(New Philadelphia, Ohio) – The review and verification process has now started.
Back in early March, Governor Mike DeWine declared a state of emergency for the entire state of Ohio. This led to changes to the public assistance rules and regulations related to those receiving public assistance and for those processing the claims in order to provide an arena in which safety as provided for all.
Most of the TCJFS staff left the building and worked from home within two weeks of the state emergency and the agency’s lobby closed to all visitors. Officials indicated that waivers were provided to the public assistance programs, which allowed recertification and paperwork to be extended to a later review date, which has now started. Anyone needing to provide verification for their case must put the verifications in the drop box at the agency, 389 16th St. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. Anyone entering the building must also wear a mask. Documents can also be dropped through the mail slot on the door of the agency during after-hours.
Additionally, officials add that verifications can be sent by mail or email. If that documentation needs to be returned, those verifications will be returned after they are put into the system. No copies will be made at the time of drop-off.
- Recertifications due in March are now due in September.
- Recertifications due in April are now due in October.
- Recertifications due in May are now due in November.
Additionally, officials add that interim reports for public assistance will resume in July. If interim reports are not completed by the household, benefits could close. For those who applied for assistance without providing a Social Security number due to the SSN offices closing, a waiver was provided to the client up to five months to get the SSN verification to the caseworker. The client is still responsible for that verification within the time frame or the benefits can be closed, officials added.
For information: 330-339-7791; 800-431-2347; tcjfs.org.
