OH 45804