Welcome to the
CJFS Benefits Connection
Community e-Newsletter
This monthly newsletter will provide helpful information whether you are trying to access services or assisting residents with navigating services and programs. The e-Newsletter will feature information on agency programs and services, community events, partnerships, and much more.
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Follow Us On Social Media
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Meet the Leadership
Kevin Gowan- Administrator
Christy Nicholls - Deputy Administrator - Medicaid
216-987-6789
Christopher Frech - Deputy Administrator - Eligibility Contact Center
216-987-7752
Paul Bounds - Deputy Administrator - Employment and Career Services
216-987-1809
Joyce Perez-Stable - Deputy Administrator - Performance, Evaluation, and Innovation
216-987-8126
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In This Issue
- Emergency SNAP Allotments To End This Month
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Reapplication No Interview Process
- Medicaid Continuous Enrolment Ending
- Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal
- Pandemic - Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) Update
- Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP)
- Questions and Answers: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Upcoming Events and Other Important Information
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Social Media Spotlight
Visit our Social Media for important
posts and community resources
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You can report changes to your benefits case online by using the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal! Check out our “how-to” guide below for help in reporting changes in income, provider, and more at http://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov
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Ohio Medicaid needs your contact information. Otherwise, you may miss important updates about your health insurance and risk losing coverage. Visit http://Benefits.ohio.gov or call 1-800-324-8680 to update your contact information today!
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Emergency SNAP Allotments to End This Month |
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is reminding Ohioans that emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) allotments provided by the federal government will end at the end of February 2023. This is due to recent changes in federal legislation. These extra monthly payments were created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in March 2023, recipients will receive only their standard monthly payment.
ODJFS continues with communicate with recipients, county agencies, and our partners such as foodbanks about this change with reminders that standard SNAP payment will resume in March. As this is a result of a federal change, there are no hearing rights or fair hearing benefits on the ending of the SNAP emergency allotments. Resources are available for those that need additional food supports.
Produce Perks – Stretch your SNAP dollars and take advantage of SNAP Produce Perks in partnership with select Dave’s Supermarkets and local Farmer Markets. To learn more visit www.produceperks.org.
Greater Cleveland Food Bank – You can find food pantries, mobile pantries, and hot meal sites near you by calling the Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s Help Center at 216-738-2067 or using the “Find Food Near Me” online tool at www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/get-help/find-food
United Way 2-1-1 – You can call the United Way Help Center at 2-1-1 for resources and information for food, clothing, housing, health care and more. The line is open 24 hours every day.
The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) – the NEOCH publishes a street card with resource information on meal sites, housing, counseling, and more. To view the current card, visit neoch.org/street-card.
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SNAP Reapplication No Interview Paper Process |
The SNAP Reapplication Interview is being waived from March of 2023 through February 2024. Ohio was approved for this waiver for SNAP by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).
Reapplication still needs to be completed, it will be a paper process, no phone interview is necessary!
Updated Procedures
Effective March 1, 2023 – February 29,2024, Cuyahoga Job and Family Services opted to not conduct an interview at reapplication prior to approving SNAP benefits, provided the following are met:
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A JFS 07204 “Request to Reapply for Cash Assistance, SNAP and/or Child Care” form (or equivalent in the Ohio Benefits Self-Service portal) has been received.
- The applicant’s identity has been verified.
- All other mandatory verifications have been completed.
- Reapplications conducted through telephonic applications will still require an interview because of the nature of what is needed to be captured during a telephonic signature.
This waiver applies to both SNAP and Ohio Works First. The JFS 07204 form will look differently and will be a comprehensive form. Customers who are due for a reapplication interview will not receive a SNAP Reapplication Interview appointment in the mail.
- On the JFS 07204 Reapplication form, pages 5 through 9 are very important.
- SNAP recipients must complete and sign the form and provide any verifications for steps 3 – household resources, 4 – household income, and 5 – household expenses.
- ·To submit the completed form and verifications to the agency please use one of the following methods:
- Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal: benefits.ohio.gov
- Email: CJFSDocs@jfs.ohio.gov
- Fax: 216-987-8487
- Mail: 1641 Payne Ave., Cleveland, OH, 44114
- Safe and Secure Drop Box at a Neighborhood Family Service Center
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Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Ending
The continuous coverage requirement for Medicaid, which was established in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in March 2020, is set to expire 3/31/2023. Under the continuous coverage requirement, individuals who were enrolled in Ohio Medicaid on March 18, 2020, or who became enrolled while the continuous coverage requirement was in effect, were not permitted to be disenrolled from the program, unless the individual voluntarily requested the discontinuance of Medicaid coverage, was no longer a resident of Ohio, or became deceased.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023 (CAA 2023), enacted 12/29/2022, de-linked the continuous coverage requirement from the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). While the PHE currently continues, the end of the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement is now set.
