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Job & Family Services

We, the staff of the Erie County Department of Job and Family Services, are dedicated to serving our community by providing services that enhance the quality of family life. We value and depend on our partnership with other agencies and private citizens. We advocate self sufficiency in an environment that promotes professionalism and values diversity.

Any comments should be sent to: [email protected]

With precautions being put into place for COVID19, please utilize the email [email protected] to send all necessary documents (food stamp, medical, cash assistance, child support, etc.) to your caseworker. This mailbox is monitored and documents will be passed along timely to the appropriate caseworker.  To use the self service portals, please click one of the links below to be redirected to the appropriate site: 

Self Service Portal for Foodstamps, Medical, and Cash

Child Support Web Portal 


 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 26, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tom Betti: 614-728-9645
 [email protected]
 
 Bill Teets: 614-403-2331
 [email protected]
 

SNAP recipients urged to protect their benefits

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder is urging Ohioans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to act now to protect those benefits. The warning comes as SNAP recipients across the country continue to fall victim to fraud schemes such as skimming.
“Criminals continue to prey on vulnerable Ohioans who rely on these benefits to supplement their monthly grocery costs,” Damschroder said. “Fortunately, we do have tools such as the ConnectEBT app and its “Lock Everywhere” feature to help Ohioans avoid becoming victims.”
Criminals use a process called skimming to steal EBT card numbers. This is when a fraudulent device is placed over a point-of-sale card reader to steal payment card information. When a recipient swipes their card over a compromised device, they are unsuspectingly sharing their card information with criminals.
SNAP is a federal food assistance program of the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) that is overseen in Ohio by ODJFS and administered by county departments of Job and Family Services. A federal program currently authorized by congress allows recipients whose funds have been stolen since Oct. 1, 2022, to apply for replacement benefits.
SNAP recipients are encouraged to take some simple steps to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim:
  • Manage your benefits through the secure ConnectEBT app on your mobile phone or tablet. Through the app’s card lock features, users can: 
    • Block in-person transactions at out-of-state retail locations.
    • Enable a feature that requires users to unlock their EBT prior to making any purchases, including in-state.
  • Create a PIN for your card that is unique and difficult to guess.
  • Change your PIN monthly, before each scheduled deposit.
  • Never share your card number or PIN. ODJFS will never ask for these numbers.
  • Carefully examine point-of-sale card readers before using them to check for skimming devices.
  • When using your card, cover the keypad with your body or hand to stop others from seeing your PIN.
ODJFS uses a variety of methods to detect potential fraud, including suspicious activity and identifying point-of-sale terminals where skimming or criminal transactions may be taking place. ODJFS shares that information with the Ohio Investigative Unit, local law enforcement, and FNS.
EBT cardholders can reduce their risk by following these tips on avoiding skimmer devices:
  • Do not use the card reader if you notice anything unusual.
  • Pull at the edges of the keypad before swiping your EBT card to ensure there is nothing over the reader.
  • Notify store staff if you notice anything suspicious with the card reader.
Currently, individuals who have had their SNAP benefits stolen electronically can seek reimbursement by contacting their local County Department of Job and Family Services.
From October 1, 2022, to September 13, 2024, ODJFS issued $6.8 million in reimbursements to 11,859 Ohioans.
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The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families.
 These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 1, 2024







MEDIA CONTACTS:

Tom Betti: 614-728-9645
[email protected]

Bill Teets: 614-403-2331
[email protected]

 

SNAP changes help recipients transition off food assistance

COLUMBUS, OHIO – Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Matt Damschroder announced a change to Ohio’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that creates a sliding scale to ease the transition off benefits. The change was approved by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review in June and went into effect today.

“Fear of losing food benefits can be a deterrent to taking a new job, working more hours, or even accepting a promotion,” Damschroder said. “Instead of an all-or-nothing approach, we are creating a sliding scale that encourages people to earn more by slowly reducing their benefits as their income grows. This provides an incentive to accept promotions and pay raises knowing they won’t immediately lose benefits.”

The change addresses an issue known as the benefits cliff. The benefits cliff, which has been identified by employers as a barrier to growing their workforce, occurs when someone chooses not to accept additional work hours, increases in pay, or promotions because it pushes them over the income limitations for programs like SNAP. The result is that a pay raise may actually lead to a net loss in actual income due to losing public assistance.

Previously, SNAP was only available to those earning 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Beginning today, ODJFS is adding tiered eligibility for those with income above the 130% threshold. As a recipient’s income approaches 200% FPL, the amount of monthly SNAP benefits gradually decreases, creating an offramp from benefits instead of a cliff.

In general, SNAP recipients between 18 and 59 must meet certain work requirements. These requirements include registering for work, taking a suitable job if offered, not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing your work hours below 30 a week, or participating in employment and training programs. Able-bodied adults without dependents have additional requirements such as working or participating in a work program at least 80 hours per month. These requirements will remain in place.

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The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services manages vital programs that strengthen Ohio families.
These include job training and employment services, unemployment insurance, cash and food assistance, adult protective services, and child support services.

General Information

For SNAP, FDPIR, FNS, and Joint Applications: 
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 
 
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
               1400 Independence Avenue, 
               SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: [email protected].
 
For any other information dealing with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues, persons should either contact the USDA SNAP Hotline Number at (800) 221-5689, which is also in Spanish or call the State Information/Hotline Numbers (click the link for a listing of hotline numbers by State); found online at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/contact_info/hotlines.htm.
 
To file a complaint of discrimination regarding a program receiving Federal financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), write: HHS Director, Office for Civil Rights, Room 515-F, 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201 or call (202) 619-0403 (voice) or (800) 537-7697 (TTY). 
 
