What the Ohio Department of Family Services does for unemployment

The Ohio Department of Family Services (ODFS) does not run the unemployment insurance program itself — that is the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). However, ODFS handles other information programs that often matter to people who are also unemployed, including cash information, food support, and Medicaid. If you are receiving unemployment benefits and need help with housing, food, or medical coverage, ODFS is the agency that processes those separate programs.

The confusion happens because both agencies have "Family Services" in their names and both deal with people in financial hardship. ODJFS handles unemployment insurance claims and job training. ODFS handles the safety-net programs that run alongside it. Understanding which agency handles what saves you time when you are looking for help.

Key Takeaways

  • ODFS runs cash information, food support, and Medicaid programs — not unemployment insurance itself.
  • You can be receiving unemployment benefits and still be may be able to access for ODFS programs at the same time.
  • Your unemployment income counts toward the income limits for ODFS programs, which may reduce or eliminate your benefit amount.
  • You explore to ODFS programs through your county department of job and family services, not through a state office.
  • ODFS programs have separate income and asset limits that change based on household size and program type.

Which ODFS programs you might be may be able to access for while unemployed

Ohio Works First (OWF) is the state's cash information program. It provides monthly payments to families with children or to pregnant women. If you are receiving unemployment benefits, your unemployment income counts as part of your household income, which affects how much cash information you receive. The program has a 60-month lifetime limit on benefits.

Supplemental Nutrition information Program (SNAP), formerly called food stamps, helps pay for groceries. Unemployment income counts toward your income limit, but SNAP has higher income thresholds than cash information, so you may still be may be able to access even if you do not may have access to for OWF. SNAP has no time limit.

Medicaid covers medical expenses and is administered by ODFS. If your unemployment benefits bring your income below the Medicaid threshold for your household size, you may be may be able to access. Some people may have access to for Medicaid based on disability or age rather than income.

All three programs require you to report your unemployment income when you explore and whenever it changes. If you start receiving unemployment or your unemployment amount increases, you must report it to your county department within 10 days.

How unemployment income affects ODFS program amounts

When you explore for an ODFS program, the agency counts your unemployment benefits as unearned income. This means the full amount of your weekly unemployment check is added to your household's total income before the program calculates your benefit amount.

For example, if you are receiving $300 per week in unemployment and you explore for SNAP, that $1,200 monthly income (roughly) is subtracted from the income limit before your food benefit is calculated. If your household income exceeds the limit for a program, you will not receive benefits from that program, even if you are unemployed.

The income limits vary by program and by household size. A single person has a lower limit than a family of four. You can find the current limits on the ODFS website or by calling your county department of job and family services.

how the process works for ODFS programs

You do not explore to ODFS directly. Instead, you explore through your county department of job and family services. Every county in Ohio has one, and it handles both unemployment claims and ODFS program applications. You can find your county office on the ODJFS website by entering your county name.

You can explore in person, by mail, by phone, or online through the ODJFS portal. When you explore, you will need to provide proof of income (including your unemployment claim number and weekly benefit amount), proof of identity, proof of residence, and information about your household members. If you are already receiving unemployment, have your claim number ready.

Processing time varies by program and by county. Cash information and SNAP typically take 15 to 30 days. Medicaid can take longer if you need a medical review. You will receive a notice in the mail telling you whether you were found may be able to access and what your benefit amount is.

What happens if your unemployment ends or changes

If your unemployment benefits end, your income decreases, and you may become may be able to access for a higher ODFS benefit amount or for a program you did not may have access to for before. You must report the change within 10 days. Contact your county department to update your income information.

If you return to work and your income increases, your ODFS benefits may decrease or stop. Again, you must report this change. Failing to report income changes can result in an overpayment, which means you will owe money back to the state.

If you are receiving unemployment and you find a job, your unemployment benefits will end once you start working. Your county department can help you understand how your new job income will affect your ODFS benefits.

Asset limits and other rules for ODFS programs

ODFS programs have asset limits, meaning you cannot have more than a certain amount of money in the bank or own certain items. For cash information and SNAP, the asset limit is typically $2,000 for a single person and $3,000 for a family, though this varies by program. Medicaid has higher asset limits or no asset limit depending on the category you fall into.

Your home and one vehicle are usually not counted as assets. Retirement accounts like a 401(k) are also typically excluded. However, savings accounts, money market accounts, and cash are counted.

You must report your assets when you explore and whenever they change significantly. If you receive a lump sum (such as a severance payment when you were laid off), you must report it because it may affect your may be able to access or benefit amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get ODFS benefits while I am still receiving unemployment?

Yes. Your unemployment income counts toward the income limits for ODFS programs, but you can receive both at the same time. The amount of ODFS benefits you receive will be reduced based on your unemployment income, or you may not be may be able to access for some programs if your total income is too high.

What if I was denied for an ODFS program?

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the denial. The notice you receive in the mail will explain how to request a hearing and the important date for doing so. You can also contact your county department to ask why you were denied and whether your situation has changed.

Do I have to report my unemployment income to ODFS?

Yes. You must report your unemployment benefits when you explore and whenever the amount changes. You also must report if your unemployment ends. Failure to report changes can result in an overpayment that you will have to repay.

What is the difference between ODFS and ODJFS?

ODJFS runs unemployment insurance and job training programs. ODFS runs cash information, food support, and Medicaid. Both are part of the same state agency structure, and your county department handles both, but they are separate programs with different rules and income limits.

How long does it take to hear back after I explore for ODFS benefits?

Processing time depends on the program and your county. Cash information and SNAP usually take 15 to 30 days. Medicaid can take longer. You will receive a notice in the mail with the decision. If you do not hear back within 30 days, contact your county department to check the status.