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11:05:13 AM
[Visitor] If I continue to get busy signal for fax,
is there an email address where I can scan/forward my
food stamp replacement application?
11:10:29 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We believe
the fax machine is now handling the volume we are
receiving, so I think you'll be OK.
11:03:22 AM
[Visitor] thank you for your time. we will look into
the links and see from there.
11:08:32 AM
[Jim Ashmore] You are
welcome.
11:00:37 AM
[Visitor] I would like to thank you Mr. Ashmore, I
have been sitting here with a group of young individuals
that I assist with different needs and we have been
reviewing and participating with this chat session. It
has been very insightful and we look forward to the next
session. The 19 year old I just mentioned would like to
thank you also, she is on the phone now with the
Partnership Center.
11:07:55 AM
[Jim Ashmore] You are
most welcome.
10:57:02 AM [Visitor] will there be a check that
will be sent plus food stamps being sent out or just
food stamps card, do to weather or you call it act or
god will people get anything
11:07:07 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We are
still evaluating how far the dollars will be stretched
and what the end product will be.
10:54:02 AM [Visitor] I have 2 small children and
had to move in with my parent, due to financial reasons.
What are the guidelines for receiving FS, medicaid in
those situations? Do I need to list my parents income if
I'm the one providing everything for them?
11:05:24 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Provided
you are over 18, their income would not need to count --
if you are purchasing and preparing your meals
separately. As mentioned below, you may want to visit
"do you qualify" under quick links on our Web site:
www.hcjfs.org
10:51:20 AM [Visitor] My stepfather draws income
from an insurance policy due to a disability until
social security determines his disability status. He
paid an insurance premium for this coverage and he does
not pay income taxes on this money which he receives
monthly. Does he have to count this money as income when
determining his eligibility for the $750 cash assistance
that was offered after the 9/14 storm?
11:02:37 AM
[Visitor] Reply? Thank you.
11:04:04 AM
[Jim Ashmore]
Clarification, there was no set $750 offered. However,
as for any assistance, that income would count.
Regardless, as long as his income was under 200 percent
of the poverty guideline, he may still receive
something. Exact amounts to be determined.
11:00:41 AM
[Visitor] Thank you, this is the first time I have
participated. Very helpful
11:02:05 AM
[Jim Ashmore] You're
welcome. Glad to be of service.
10:58:45 AM
[Visitor] Thanks for responding, I will check out
the above mentioned links. Would she qualify for food
stamps? I would like for her to get what she deserves so
that she can enroll back in school. Can she get any
assistance to finish her education?>?>?
11:01:36 AM
[Jim Ashmore]
Potentially, that info will be on the Benefit Bank link.
10:50:28 AM
[Visitor] Will I be eligable for foodstamps if my
income for 8 in the home is $2500?
10:51:39 AM
[Visitor] How does the wind strom emergency help
work for people who dont receive food stamps?
11:00:48 AM
[Jim Ashmore] (1) As for
the food stamp eligibility, we would need to know more
than just what the income coming into the home is, such
as monthly expenses. (See Benefit Bank/see if you
qualify...under Quick Links on
www.hcjfs.org)
(2) If you applied before Monday, we will be reviewing
all of those applications to determine exact help, if
any, we may be able to provide.
10:52:34 AM
[Visitor] When I turn forms/verifications in to the
drop off center on the 1st floor, what is the turnaround
time that my worker should receive them?
10:54:27 AM
[Visitor] What is the fax number to send in the food
stamp replacement form?
10:58:42 AM
[Jim Ashmore] First:
Currently, it takes seven business days from receipt of
the documents to process the work associated with them.
Second: The fax number is 946-1076
10:51:35 AM
[Visitor] She is a cashier at Biggs and earns $9.00
per hour I believe. She barely can make rent and pay for
normal family bills. I believe that she is going into a
depression as to how to handle everything. She will need
to get the kids into some kind of daycare program and
wants to go back to school. What is out there for
her???>
10:55:41 AM
[Visitor] Also, I believe that she applied a couple
of years ago feeling very frustrated. She has an IEP and
has no family support except what we give her and we are
just friends. She is desperate. Please advise.
10:57:12 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We would
suggest that you visit the Benefit Bank (www.hcjfs.org
Quick Links/see if you qualify). It certainly sounds
like, based on this information, that she would qualify
for at least health care coverage for her child and
subsidized child care.
10:53:30 AM
[Visitor] as we said earlier we understand that
there may have been lots of applicants with limited
funding but there is something wrong when a deadline is
cut off days early even for applicants that qualify.
Some food is better than nothing..nothing at all~
10:54:51 AM
[Jim Ashmore]
Unfortunately, that is the situation. There is no
funding remaining.
10:49:24 AM
[Visitor] I have a young lady here with me that is
homeless, she is 19 years old with an 11 month old
child, she has been staying with friends for the past
month. This young lady has been trying to obtain
assistance from JFS but she was told that, she would not
be eligible because she does not have an address and
that they would only call 241-kids on her! What is she
to do?
