IMPORTANT NOTICES
Fraud Alert: Complaints Regarding 866 or 844 Numbers
The State Fraud Control Section has been made aware of complaints regarding calls made to our SNAP clients from 866 or 844 toll-free numbers shortly after making application or a change to their case. The perpetrator will ask for money in exchange to have their SNAP case processed in 1 or 2 days.
A new way to protect SNAP benefits! Let’s get the message out to clients.
To assist Ohioans in securing their SNAP benefits, a new card lock feature became available on July 1, 2023 in the ConnectEBT mobile app. The card lock feature allows the cardholder to lock their card when not in use. Cardholder should consider setting their card to a locked status until they are actively making a purchase with the EBT card. Once the purchase is successful the cardholder can then lock their card again using the ConnectEBT mobile app.
Additionally, ODJFS is working to implement card activity alerts in the ConnectEBT mobile app. These alerts are planned to be available in the fall of 2023 and will notify the card holder when their card has been used to make a purchase, receive a refund for a return, PIN changes and deposits. ODJFS will share additional information regarding this feature as the implementation date approaches.
Looking to apply for unemployment benefits? You can file online at https://unemployment.ohio.gov/ 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you don’t have a computer or internet access, you can apply by phone by calling 1- 877-644-6562 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
ODJFS Creates New Hotline for Victims of Unemployment Identity Theft |
COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has established a new toll-free number for individuals to notify the agency if they believe their personal information was compromised and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim: (833) 658-0394. This number is staffed by 50 dedicated, cross-trained customer service representatives, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. One way victims have been discovering identity theft is by receiving an IRS 1099-G form for unemployment benefits that were never received. The phone number complements a secure online portal ODJFS established last month to provide a direct way for victims to report identity theft. Individuals who believe their identity was stolen and used to file a fraudulent unemployment claim can visit unemployment.ohio.gov, click on the “Report Identity Theft” button and follow the guidance for individuals. This includes three steps: 1. Complete the reporting form, 2. File your taxes with IRS guidance, and 3. Protect your identity. Identity theft is a widespread national challenge. Many Ohioans have become victims, and their identities used to file fraudulent unemployment claims in both the traditional unemployment and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance programs. Last month, ODJFS issued 1.7 million 1099-G tax forms to individuals in whose names unemployment benefits were paid in 2020. Many of those individuals were never paid unemployment benefits and did not know their identity had been compromised until they received a 1099-G form |
Looking for a job? Or looking to post a job opening? There are over 40,000 job postings on the JobSearch.Ohio.Gov website from 642 unique companies. We encourage individuals or employers to visit the website and apply for a position or post their job opportunities.
Looking for help with rent, mortgage, or water bills? The new Home Relief Grant program offers assistance to Ohioans who are behind on their rent, mortgage, and/or water bills. Local Community Action Agencies received the funding for this program to distribute to eligible tenants and homeowners through an application process. Eligibility is limited to residents at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and Community Action Agencies will start accepting applications for assistance on November 2, 2020. Those seeking assistance should contact their local Community Action Agency. You can find a list of local Community Action Agencies here: https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/home-relief-grant.html
For more information, check out this fact sheet about the Home Relief Grant program here: https://businesshelp.ohio.gov/pdf/10232020-home-relief-grant.pdf
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Public Assistance Programs: To apply for, renew or update cash, food, medical or child care assistance, call 1-844-640-6446 or click to apply at www.benefits.ohio.gov. You can drop off documents in the drop box located at the main entrance on Fourth Street. (Please do not leave cash or checks in this box).
You can drop off documents to the drop box located at the main entrance on Fourth Street. (Please do NOT leave cash or checks in this box).
Child Support Enforcement: Customers may request services by calling the agency or visiting our website (forms available). Customers may also access the Ohio Child Support Customer Service Portal Web Portal to view and print payment information, and message a caseworker. You can make child support payments by credit/debit card at https://oh.smartchildsupport.com or by calling 1-888-965-2676. You can also send payments to Ohio CSPC, P.O. Box 182372, Columbus, OH 43218-2372, please make sure to include Case Name, Social Security Number, Case and Order Number.
Protective Services: Normal business hours, Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and emergent on-call services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have questions about your case, please contact your caseworker by phone or email.
To report child abuse or neglect, call 419-282-5001 or call 911 in Emergencies.
Workforce and OhioMeansJobs Services: The OMJ resource room is open to the public. No appointment necessary. Call us to learn about our employment assistance services, 419-282-5000. See the LOCAL JOBS button on our main page. If you have internet access, search for jobs at www.ohiomeansjobs.com .
ASHLAND COUNTY PUBLIC WIFI HOTSPOTS: Ashland County Fairgrounds, Corner Park (W. Main St. & Claremont Ave.), Brookside Park Main Ball Diamond, Brookside Bandshell, Nankin (between church & ball field), Kendig Park in Hayesville, Ashland Public Library.
OF JOB & FAMILY SERVICES
15 West 4th Street
Ashland, OH 44805
Register to Vote
Mon. - Fri. 7:30 AM-4:30 PM
Sat. & Sun. Closed
Main Line: (419) 282-5000
Toll Free: (800) 589-8141
Fax: (419) 282-5010
(419) 282-5001
(419) 282-5002
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Information contained on the Ashland County Department of Job and Family Services (ACDJFS) website is believed to be accurate however ACDJFS does not guarantee the accuracy of such information and disclaims any liability for any errors or omissions. ACDJFS shall not be liable for any losses caused by such reliance on the accuracy or timeliness of such information, including, but not limited to, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use this website.