If you are affected by the Federal Government Shutdown, here are Ohio-based resources available to you right now. This guide keeps things simple: manage cash flow, secure food and health coverage, keep your utilities on, and protect your housing.
NOTE: This information is gathered from public internet sources. Programs change; always click through, confirm details, and beware of scams (no fees to apply for SNAP, Medicaid, UI, housing, or 2-1-1). If something looks off, call the official numbers on the linked sites to verify before sharing personal info. This is not legal, financial, or life advice; seek licensed professionals for help.
🕐 What to do first (10-minute plan)
- Cash flow triage: File or reopen your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) at unemployment.ohio.gov, and certify weekly to maintain benefits.
- Food & health coverage: Apply for SNAP (Food Assistance) and Medicaid through ODJFS using the Ohio Benefits portal.
Check eligibility for WIC through the Ohio Department of Health (ODH). - Keep the heat and lights on: Apply for HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) and Percentage of Income Payment Plan Plus (PIPP Plus) through the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) or local Community Action Agencies. Contact AEP Ohio, Duke Energy, or Columbia Gas for hardship programs.
- Housing stability: Get rent or mortgage help through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) and HUD Ohio.
- One-stop referrals: Dial 2-1-1 Ohio or visit 211.org/local/united-states/ohio for resources across food, rent, utilities, and legal services.
🔗 Links & Resources (Ohio)
Income & Jobs
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS):
🔗 https://jfs.ohio.gov/
Unemployment Insurance Portal:
🔗 https://unemployment.ohio.gov/
OhioMeansJobs (Job Search & Training):
🔗 https://ohiomeansjobs.ohio.gov/
Food Access
SNAP (Food Assistance):
🔗 https://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/foodstamps.stm
Apply via Ohio Benefits:
🔗 https://benefits.ohio.gov/
WIC (Women, Infants & Children):
🔗 https://odh.ohio.gov/programs/nutrition/WIC/women-infants-children
Ohio Association of Foodbanks:
🔗 https://ohiofoodbanks.org/find-help
Health Coverage
Ohio Medicaid:
🔗 https://medicaid.ohio.gov/
Apply via Ohio Benefits:
🔗 https://benefits.ohio.gov/
Federally Qualified Health Centers:
🔗 https://ohiochc.org/find-a-health-center
Heat, Utilities & Weatherization
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program):
🔗 https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_heap.htm
PIPP Plus (Income-Based Utility Program):
🔗 https://development.ohio.gov/is/is_pippplus.htm
AEP Ohio Assistance:
🔗 https://www.aepohio.com/account/bills/pay/assistance
Columbia Gas of Ohio:
🔗 https://www.columbiagasohio.com/billing-payment/assistance-programs
Duke Energy Ohio Assistance:
🔗 https://www.duke-energy.com/home/billing/special-assistance
Housing
Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA):
🔗 https://ohiohome.org/
HUD Ohio:
🔗 https://www.hud.gov/states/ohio
Rental & Mortgage Assistance:
🔗 https://ohiohome.org/covid19.aspx
One-stop referrals
2-1-1 Ohio:
🔗 https://211.org/local/united-states/ohio
Community Action Agencies Directory:
🔗 https://oacaa.org/find-help/
Legal Help
Ohio Legal Help:
🔗 https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/
Legal Aid Society of Ohio:
🔗 https://lasclev.org/
Ohio State Legal Services Association:
🔗 https://oslsa.org/
Disability Rights Ohio:
🔗 https://www.disabilityrightsohio.org/
Crafted by JobsInMyState.com in support of fellow Americans.