Latest News & Updates from LCDJFS and CSEA
Self Service Portal Updates:
The Self Service Portal to apply and check on eligibility for SNAP/TANF/Medicaid/Childcare assistance, has undergone a major upgrade. New features include the following:
- The Portal is now mobile device friendly.
- Users can provide verifications by uploading a photo of the document.
- Enhanced password reset functionality.
If a Portal user sees distorted screens after logging in, please have the user clear their browser cache and log back in. Users can typically clear their cache in the browser settings area of their chosen web browser. The Ohio Benefits Help Desk can be reached at (866) 846-4528 if a portal user encounters any issues.
Click the following link for the: Self Service Portal
SNAP/TANF Interviews:
All SNAP/TANF interviews are being conducted by telephone. If a special circumstance requires accomodations, please contact us for a scheduled appointment at 1-844-640-6446.
Call Center:
Please note, some call center prompts/options have changed. You can view the reference guide by clicking Call Center (lcdjfs.com).
- Phone hours to apply or renew benefits WITHOUT a scheduled appointment are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Phone hours to apply or renew benefits WITH a scheduled appointment are between 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Lobby hours to drop off verifications or pick up forms are between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Higher than normal call volumes may be experienced on Mondays and any day after a federal holiday.
- To avoid the long wait, when given the option for a call back, please take advantage of it. You will be called back when it is your turn. When calling at the end of the day, the call back may carry over to the next morning starting at 8:00 a.m.
***Hours for the call center are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (844-640-6446).
Case Profile Printouts:
The front desk can no longer provide case profile printouts for WIC, HEAP, Community Action, and/or Section-8/LMHA.
In order to obtain a case profile, you must set up online access to your account by following the directions below.
- Set up online access to your case through the Self Service Portal.
- On the "Home" screen, select the "Review Benefits" tab. Print this page. It shows your current and future benefit issuance history.
- On the "Review Benefits" screen, select "Click Here For History" for each individual benefit to get up to 12 months of benefit issuance history.
- Return to the "Home' screen and select the "Review Case Information" tab. This page lists the people on your case, their dates of birth, and the benefits your household receives. Print this page.
- On the "Report a Change" tab, indicate whether or not you would like to register to vote and submit your answer. Then, select the appropriate computer option from the drop-down box and hit the submit button. This takes you to a "Case Summary" page. Print this page.
Submitting Verifications:
ACCESS OUR SERVICES FROM HOME:
FRAUD ALERT: OHFA WARNS OHIOANS ABOUT A HOUSING VOUCHER SCAM
COLUMBUS, OH - The Ohio Housing Finance Agency wants to warn Ohioans of a Housing Voucher scam. A fraudulent Facebook page, Ohio Housing Development Authority, is promoting a waiting list for Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs.
The fraudulent Facebook page uses the Ohio Housing Finance Agency's logo, and the flier references its offices as well as a website to register for housing vouchers. The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not administer housing vouchers. Ohioans that need to apply for housing vouchers should contact their local public housing authority.
"We want Ohioans to be aware that the Ohio Housing Development Authority is not associated with the state of Ohio. It is promoting fraudulent information regarding Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Ohioans should disregard any information they have received from this organization," said Penny Martin, director of public affairs for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. "The Ohio Housing Finance Agency does not issue Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. Ohioans that need a housing voucher should contact their local public housing authority."
Ohioans that may have been a victim of fraud should take action to secure their personal information. Recommendations on next steps can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's website. You also can report scams on their website here.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides financing for the development of low- to moderate-income housing as well as discounted mortgage rates and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers. To learn more about the Ohio Housing Finance Agency and its programs, visit ohiohome.org.
New Program Information:
Drop Boxes
Drop boxes are available 24/7 for verification drop off. There is one drop box outside of Job & Family Services entrance to the main lobby facing the parking lot for easier access. Please use this box when dropping off SNAP/TANF and Medicaid verifications (dark grey).
There is also a drop box outside the Child Support Enforcement Agency by the lobby door. Please use this box for All CSEA related documents. (light grey).
State Hearings SHARE Portal:
The Bureau of State Hearings has redesigned and deployed the SHARE (STATE Hearings Access to Records Electronically) Portal. Clients are able to log in to the SHARE site using their Ohio Benefis Self-Service Portal login and password. The Portal will provide access for appellants and authorized representatives to review state hearing records, request a hearing, upload a document, request a reschedule, or withdraw a hearing. To access the Portal, please click here. To watch a video on how to use the Portal, please click here.
LCCAA HEAP Updates: Utility help through LCCAA HEAP. New satellite offices are being opened up throughout Lorain County. Check the following link for locations, dates, and times: LCCA
EBT Card Issuance: If you have had an EBT card in the past, you will not receive a new one when new benefits are authorized. You will need to call for a replacement if you no longer have the card. For the Ohio Direction card hotline for SNAP benefits, call 1-866-386-3071. For the Ohio EPPICard hotline for Cash Assistance benefits, call 1-866-320-8822.
Online Voter Registration:
Ohio residents are now able to register to vote online! The Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration (OLVR) system allows an applicant to securely and efficiently submit a voter registration application online to the Secretary of State's Office. In order to use OLVR, an applicant must have a valid Ohio driver's license or state identification card. The following information will be requested to complete the online voter registration and must match the applicant's BMV information:
-
Applicant's name
-
Address
-
Date of Birth
-
Last four digits of applicant's Social Security number
-
Ohio driver's license or state identification number
-
Consent for the Ohio Secretary of State's Office to obtain applicant's signature
Simply click on this link to register.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
The Stocker Foundation presents Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. This program is a 60 volume set of books beginning with the children's classic The Little Engine That Could. Each month a new book will be mailed in your child's name at no cost to the family. See the attached flyer for more information. Flyer also available in Spanish.
Interim Report
Interim reports can be completed online!
-
Submitting required forms online is the best way to provide documents to LCJFS
-
It's more convenient for you, and it cuts down on lobby traffic
-
Click hereto access your case online and submit your interim report
2025 Holidays / Agency Closed Dates
|
Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
January 20 |
|
Presidents' Day |
February 17 |
|
Memorial Day |
May 26 |
|
Juneteenth observed |
June 19 |
|
Independence Day |
July 4 |
|
Labor Day |
September 1 |
|
Indigenous Peoples Day |
October 13 |
|
Veterans Day |
November 11 |
|
Thanksgiving |
November 27th and 28th |
|
Christmas Eve and Christmas observed New Year's Eve |
December 24 & 25 December 31st |