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.

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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
Basic information such as identity, Social Security Number(s) and Birth Verifications |
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 |