Ohio Direction Card (FOOD ASSISTANCE) (FORMERLY FOOD STAMPS) / Cashout | Cuyahoga County Job And Family Services

Provides funds for the purchase of food. Benefits that are not used in a month may be carried over to the next month, up to one year.

Data provided by

211 Cleveland

Physical Address

8111 Quincy Ave., Cleveland, OH 44104

Hours

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

Fax

(216) 391-5122

Fax

(216) 987-7700

Application process

Clients may begin the application process, renew, and/or update their case information by calling the Eligibility Contact Center: M-F: 8:00am-1:00pm (due to high call volume, caller may be given the option to receive a call back - if they choose this option they should get a call within a few business days). May also apply, renew, and/or update case information through website anytime (client must have an email address to do this). Applications are also at available Neighborhood Family Service Centers (NFSC) M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm. They can be faxed, scanned and emailed, or dropped off via drop boxes at any NFSC. Applications and free faxing/scanning and emailing are available at branches of the Cleveland, Cuyahoga, and Shaker Heights Libraries during their normal hours of business. 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. Documents may be faxed to the agency or scanned via computer (documents should include the client's case number or social security number). If needed, documents can be submitted by mail. Interviews are required for new applications (they are currently not required for renewals). In most cases, any interviews can be done through the Eligibility 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). It will take approximately five business days for any faxed or scanned documents to be processed and added to the client's case file. Workers who have been laid off MUST apply for unemployment before applying for food benefits. Current clients may phone the Ohio Direction Card Customer Service Line 24 hours a day/7 days a week to report any issues or if they have any questions about their case. Starting March 28th, 2025: Clients using the online bene

Fee

Free

Eligibility

Cuyahoga County households with gross income at 130% or less of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL). Also serves households with income at 160% FPL or less if a household member is over age 60 or if a household member is age 18 through 59 with a physical, developmental or emotional/mental health disability. 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). Those age 18-49 yrs of age must have a dependent. Homes and cars are not counted as assets and 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). Striking workers who fall into this eligibility category will not have their pre-strike income used to determine eligibility. Clients are encouraged to apply regardless of their immigration status; information on immigration status will not be shared with enforcement agencies.

Service area

Cuyahoga County, Ohio

Agency info

Cuyahoga County Job And Family Services

Operates several Neighborhood Family Service Centers which provide cash benefits (such as Ohio Works First welfare benefits), food assistance (food stamps), medical coverage, employment/training assistance, child care vouchers, and supportive services to Cuyahoga County residents who meet eligibility requirements. Clients are assigned to a Service Center according to their zip code. Spanish-speaking staff are available.