Cuyahoga Job and Family Services will begin return to routine operations processing for Medicaid cases beginning April 1, 2023. The agency will begin the routine monthly renewal process of case processing for Individuals who are no longer eligible. May 1st will be the first time that individuals may lose benefits. This will be for the individuals whose renewals are due in April 2023. What you need to know:
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March 1st - Medicaid Renewal packets are mailed to customers who were not automatically renewed
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Reminder notices are mailed to customers who have not returned the Medicaid Renewal packet encouraging them to do so
- Customers receive robocalls encouraging them to complete the renewal process
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March 31st - Medicaid Renewal packets are due
- Cases whose Medicaid Renewal has not been completed will have their cases automatically closed
- Notices of Action are mailed to customers letting them know benefits will be discontinued
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Customers whose coverage will be terminated will receive robocalls letting them know coverage will be ending
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May 1st – Medicaid coverage is terminated if Medicaid benefits are not renewed.
In preparation for the return to routine procedures, we are asking that individuals ensure that their addresses are correct.
If an individual needs to update their address, we recommend that they:
• Call the Medicaid Consumer Hotline at (800) 324-8680
• Update their address on the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal
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Ohio Benefits Self - Service Portal
Customers may log into their Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (OBSSP) account to apply for Public Benefits, make changes to their case, submit verifications, and get case information. If verifications are needed during an interview and the customer has an OBSSP account, they can upload verifications during the call that will be available to see by the worker during that call. The OBSSP underwent some changes and has new updates for customers. Updates continue to focus on creating a more streamlined and user-friendly experience for families in Ohio. If you or your customers are having trouble navigating the SSP, these How-to Videos can help them with common issues:
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Pandemic - Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Update |
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The Pandemic – Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) Program will provide funds to buy food for kids who normally qualify for free or reduced-price school meals when:
The child's school has been closed, operating with remote learning, operating with reduced hours, or has at least one student sick with COVID-19 or quarantined for at least five consecutive days at some point during the school year, AND
The child did not receive free or reduced-price meals at school because the child was quarantined or ill due to COVID-19 or impacted by a school closure or schedule adjustment related to COVID-19.
Qualifying students will receive $8.18 for each day they do not receive free or reduced-price school meals. To learn more, visit FAQs.
The P-EBT Program will also provide additional funds retroactively to buy food for kids who are under 6 in a SNAP household and were not eligible for school-year P-EBT through a K-12 school.
Each eligible child will receive up to $122 for August 2022 through December 2022 by the end of June 2022, depending on whether they were eligible every month.
Benefits for eligible children for January through May 2023 will be issued after data becomes available. Benefits will be issued directly on existing Ohio Direction Cards.
To learn more, visit FAQs.
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Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program |
1. In-school: attending school, including secondary and postsecondary, not younger than 14 or older than 21
o Note at this time In-school services are limited to two specific programs
§ LEAP serving youth with disabilities at two high schools
§ Tri-C Youth Technology Academy serving high school students obtaining college credits
2. Out of School: not attending any school, not younger than 16 or older than 24 Individuals that are referred to participate in CCMEP have a comprehensive assessment completed to determine education and skills levels, job readiness, barriers to self-sufficiency, individual strengths, and services that would be necessary for the individual to succeed. Depending on the individual’s needs, the following services are available:
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Comprehensive guidance and counseling
- Alternative secondary school services or Dropout recovery services
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Education and workforce preparation activities
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Entrepreneurial skills training
- Financial literacy education
- Career counseling with labor market and employment information
- Leadership development opportunities
- Mentoring
- Occupational skills training
- Tutoring or study skills training
- Preparation for post-secondary education and training
- Paid and unpaid work experiences
- Supportive services, including access to drug and alcohol abuse counseling, health care, transportation, childcare, housing, uniforms and work-related tools, educational testing, and reasonable accommodations for youth with disabilities
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File Your Taxes for Free and Keep Your Full Refund
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Do you want to maximize your tax credits and keep your full tax refund? If so, the Cuyahoga EITC Coalition can help! Individuals and families earning less than $60,000 a year, qualify for free tax preparation services. There is no catch. You can file for free and keep your full refund.
