Refugees are individuals who are unable or unwilling to return to their own country due to fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.

Refugee Medical Assistance
Refugees not eligible for Medicaid may be eligible for Refugee Medical Assistance for the first 8 months in the United States.

Refugee Cash Assistance -
Refugees not eligible for Ohio Works First cash assistance may be eligible for Refugee Cash Assistance for the first 8 months in the United States.

How to Apply      
Step 1: Submit an application
You can submit your application in the following ways: Online for cash & food at:  www.odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov
Online for medical benefits if you are over age 65 or have Medicare at:  www.odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov
Online for Medicaid through the self service portal:  www.benefits.ohio.gov
By phone by calling:

937-498-4981

option 3, then option 3 and a paper application will be mailed to you.

In person by visiting the agency to obtain an application to complete:

Shelby County Job & Family Services
227 South Ohio Avenue
Sidney, OH  45365

After completing a paper application, you may return the application in person, by mail, or by fax:

(937) 498-7396

Step 2: Gather Verification Documents
As part of the application, you will need to submit a number of verification documents.  The specific documents are listed in the application, but in general we will need to verify:

• Who is in the household
• All household income,  and

Step 3: The Interview
Once you have submitted your application for cash or food assistance, you will be given an appointment to call into the agency to complete a telephone interview. 

You may call into the agency at:

(937) 498-4981

option 3, option 1

Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 10:30 am

If you are employed, you may also call into the agency on Tuesdays, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

If you are only interested in receiving Medicaid benefits, you will not need to complete an interview.

Step 4: Return any Additional Verifications
At the end of your interview, the eligibility worker will send you a checklist of any additional verification documents we need to complete your case.  You may return the documents to our front desk staff, fax verifications to:

937-498-7396

or by mail to:

Shelby  County Job & Family Services
227 South Ohio Avenue
Sidney, OH  45365

For more information on other services available to Refugees, contact:

614-466-4815

or email refugee@jfs.ohio.gov