FOOD ASSISTANCE

You may qualify for benefits if your household’s gross monthly income is at or under 130 percent of the federal povery guidelines. Some households may qualify if they have income over the limit if someone in the household is elderly or disabled. The expenses we review include such things as;

• Rent Or Mortgage Costs
• Utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, phone)
• Medical Expenses
• Child Support Payments
• Child Care Expenses

In determining whether you qualify, we will also look at the number of people in your household who purchase and prepare food together. In special situations, resources such as cash, savings, and stocks also are considered when determining whether a person is eligible.

Please provide proof of:

• Social Security Number (SSN), or proof of applying for SSN.
• Income (pay stubs, tax records, child support, etc).
• Identity.
• Child Care/Dependent Care Costs.
• Child Support Paid For Children Not Living With You.
• Housing and Utility Costs.
• 
• Any medical expenses for those with disabilities or for those over the age of 60 (including prescriptions).

Warren County Department of Human Services Case Managers may check the information that you provide by contacting other agencies or people to make certain the information provided is correct. The Case Manager may request you to provide additional documents.

You can use your Food Assistance Benefits to purchase most food or food products intended for human consumption.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco
• Vitamins And/Or Medicines Not Allowed
• Hot Food Products That Are Prepared To Be Eaten Immediately
• Non-Food Items (i.e. pet food, paper products, soaps, household supplies)

You are not allowed to sell or trade Food Assistance benefits, buy non-food items, or use Food Assistance benefits to buy food for someone who is not a member of your household.

You will receive an Ohio Direction card, which is like a debit card. Your card will come with instructions for you to create a personal identification number (PIN). Your benefits will be added to your Ohio Direction account every month. You may use your card by swiping it and entering your PIN. The amount of your purchase is automatically deducted from your account. For more information please visit www.connectebt.com/

Contacting Customer Service

Call Customer Service at 1-866-386-3071 if you have a problem with your Ohio DIRECTION Card or anytime you have questions or need help with your card.

• Call customer service immediately if your Ohio DIRECTION Card is lost or stolen or if you believe someone else knows your secret PIN.
• If you forget or want to change your PIN, you must call Customer Service and follow the automated PIN selection instructions.
• If your Ohio DIRECTION Card is damaged, you must call Customer Service for a new Ohio DIRECTION Card. Customer Service deactivates your damaged card and orders a new card to be sent to you in the mail.

• Reporting Lost or Stolen Cards or Transaction Problems
• Ohio Direction Card Brochure
• Ohio Direction Card Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
• Tips for Using Your Ohio Direction Card
• Ohio Direction Card Mailer Information

Immediately call Customer Service at 1-866-386-3071:

• If you believe your Ohio DIRECTION Card has been lost or stolen
• If you think someone else might have learned your secret PIN
• If you believe there was an inaccurate transaction made to your account