The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Since 2005, we have been helping hardworking families and individuals in Cuyahoga County make use of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a tax credit that may give you money back at tax time or lower the federal taxes you owe. The main requirement is that you must earn money from a job.
Tax sites are available throughout Cuyahoga County for easy accessibility. Translation services are also available in Spanish, Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Arabic, and American Sign Language. To learn more or schedule an appointment, visit Refundohio.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Return to Routine Processes |
Each month the Frequently Asked Questions section will feature a specific topic.
Q: I received a letter stating that my Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) supplements would be ending is this correct?
A: Yes, the last month of emergency allotments is February 2023. Beginning in March 2023, customers will receive their standard SNAP allotment. The standard benefit is the first SNAP amount families and individuals receive each month.
Q: I am upset that my supplements are stopping. I can file a state hearing to not lose my benefits, right?
A: SNAP is a federal program and due to this being a federal law change, there are no fair hearing rights or fair hearing benefits on the ending of the SNAP emergency allotments.
Q: My elderly mother will really struggle with the loss of the SNAP supplements. Are there any resources available to assist her?
A: Cuyahoga County has resources available to help those who may need access to additional food. Produce Perks is a program that helps to stretch your SNAP benefit. Produce Perks Midwest is a program that makes fruits & vegetables affordable for ALL by doubling the value of SNAP benefits. Cuyahoga Division of Senior and Adult services have a program called Options for Independent Living which is a flexible, affordable program that provides assistance to Cuyahoga County residents 60 years and over -- or ages 18-59 and disabled -- who live in their own home, have limited income and are in need of assistance. Cuyahoga County has a variety of food pantries, and meal sites for those in need. You can call United Way 211 for food resources in your area. You can also call the Greater Cleveland Food Bank (GCFB) Help Center at 216-738-2067 or by using the GCFB’s “Find Food Near Me” online tool at www.greaterclevelandfoodbank.org/get-help/find-food.
Q: I received a Medical Renewal packet in the mail and have misplaced it. How can I get another form to renew my benefits?
A: The fastest way to get another form is to log into your Ohio Benefits Self-Service portal account or create one if you do not have one and complete the renewal online. You will also be able to upload verifications at the same time.
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Let's Talk Cuyahoga - Special -Inauguration
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Let’s Talk Cuyahoga is a podcast that takes a deeper dive into County initiatives and the people who work to make it all happen. Subscribe now wherever you get your podcasts.
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CJFS Virtual Medicaid Resuming Routine Operations Information Sessions |
Cuyahoga Job and Family Services is hosting Medicaid Return to Routine Operations Information Sessions. In our effort to continue to provide you with important updates regarding Medicaid services, we are hosting these sessions virtually.
Please join us as we discuss returning to normal operations along with policy updates. We will also discuss continuous Medicaid Coverage ending. To register, please see the attached flyer.
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Upcoming: Long - Term Care Forum |
Community Partners Join CJFS for a virtual long - term care forum March 14. Where we will discuss returning to normal processing, Medicaid updates, and Long - Term Care Updates.
Registration Information Coming Soon.
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Interested in Having CJFS Provide Training to Your Organization |
The Department of Health and Human Services makes every effort to inform and educate the public about various programs and services offered, as well as how residents and professionals can help protect our most vulnerable individuals from abuse and neglect. Topics covered can range from work supports, accessing benefits for older adults or non-citizens. HHS employees may attend meetings or events for your company or organization and offer presentations, informational materials, and free training for certain professionals. If you are interested in being added to our email list, contact us at Community_outreach@jfs.ohio.gov.
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Help CJFS learn about our subscribers and the type of information you would like to see in the newsletter. |
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CJFS promotes economic self-sufficiency and personal responsibility for families and individuals by providing access to jobs, benefits, and community services. Staff determine eligibility for a range of quality services that include Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC), Child Care Assistance, and Workforce Programs, in accordance with Federal, State, and County regulations. |
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This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/cr/fns-nondiscrimination-statement. Cuyahoga Job and Family Services provides access to an interpreter at no charge to customers who are limited – English proficient and individuals with impaired vision and/or hearing.
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