(440) 998-1110

About the Food Stamp Program
The Food Stamp Program helps people with low income obtain nutritious food.  Food Stamp benefits are issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture through county job and family services departments and are used to purchase specific staples and grocery items at participating grocery stores. Eligibility, determined by the CDJFS, is based on federal guidelines including income, resources, and household size.  A household may consist of an individual or group of individuals who live together and usually purchase, prepare and eat their food together.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT, allows individuals to receive food stamp benefits and purchase their food electronically. The Ohio Direction EBT card is a debit card.  Food stamps are automatically deposited into the account each month on the same day.  The day is determined by the last digit of the assistance group case number.  The card can be used to purchase food at grocery stores which display the Ohio Direction Card sticker.  The amount of the purchase is electronically deducted from the balance and the balance will remain available until used.

Applying for Cash and Food Stamp Benefits
To apply for cash and food stamp benefits, you must complete a face-to-face interview. The county will schedule that interview after you complete the application and mail it, fax it, or deliver it to the Ashtabula County Department of Job and Family Services. The face-to-face interview may be waived if you meet a hardship condition.

For more information
http://jfs.ohio.gov/OFam/foodstamps.stm
http://innerweb/ourservices/OSFSfamily.shtml#fam

Ohio Direction Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) click here
http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/ebt.stm
* The Help-line number shown at this site has been changed to: 1-866-386-3071

To report a lost or stolen card or for assistance with your EBT card