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Contact Us

Main Line (419) 626-6781
 
Family and Workforce Development Department 

Adams, Lori - Extension: 4456 - Email: [email protected]

Alt, Steven - Extension: 4446 - Email: [email protected]

Brown, Paige - Extension: 4457 - Email: [email protected]

Budd, Brandi - Extension: 5304 - Email: [email protected]

Bulger, Kim - Extension: 4438 - Email: [email protected]

Daniel, Mary - Extension: 4450 - Email: [email protected]

Dicker, Rebecca - Extension: 4470 - Email: [email protected]

Faggionato, Kim - Extension: 4444 - Email: [email protected]

Glass, Mariam - Extension: 4447 - Email: [email protected]

Green, Rachel - Extension: 4454 - Email: [email protected]

Griffith, Stephanie - Extension: 4437 - Email: [email protected]

Harris, Nicole - Extension: 4455 - Email: [email protected] 

Irby, Lisa - Extension: 4471 - Email: [email protected]

Jenkins, Amber - Extension: 4435 - Email: [email protected]

Jones, Lisa - Extension: 4449 - Email: [email protected]

King, Dolly - Extension: 4452 - Email: [email protected]

Lambert, Bonnie - Extension: 4439 - Email: [email protected]

Lindsey, Kristen - Extension: 4414 - Email: [email protected]

Post, Michele - Extension: 4461 - Email: [email protected]

Routsong, Sherri - Extension: 4453 - Email: [email protected]

Ryan, Erica - Extension: 4442 - Email: [email protected]

Schenk, Wendy - Extension: 4443 - Email: [email protected]

Sharkey, Cameron - Extension: 4436 - Email: [email protected] 

Sharpe, Kayleen - Extension: 4467 - Email: [email protected]

Walton, Sandra - Extension: 4412 - Email: [email protected]


Ohio Means Jobs Department

Carter, Deeann - Extension: 4464 - Email: [email protected]

Cromer, David - Extension: 4468 - Email: [email protected]  

Forrest, Robyn - Extension: 4473 - Email: [email protected] 

Herman, Vanessa - Extension: 4469 - Email: [email protected]

Mulder, Chris - Extension: 4441 - Email: [email protected] 

Riddle, Trudy - Extension: 4462 - Email: [email protected]  

Sanders, Eula - Extension: 4475 - Email: [email protected]

Uhl, Laura - Extension: 4451 - Email: [email protected] 

Yingling, Neil - Extension: 4411 - Email: [email protected]


Fiscal Department

Bixler, Brian - Extension: 4402 - Email: [email protected] 

Lehner, Diane - Extension: 4409 - Email: [email protected]

Sellers, Gina - Extension: 4492 - Email: [email protected]    

Sharkey, Karri - Extension: 4491 - Email: [email protected] 

Warren, Marva - Extension: 4493 - Email: [email protected]


Administration Department

Bruno, Amber - Extension: 4401 - Email: [email protected]

Lill, Andrew J. - Extension: 4400 - Email: [email protected]

Child Support Department 

Diekman, Rebecca - Extension: 4407 - Email: [email protected] 

Farch, Cindy - Extension: 4427 - Email: [email protected]

Fargo, Lana - Extension: 4430 - Email: [email protected]

Griggs, Cali - Extension: 4422 - Email: [email protected] 

Hahn, Cindy - Extension: 4423 - Email: [email protected]

Hippely, Lee Ann - Extension: 4406 - Email: [email protected]

Jardon, Jewlia - Extension: 4428 - Email: [email protected]
Jurn, Janie - Extension: 4419 - Email: [email protected]

Rees, Kelley - Extension: 4426 - Email: [email protected]

Sartin, Tina - Extension: 4424 - Email: [email protected]

Sayler, Elizabeth - Extension: 4476 - Email: [email protected]

Schlett, Stephanie - Extension: 4429 - Email: [email protected] 

Smith, Becky - Extension: 4405 - Email: [email protected]

Sullenberger, Val - Extension: 4497 - Email: [email protected] 

Tullio, Deb - Extension: 4433 - Email: [email protected]

Weaver, Lynne - Extension: 4432 - Email: [email protected]

Wiegel, Christina - Extension: 4425 - Email: [email protected] 

Williams, Shayla - Extension: 4459 - Email: [email protected]

Williamson, Brianna - Extension: 4420 - Email: [email protected] 


Children Services Department 

Bellamy, Jackie - Extension: 5305 - Email: [email protected] 

Clemons, Sarah - Extension: 4415 - Email: [email protected]

Codeluppi, Ryan - Extension: 4480 - Email: [email protected]

Eckerson, Kylie - Extension: 4487 - Email: [email protected] 

Frisch, Rebecca - Extension: 5310 - Email: [email protected] 

Gawronski, Sarah - Extension: 5308 - Email: [email protected]

Gilbert, Ashley - Extension: 4417 - Email: [email protected] 

Gilliam, Bree - Extension: 4479 - Email: [email protected]

Holt, Jordan - Extension: 5302 - Email: [email protected]

Konik, Adam - Extension: 5309 - Email: [email protected] 

Kyer, Julie - Extension: 4490 - Email: [email protected]

Loparo, Hayden - Extension: 4481 - Email: [email protected] 

Matso, Jamie - Extension: 4488 - Email: [email protected]

McVeigh, Tracie - Extension: 4484 - Email: [email protected] 

Miller, Laryn - Extension: 4483 - Email: [email protected] 

Molnar, Brooke - Extension: 4413 - Email: [email protected]  

Murrell, Kyara - Extension: 4478 - Email: [email protected] 

Nixon, Penny - Extension: 4416 - Email: [email protected] 

Pickens, Briahnna - Extension: 4477 - Email: [email protected]

Schultz, Michelle - Extension: 4489 - Email: [email protected]

Turner, Amanda - Extension: 4418 - Email: [email protected]v