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.benefits.ohio.gov
Online for medical benefits if you are over age 65 or have Medicare at:  www.benefits.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 in to complete an intake interview. Interviews are conducted Monday-Friday via phone from 7:30-11:00. If you are employed and working during these hours, you may call into the agency on Tuesdays between 3:00-5:00 to complete the interview. The phone number to call to complete your interview is 937-498-4981, Option 3, Option 1.
​​​​​​​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