Job & Family Services

Public Assistance

To apply for assistance Call 844-640-6446 or visit benefits.ohio.gov.

Call Center Hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Closed for In-Service Days, the last Tuesday of each month, and Holidays.

Office Hours

Monday – Friday
7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Closed Holidays

Administrator

Carla Poland
Phone:
(740) 397-7177
Fax:
(740) 392-8882
The Public Assistance Unit of the Knox County Department of Job & Family Services provides medical and cash assistance. Cash assistance can be granted on a monthly basis to families caring for their own children, or others, in the form of Ohio Works First. Medical assistance, in the form of Medicaid, can be granted to the population including families, children, pregnant women, elderly and the disabled. Applications for benefits can be received by mail or by an individual coming to the agency. The application process takes up to a maximum of 30 days to determine eligibility from the date of application. Any individual unable to file and complete the application process can appoint an authorized representative to stand in his or her place. The following is a brief description of the programs administered by this unit:
Ohio Works First is a temporary federally-financed program for parents or caretaker relatives caring for children in their home, up to age 18. The program is available for a maximum of 36 months for the head of the household or the spouse of the head of household and requires the adults in the assistance group to work toward self-sufficiency. Sanctions are imposed for adults who fail to work toward their self-sufficiency goals. Eligibility for Ohio Works First is determined by considering the monthly income of the family, living arrangements, and residence; resources are exempted. Ohio Works First assistance groups who report an absent parent must comply with the Child Support Unit in order to avoid a sanction from the program. Individuals or families in receipt of Ohio Works First are also in receipt of Medicaid. Applications can be filed at the Department of Job & Family Services in person or can be mailed to the agency. A face-to-face interview is required by an adult member of the household or an authorized representative.
The Food Stamp Program is a program designed to raise the level of nutrition, and to safeguard the health and well-being of a low-income family. Eligibility for the program is based on the income available to the family, as well as shelter expenses billed to the household, monthly medical expenses and resources. Benefits are issued on a monthly basis with the family being issued the EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card. This card is an off-line card and is to be used by the household when purchasing food.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or political beliefs.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Disability Assistance is both a financial and medical card program primarily for people age 60 or older and individuals who are temporarily disabled, as decided by the State. Income and resources that an individual has are counted when determining eligibility. The goal of this program is to identify and assist individuals with the application process through Social Security and become eligible to receive S.S.I.
Covered Families and Children Medical is a federal and state financed medical program which provides Medicaid coverage for low-income families, children, and pregnant women who meet eligibility criteria. The application and re-application processes can be completed without a face-to-face interview. Documents must be provided to verify income, any third party insurance available to any household member, and pregnancy. Coverage includes inpatient and out-patient services; dental, optical, physician, podiatry, mental health, chiropractic, alcohol and drug, and psychological services; prescriptions; nursing home and waiver services. The medical card is issued on a monthly basis. Pregnancy Related Services is available to all pregnant individuals on Medicaid. This service enhances the medical services received from medical providers. The Healthchek Program is a diagnosis and treatment program for individuals on Medicaid up to age 21. The focus of the program is to help all children get and stay healthy.
Medicaid for the elderly or disabled can be provided through nursing home care or the Ohio Home Care Program. An individual may qualify for nursing home care who has a minimum level of care required in order to meet daily medical needs. The Ohio Home Care Program addresses specific home care needs of an individual who requires personal and medical assistance for daily living. These services are contracted out to home health agencies who will meet the needs of the individual as determined by the Ohio Home Care Program. A resource assessment is completed at the time of application for Medicaid for an individual entering a nursing home with a spouse living in the community.
Qualified Medicare Beneficiary is a Medicaid program which assists individuals who are disabled or 65 or older and get Medicare by paying the individual’s Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Special Limits Medicare Beneficiary Program pays Medicare Part B premium only. Qualified Individual II pays the home health care part of Medicare Part B premium only. Application for these programs can be done through the mail. No face-to-face interview is required.

Job & Family Services

117 East High Street, 3rd & 4th Floors
Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050
Phone: (740) 397-7177
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed weekends and holidays

Scott Boone

Director

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