Applying for food, cash and medical assistance through Hamilton County is a multiple 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 process applications in the order 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:

  • *New* Electronic Signature Complete and sign an application and submit it electronically to JFS. This option allows you to submit the application directly to JFS for faster processing.  Please give as much information as possible to help us when we process your application. 

           Apply

  • Print an application (Link located below at the end of the instructions) and return through:
Fax

Fax your signed application to (513) 946-1076
(Applications can be faxed from any Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County branch free of charge)

Deliver in person

Signed applications can be scanned at the HCJFS kiosk in the lobby at HCJFS’s main location:

222 East Central Parkway
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Mail

Signed applications can also be mailed to the address above

  • Online (Link located below at the end of the instructions) through the ODJFS Online Benefit Application Portal. Select “Apply for Benefits”. After completing the application, continue with steps 2 through 4.

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, 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)
  • For Child Care, the name of the licensed family child care provider or center you will use is required to be included on the application.

Please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents.

Step 3: The Interview

Interviews are completed for some, but not all, public assistance programs.  For SNAP/Cash, once you have submitted your application, you will receive a letter in the mail providing you with a date and time to call in and complete a telephone interview with a caseworker. That appointment will generally be within two weeks of the submission of your application*.

  • Interviews generally take about 30 to 45 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. Child Care does not require an interview.  

Step 4: 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 verifications, 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.

Fax

Fax your documents to (513) 946-1076
(Applications can be faxed from any Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County branch free of charge)

From any Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

All libraries will send documents to JFS free of charge and provide you with a receipt acknowledging the submission

 

Apply Online Now 

Select “Apply for Benefits”

 

Print an application 

Select “Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance (with Voter Registration)

Correlates to HCJFS 7819

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.

Visit Benefits.ohio.gov