How to Apply for Assistance

Applying for Cash, Food, Medical, and Child Care assistance through Montgomery County requires several steps. The information on this page is designed to ensure your application is processed as quickly as possible.

Step 1: Submit An Application
Self Service PortalThe Self-Service Portal

The Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal (SSP) serves as a one-stop online shop where families can easily manage Cash, Food, Medical, and Child Care benefits. Enhanced features allow users to apply for benefits, upload documents, view application status, report changes, and access services from a mobile device.

Dayton Metro Library

Looking for Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal assistance in your neighborhood? Visit one of Dayton Metro Library's 18 locations!

Set up an account, reset a password, submit forms and more! Staff are on-site to walk you through the portal and answer general questions.

Visit the Family Assistance Resource Room

The Resource Room at the Job Center provides access to 10 computers and six phones to assist customers with their benefits. Staff are also available to answer questions about the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal.

It's located through the blue doors at 1111 S Edwin C. Moses Boulevard in Dayton. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

By Phone

Call the Ohio Benefits line at 844-640-6446. 

If you require additional assistance applying, you can see the other ways to Contact Us.

Step 2: Gather Verification Documents

You will be required to submit a number of verification documents when applying for assistance. In general, we will need to verify who is in the household, all household income, and basic information such as Social Security Number(s) and birth certificate(s).

You can get a printable flyer with a list of accepted documents (PDF).

Please write your name and case number or social security number on all verification documents.

Step 3: Assistance Interview

Once you have submitted a completed, signed and dated application you will be scheduled for an initial interview to determine your eligibility. You will receive a call and a letter informing you of your interview time and date. You should be prepared to provide verification documents during the interview.

Interviews are typically scheduled within 10 days after the application is submitted. Most interviews are completed over the phone and can take up to 90 minutes to complete. If you are required to participate in a work assignment, you may be asked to complete an additional interview.

Your caseworker will be able to answer any questions about the application process during your interview.

Step 4: Submit Any Additional Verification Documents

Your caseworker will give you a checklist of any additional verification documents needed. The sooner you return those documents, the sooner your case will be completed. Your name and case number or social security number should be on all documents.

Online

You can upload verification documents through the Self-Service Portal on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

By Email

Email verification documents

Application-Only Fax Line

937-496-3306 - Ohio Works First (cash assistance), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food assistance), Medicaid, and Child Care applications can all be faxed to this number. No materials other than applications should be faxed to this number.

Deliver In-Person After Hours

Drop Box Location

You can place your signed application and verification documents after hours in the drop box located outside of the Family Assistance doors at The Job Center. The drop box is locked during normal business hours. Documents left after 5 pm on Friday will be picked up at 7:30 am Monday. The drop box is available 24 hours a day during the weekend and on holidays. It's not for child support documents.