How to Get Food Stamps in Medina Ohio
With the current economic downturn, many individuals and families are struggling to meet basic needs. The federal government offers a food assistance program--previously known as the food stamps program--that in 2008 was renamed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Each state manages the SNAP program differently. While the process is not complicated, it does require a fair amount of paperwork.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Request for Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance form
- Income verification
- Other financial documentation
Instructions
-
-
1
Use the SNAP pre-screening eligibility tool to determine if you are likely to qualify for food assistance. This is not an application, but it will give you a better idea of whether it will be worthwhile for you to complete an application.
-
2
Complete the application "Request for Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance" available from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. It can also be downloaded and printed.
-
-
3
Submit this application to:
Medina County Department of Job and Family Services
232 Northland Drive
Medina, Ohio 44256
Phone: 330-722-9300
Fax:330-722-3383The office is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
-
4
Complete a face-to-face interview. You can schedule this interview once you've submitted your application. This requirement can be waived in certain extenuating circumstances, such as not having transportation.
-
5
Provide the necessary verification. You will need to provide proof of identity and your social security number in addition to providing documentation of your income through tax records and pay stubs. You will also need to document household expenses such as utility and housing costs, child support payments, and medical expenses for those with disabilities or over age 60.
-
6
Wait for your application review and approval. Once you have submitted all of the necessary paperwork, the government worker should be able tell you if you qualify. It will still take an additional week or two--sometimes longer--for the application to be processed and for you to receive your benefit card.
-
7
Receive your electronic benefit transfer card called the Ohio Direction card in the mail. In the past, food stamps were actual stamps or coupons redeemable for food goods. This is no longer the case and now food assistance recipients are provided with an EBT or electronic benefit card. Money is credited each month and you can use it like a debit card, though only to purchase food items.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Once you are approved and receive your benefits, you must recertify every three months to retain benefits. This requires submitting current proof of income and noting any changes in circumstances.
