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Could I be Eligible for Benefits?

The Ohio Benefit Bank is an Internet-based service that enables Ohioans to access a suite of applications that are administered through multiple agencies and organizations. By funneling many applications through one process, The Ohio Benefit Bank makes the application process simpler for those in need.

The Ohio Benefit Bank service is meant to ease the application process. However, it is the responsibility of the agency that administers each program to determine if an individual or family is eligible for assistance through their program(s). 

For many of the programs supported by The Ohio Benefit Bank, certain income guidelines must be met. Other programs have income guidelines as well as resource guidelines that must be met. Ohioans are encouraged to apply for the help that they need. 

Complete Quick Check  https://secure.thebenefitbank.org/ums?task=quick_check to see if you may be eligible. 

How do I apply for benefit programs?

There are many ways to apply for all of the benefit programs that are supported through The Ohio Benefit Bank.

 Ohio Benefit Bank Self-Serve

Ohioans now have the ability to complete all applications that are supported by The Ohio Benefit Bank on their own from any computer that has internet access. To make the process smooth and seamless, the proper steps to follow when completing applications through Ohio Benefit Bank Self-Serve are:

  1. Have an available and active email account where information can be sent, including client username and password. If you do not have an email account, click here to create a free email account today!
  2. Complete The Benefit Bank QuickCheck, which will estimate the likelihood that you or your family may be eligible to receive benefits. The QuickCheck results are based on a star guided system; the more gold stars that appear, the more likely you are to be eligible. (If you feel you may be eligible regardless of the number of stars that appear in gold, please complete an application.)
  3. Begin completing application(s) through The Ohio Benefit Bank Self-Serve.
    • Most applications can be electronically submitted to the agency that administers the program.
    • All other applications will need to be printed and mailed or walked into the administering agency.
    • The Ohio Benefit Bank Self-Serve will guide you through the submission process.
  4. Receive follow-up from relevant agencies regarding application(s) that have been submitted using The Ohio Benefit Bank Self-Serve.
    • Make sure to open any mail that you receive in the weeks following the submission of  your application.
  5. If at any time you have questions or need additional help while completing any of the applications, please call   The Ohio Benefit Bank at 1-800-648-1176 for assistance or click here  https://selfserve.thebenefitbank.org/ums?task=login&nav=home&location=

Ohio Benefit Bank Counselor Assisted Services
For many Ohioans, this may be the first time there has been a need to apply for help, which can be confusing and overwhelming. Trained Ohio Benefit Bank counselors are available throughout Ohio to help those  in need with completing applications and filing taxes where they live, work, play, and pray. Trained counselors will walk you through the process of completing an application, help you understand which documents are necessary when applying for programs and help navigate you through the follow-up instructions when necessary.
To find a trained counselor where you live, work, play, or pray call 1-800-648-1176 or click here https://secure.thebenefitbank.org/ums?task=locator to visit the Benefit Bank Locator!

Visit Your Local Office
The Ohio Benefit Bank is seen as a means to assist each agency that determines eligibility for the programs that they administer. At any time, Ohioans are welcome to visit their County Department of Job and Family Services, their local Health Department or any other agency that determines eligibility for programs that are supported through The Ohio Benefit Bank software.
To contact your County Department of Job and Family Services click here! http://jfs.ohio.gov/County/cntydir.stm
 To contact the Ohio Department of Development regarding a HEAP application call 1-800-282-0880 or click here! http://www.development.ohio.gov/community/ocs/heap.htm
If your utilities are already disconnected or you have a disconnect notice you must contact your local Community Action Agency to make an appointment for Emergency HEAP. DO NOT USE THE OHIO BENEFIT BANK FOR HEAP IN THIS SITUATION.