What is the Disability Financial Assistance program?

The Disability Financial Assistance (DFA) program is a state and county funded program which provides cash assistance to persons ineligible for other public assistance programs(e.g. Ohio Works First or SSI). DFA provides assistance to eligible individuals to maintain health and meet basic needs.

• To be eligible, you must be actively participating in an alcohol or drug addiction program certified by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services or have a physical or mental disability as determined by the ODJFS County Medical Services section.
  
• To qualify, you cannot have more than $1,000 in countable resources. The maximum cash benefit is $115 a month for an individual or $159 for a disabled couple.

For more information on DFA, look at the ODJFS Fact Sheet.

How do I apply for DFA?

Applications for DFA are made at your county department of Job and Family Services. Find your county’s office now.

What is a resource?

A resource are all the things you own or have that are available to you. These include real and personal property, cash, banking accounts, cars, etc. Some resources are not counted towards your resource limit. Some examples of exempt resources include: the home you live in, a car you drive for medical appointments, and basic items needed for day to day living. Resources that are counted towards your $1,000 limit include: property you do not live in, cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, mortgages and nonessential household goods and personal effects.

I want to apply for Social Security because of my disability, can someone from ODJFS help me?

Many people use DFA while they are applying for Social Security since the application process is quicker and the disability criteria is different. Each CDJFS must have an SSI Case Management Program (or join with other counties to provide a joint program). This program is an effort to identify participants applying for or getting DFA who may be eligible for SSI. The SSI Case Management Program should help you in obtaining coverage from the Social Security Administration. Talk to your case worker about how they may be able to assist you in this process.

See also the Forms & Education tab in this section for more information.