Rights of the Disabled when Applying for Food Stamps in Ohio

Some disabled people have good incomes or significant savings, but many do not. Those that depend on Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplement Security Income generally have limited incomes and may need to apply for food stamps for assistance. In Ohio, the Department of Job and Family Services administers the food stamps program. Despite the name of the agency, you do not need to be looking for job in order to qualify for food stamps, nor do you need to be applying for assistance for a whole family; single people can also receive benefits.

Assistance with Completing Application

People with learning disabilities, some physical disabilities or visual impairments may have difficulty completing an application for food stamps. Those with mental challenges may also have difficulty understanding or completing an application. Those people have the right to have a person of their choice assist them with completing an application. Department of Job and Family Services staff will also provide assistance if needed.

Sign Language Interpreters

Deaf or hard of hearing applicants have a right to have a sign language interpreter available during face-to-face interviews, which are generally required before an applicant can begin receiving food stamps. Applicants can bring their own interpreters along to interviews if they prefer, but the Department of Job and Family Services will provide registered interpreters if applicants need them. Simply request assistance when you apply.

Telephone Interviews or Home Visits

Food stamp applicants generally must attend a face-to-face interview with a caseworker before receiving food stamps in Ohio. However, if an applicant cannot go to the Department of Job and Family Services because of his disability, he can have a telephone interview or a caseworker can visit him at his home for the required interview. Telephone the Department of Job and Family Services office in the county in which you live and explain why you cannot travel to the office.

Timeliness

Generally, the Department of Job and Family Services reviews food stamp applications and provides a foods stamps benefits card to qualified applicants in no more than 30 days. They do not expedite applications just because someone has a disability but in certain cases they will expedite an application. If you are homeless or your living expenses are greater than your current income, you have the right to have your application reviewed and to begin receiving food stamps in no more than seven days, so let the caseworker know if one of these conditions applies to you.

Sources:

Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services. http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/foodassistance.pdf . Food Assistance Fact Sheet.

Ohio Dept. of Job and Family Services. http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/cmandfsa.stm . Office of Family Stability - Applications.