How Do I Apply?


How to Apply for Food, Cash and Medical Assistance

Applying for food, cash, and medical assistance through Clermont County  involves a few steps. 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.

Step 1: Submit an Application

You can submit your application in the following ways:

  • Online: Through the ODJFS Online Benefit Application Portal. Select “Apply for Benefits”. After completing the application, continue with steps 2 through 4.
  • Library: Complete and sign an application at any Public Library Branch in Clermont County, as well as, fax a copy of any documents needed for Public Assistance or OhioMeansJobs, free of charge. Please ensure any faxed documents have identifiable information: Name, DOB, last 4 of SSN, or Case Number. 
  • Fax: Fax your signed application to 513-732-7216.
  • Print: Print a signed application and drop it off at the South entrance of DJFS. Service Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • Mail: Signed applications can be mailed to 2400 Clermont Center Dr. Division of Public Assistance Batavia, OH 45103.


* Please note: Applications for Medicaid only can be completed via phone at 1-844-640-6446 between 8:00am and 10:00am.  


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 (earned and unearned)
  • 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.


Here are the required documents needed for each program: Verification Checklist


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, and we will call you and complete a telephone interview.  That appointment will generally be within 7 days 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. However, your application must be processed within 30 days of it being submitted.


Return those verification documents to us with your name and case number or social security number on ALL documents.

  • Drop your documents off at the South Entrance of DJFS
  • Fax your documents to 513-732-7216. Please ensure any faxed documents have identifiable information: Name, DOB, last 4 of SSN, or Case Number. 
  • Fax your documents from any Public Library of Clermont County (all libraries will send documents to DJFS free of charge and provide you with confirmation). Please ensure any faxed documents have identifiable information: Name, DOB, last 4 of SSN, or Case Number. 
  • Upload your documents online at ssp.benefits.ohio.gov



Step 5: Check the Status of Your Case or Application

You can now check the status of your application online.


The State of Ohio Online Benefits portal (My Case) provides an easy way to check the status of your application or case for food, cash and medical assistance. You can also complete an interim report or reapplication and view case information, sometimes known as a “benefits printout”.

Missed your scheduled appointment? 

Missed Scheduled Intake: You may call 1-844-640-6446 the next between day to reschedule your missed phone appointment.  This must occur within 60 days of your application date.


Missed Scheduled Review: You can call in the next business day between 9:30am to noon, you may call 1-844-640-6446, select the appropriate prompts, let the operator know you are calling for a missed review.

Need to verify a change?

Not only do you need to your report your change(s), within 10 days, you need to verify the change(s) as well. You may report and verify the change in the lobby, via phone, fax, online, or mail. Our drop box remains accessible 24 hours a day and all documents will be processed in date order. Our lobby is open 8:00am – 4:00pm so that you may access hard copy forms.


Visit our Forms page for change reporting forms.