12611 Ravenwood Dr., Ste. 150, Chardon, OH 44024

M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm.

Clients may begin the application process, renew, and/or update their case information by calling the Contact Center: M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm. May also apply, renew, and/or update case information through website anytime (client must have an email address to do this). In most cases, any interviews can be done through the Contact Center. If applying by phone, the interview may be done during the phone call; if applying via website or paper, the agency will schedule an over the phone interview (client will be given a day and time frame to call in). Agency can look up most supporting documents through an electronic records search - the client will be notified if they need to supply any extra supporting documents. If preferred, may also pick up and drop off paper applications and submit documents on-site: M-F: 8:00am-4:30pm. Workers who have been laid off MUST apply for unemployment before applying for food benefits. Current clients may also phone the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service Line 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Starting March 28th, 2025: Clients using the online benefits portal will need to either create or sign into an OHID account. After they have created their OHID and logged into it, they will be asked to set up Multi-Factor Verification (a security feature to protect against identification theft). Those who need help navigating the set up process can phone the Contact Center M-F: 8:00am-4:00pm.

Free

Residents of Geauga County, aged 18-49 years who are an Able Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD). Must have gross income at 130% or less of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). Income can go as high as 200% FPL while on the program (amount of benefit will taper off as the client's household income nears the 200% limit). Clients must work (paid or unpaid) or participate in an approved work program at least 20 hrs/week (average of 80 hrs/month). Client has three months in a 36 month period in which they do not have to fulfill work requirements, they do not have to be used consecutively, and reset after three years of the enrollment date. The following are exempt from work requirements: those who are pregnant; those receiving Ohio Works First (OWF), unemployment compensation, SSI or other temporary or permanent disability benefits issued by governmental or private sources; enrolled at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education; those who care for an incapacitated person who they live with (this is not a complete list of exemptions). Generally, owning a home and car will not affect eligibility. Anyone who thinks they may be eligible is encouraged to apply. Serves U.S. Citizens and most documented refugees and foreign nationals. Generally, does not serve undocumented aliens, but many exceptions based on the client's situation may be made (such as domestic violence or human trafficking). Clients are encouraged to apply regardless of their immigration status; information on immigration status will not be shared with enforcement agencies. For striking workers who fall into this ABAWD category, and who have work requirements, their pre-strike income will be used to determine their eligibility.

Geauga County, Ohio