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Food Assistance helps families stretch their food budgets to buy healthy food. The program is designed to increase nutritional levels and safeguard the health and well-being of  all eligible individuals. Benefits are distributed on a “Ohio Direction Card” which can be used like a debit card at the grocery store.

Healthy people under 60 are required participate in Food Assistance Employment and Training (FAET) while receiving food assistance to help them gain work experience and move toward self-sufficiency.

Ultimately, food assistance helps families meet their basic needs while adults work toward financial stability. Food Assistance (formerly known as the food stamp program) is known nationally as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Ohio Works First, also known as cash assistance or Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), is temporary assistance available to families to help pay for immediate needs while the adults of the family prepare and search for jobs. Ohio Works First is a work program. Families receive assistance by spending a minimum of 20 to 35 hours per week (depending on circumstances) working, in school, or in some cases, assigned  at a location that will help them gain work experience for the future. Adults will work closely with their STEPS case manager to remove any remaining barriers to finding employment.

Benefits are distributed through the EPPI card, which can be used like a debit card, or through direct deposit into the individual’s bank account. Families may be eligible for the program for up to 36 months, which may be non-consecutive. Ultimately, Ohio Works First allows families to work toward financial stability.

Medicaid (medical assistance) provides health care coverage to families who may not otherwise have access to health care. The program is designed to safeguard the health and well-being of of all eligible individuals, particularly children, pregnant women, elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those that are residing in a Long-Term Care Facility  and/or In-Home Waiver Care.

Medicaid programs include Healthy Start; Healthy Families; Health chek; Pregnancy-related services; and Aged, Blind and Disabled among others. Individuals who receive Medicare, but whose income is too high to qualify for Medicaid, may be eligible for the Medicare Premium Assistance Program.