Ohio Resources
To find out about key benefits and services in Ohio and how to apply, select from the topics below.
Key State Contacts
Overseas management and implementation services and benefits for refugees and similar populations arriving to Ohio. This includes refugee-specific programing as well as ensuring refugees can access mainstream public benefits.
Contact: jennifer.johnson@jfs.ohio.gov
Oversees refugee health screening program for newly arrived refugees and assist with identifying and mitigating gaps in health care for newly arrived refugees, including connection to PCP and Medicaid
Contact: Sandra.hollingsworth@jfs.ohio.gov
Ohio currently has resettlement offices in six counties: Cuyahoga, Franklin, Lucas, Montgomery, Hamilton, and Summit.
Cash & Food Assistance
Ohio Works First is the financial assistance portion of the state’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF), which provides cash benefits to needy families for up to 36 months.
Apply at the local county Department of Job & Family Services
- Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)
Cash assistance available to residents who entered the U.S. under humanitarian protection with low incomes who are not eligible for Ohio Works First (TANF); applications can be submitted online using the Ohio Benefits Portal or in-person by completing a paper application at the local county department of Job and Family Services.
Apply at the local county Department of Job & Family Services
Federal nutrition plan; applications can be submitted online using the Ohio Benefits Portal or in-person by completing a paper application at the local county department of Job and Family Services.
A program offering supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition information to low-income women who are pregnant or have children aged birth to five; WIC can be applied for in person by visiting a local WIC clinic.
A federal program supporting participants to attain self-sufficiency within 240 days (8 months) of arrival in the United States through financial, case management, and employment supports
A program that provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people age 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
Refugee & Newcomer Health
The Refugee Health Screening Program provides a comprehensive medical screening within 90 days of a refugee’s arrival. This check-up is important to make sure they are healthy and get the care they need. Ohio partners with qualified healthcare providers do the exam. They know how to help refugees and understand their needs.
Accessing Health Care
For the first 12 months after arriving, refugees who don’t qualify for Medicaid can get special medical assistance called Refugee Medical Assistance. They receive a card that helps cover their medical expenses, which provides the same medical coverage as Medicaid.
Apply at the local county Department of Job & Family Services
Medical coverage for low-income individuals. Medicaid in Ohio covers physical health, behavioral health, dental, and vision care. Ohio is an expanded Medicaid state, meaning that Ohio expanded Medicaid eligibility to cover families, children, and single adults who are below the income limits. It is unusual for a refugee in Ohio to receive Refugee Medical Assistance because almost all newly arrived refugees will have income below the limit for receiving Medicaid.
Note: Ohio Medicaid is administered through several Managed Care Plans; individuals who receive Medicaid will need to pick a managed care provider that will best meet their needs.
Apply at the local county Department of Job & Family Services
Uninsured children (up to age 19) in families with income up to 206% of the federal poverty level may qualify for Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Families who gain employment may still be able to ensure their children if they do not have other insurance and remain below this income limit.
Apply at the local county Department of Job & Family Services
Persons with Disabilities
OOD’s mission is to empower individuals through employment, disability determination, and independence. They have offices and appointment centers in communities across the state with staff available to meet at a location that works best.
Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities provide assessment, service planning, and coordination to adults and children with developmental disabilities, as well as oversight and assistance to service providers.
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) has served Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals through partnerships with community entities throughout the state, often referred to as Community Centers for the Deaf.
Seniors
- Medicare
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
The Ohio Department of Aging offers resources for older Ohioans, caregivers, and professionals in the aging network.
The Social Security program in the United States provides protection against the loss of earnings due to retirement, death, or disability.
- Services to Older Refugees
Services for refugees age 60 and above including access to mainstream aging services
Providers:
Children's Health
Ohio’s county boards of developmental disabilities provide assessment, service planning, and coordination to adults and children with developmental disabilities, as well as oversight and assistance to service providers.
Mental Health
- Refugee Mental Health Initiative
Increases mental health literacy, coordinating mental health care, and organizing wellness groups
Franklin County: Community Refugee & Immigration Services
Contact: Khyri Shaffer | Email
Cuyahoga County: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
Contact: Christina Gonzalez | Email
Funds programs throughout the state on a wide variety of mental health and additional services
Ohio has a county-operated, state supervised behavioral health system made up of area behavioral health authorities, or boards. These boards plan, evaluate, and fund mental health and addiction services locally. The boards contract with a wide range of providers for prevention, treatment, and recovery support for their community members.
Dental Care
Ohio Medicaid covers dental health for both children and adults. Ohio Medicaid is administered through multiple managed care plans. In order to find dental care, visit the website for the refugee’s managed care plan.
Vision Health
Ohio Medicaid covers vision health for both children and adults. Ohio Medicaid is administered through multiple managed care plans. In order to find dental care, visit the website for the refugee’s managed care plan.
Assistance with Housing Costs
Helps residents maintain housing stability
Call 211 (24/7) to speak to a Community Resource Specialist
Housing Counseling
- HUD Housing Counseling
HUD sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country to provide free or low-cost advice.
Orientation
- Resource Specialist / Acclimation Programs
The Resource Specialist aspect of the program provides services to newly arrived refugees to increase health literacy and reduces gaps in health care. The acclimation aspect provides adjustment and support groups to promote emotional well-being. This program is administered through local resettlement agencies. You can contact them to inquire about availability of program services.
Employment
- Refugee Support Services
Administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through grant agreements with local service providers
Ohio Means Jobs offers employment-related assistance through local job centers in each county.
The Matching Grant program helps refugees and other ORR-eligible populations overcome barriers and quickly find jobs. The intent is for refugees to become economically self-sufficient through employment within 240 days and without accessing cash assistance programs.
List of local resettlement agencies currently offering the Matching Grant program
Documentation
State ID is issued through the Ohio BMV. Refugees must bring their I-94 with them to apply for a state ID.
Find locations to apply for a state ID
- Social Security Administration (SSA) Directory
Provides Social Security numbers and administers retirement, disability, survivor, and family benefits, and enrolls individuals in Medicare
Language
- Refugee Support Services
Refugee Support Services provides ELL services through providers in multiple counties throughout Ohio.
- Aspire
Ohio’s Aspire programs provide FREE services for individuals who need assistance acquiring the skills to be successful in post-secondary education, training, and employment. Local programs offer classes at flexible locations and times to meet the diverse needs of adult learners. All students are required to attend orientation during which an assessment is given to help determine the individual’s educational plan and goals.
Childcare
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) offers financial assistance to eligible parents to help them with childcare costs while they engage in work, education, or job training.
Individuals who are not proficient in English may call 1-877-302-2347, option 4, for translation services.
Early Childhood Education
Head Start provides comprehensive education, health, nutrition, dental, mental health, social services, and parent engagement opportunities to low-income, special needs and at-risk children and their families.
K-12 Education
- Ohio Department of Education
The Educational Regional Service System supports state and regional school improvement initiatives and promotes a simplified approach to regional service delivery.
Provides free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch for low-income students in K-12
- Refugee Youth Mentoring
Services to promote positive civic and social engagement and support individual educational and vocational advancement.
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (Columbus)
Immigration services through the resettlement network
Other legal services available outside of the resettlement network
Legal aid provides essential legal services to help Ohioans resolve their legal issues so they can live safer, healthier, and more financially stable lives.