Health and Public Benefits
Ohio's public benefits
If you live in Ohio and need some extra support, you may be eligible for certain benefits. Read more to find out what benefits you might qualify for and how to apply for them.
Ohio offers different kinds of benefits that can help with food, health care, housing, unemployment and disabilities.
Food and health programs
For individuals and families with a lower income, these programs may be able to help:
- SNAP or other food assistance can help if you cannot afford groceries.
- WIC can help pregnant women and children 5 and under get healthy food, baby formula and health screenings.
- Medicaid can provide health coverage if you have a low income and don't have health insurance.
- Utility bill assistance can help with heating and cooling costs if you have a low income.
Cash assistance
For low-income families with children:
- Ohio Works First (also known as TANF or welfare) can help pay for housing, medicine, utilities and other things you need.
There are also cash assistance programs available for people in special situations:
- Unemployment payments can help if you have lost your job and haven’t been able to find a new one.
- Social Security can help if you have a disability that keeps you from working.