10:53:52 AM
[Jim Ashmore] That
response from us doesn't sound right. Please call the
Partnership Center at 891-4016. They may be able to
assist with housing, etc.
10:48:59 AM
[Visitor] I sent it to you earlier. but let me reply
again. We are multi disabled unemployed and long term on
SSDI> we read and heard that the feds and states have
allowed the deadline for the emergency food stamps
program to be today. In earlier posts you tell us that
you cut off the applicants last week end we know there
may be more applying but why cut it off then. how and
where can we at least apply today to be included what
are the pre reqs, amounts that will be awarded and when
paid out?
10:52:00 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Two
things: The food stamp replacement (if you received food
stamps in September 2008) ends today. The other
emergency program ended on Monday due to the
overwhelming number of applicants, which are now being
screened to determine eligibility accounts. Every county
got limited funding for this program.
10:48:21 AM
[Visitor] why is it that a friend of the family
cannot receive any assistance. SHe has 2 little ones is
single with very little income. She needs to get back
into school, is there any assistance for her???
10:49:50 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Has she
applied? Based on what you are describing, she may
qualify -- although we would have to verify what "very
little income" is.
10:44:53 AM [Visitor] My children are 12 and
14yrs old and have been treated by the same pediatrician
all their life. They no longer accept the HMO plans but
do accept traditional medicaid, can I request to be
placed on traditional medicaid? What are the income
guidelines?
10:46:30 AM
[Jim Ashmore] No.
Unfortunately, you have to select one of three HMOs.
Have you tried the other two? They are listed on our Web
site: www.hcjfs.org
10:36:37 AM
[Visitor] With everything thats going on now with
the blackout happining...if you need help with other
things such as your Duke Energy bill, rent,getting your
car repaired, etc...by going to PRC will they hace funds
to help you with does things?
10:44:48 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Yes. The
normal PRC program has not changed. Those situations are
evaluated on their own merits.
10:38:57 AM [Visitor] My food stamps were
recently cut from $162 to $10 starting 9/08. I lost all
the food in the freezer during the storm and only had
$10 reloaded on my card, that will not replace all that
was lost. Could I get any additional help?
10:43:01 AM
[Jim Ashmore]
Unfortunately, we can only replace what you received
in your September 2008 allotment.
10:34:06 AM [Visitor] What is the income limit
for a single individual, to be eligible for community
Medicaid and not have a spend down?
10:42:00 AM
[Jim Ashmore] $556
10:32:52 AM [Visitor] What are the requirements
for a former employer to fill out Employment
Verification forms? Are we obligated to do it? In what
kind of time frame do we need to respond (one week, I
hope)? How do I get specific information on our
requirements?
10:40:36 AM
[Jim Ashmore] If we need
to verify previous employment, it certainly helps speed
up the process if your employer can fill out the form.
In some instances, we are able to retrieve that
information from a dedicated Web site. Not all employers
subscribe to the Web service, but it is pretty common.
www.theworknumber.com
10:30:31 AM [Tracey Wiggins] I currently have a
case there and receive food stamps however, I have been
trying to get a caseworker to review and re-do my
medical application. Last year I received medical
insurance along w/my daughter. This year we make less
money, have a new 5 and a half month old baby and they
still said I do not qualify for insurance now. I need my
case reviewed and perhaps to fill out a new application
w/our bills. We are unable to even pay our bills and I
need insurance please help. Thank you kindly
10:37:42 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Please
re-apply. Applications are on our Web site:
http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/TodayatHCJFS/Quicklinksforms040218.htm
10:38:24 AM
[Jim Ashmore] And visit
the Benefit Bank (on
www.hcjfs.org under Quick Links/see if you qualify).
10:19:31 AM [Visitor] they are not accepting
phone calls
10:23:45 AM
[Visitor] is there an email address that i can use
to get a response?
10:28:46 AM
[Visitor] i have a case number for her but no worker
to submit her info to
10:33:58 AM
[Jim Ashmore] You can
submit your question online. Use the Contact Us button
on www.hcjfs.org
10:28:43 AM
[Marci Cook, GCBHS] WWW.CINCYBENEFITSINFO.COM has an
updated listing of all the food pantry's, soup kitchens,
and homeless shelters. This may provide some assistance
for those who are feeling the after bite of the storm.
Computers are free at the library and all Cincinnati
Public libraries will fax information to JFS at no cost.
Let folks know that applications for FS, MCAID, and cash
assitance can be found on this site. Hopefully this can
help decrease the number of folks having to come to the
downtown office for these forms.
10:32:59 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Thanks for
the info.
10:20:03 AM
[Angela Taylor] I currently applied for a PRC asking
for help for my Duke energy bill on 9/11/08, but was not
given an app until 9/29/08. This is suposed to be an
emergency program, so why does it take so long for an
app? Also the number I was given to see if someone
cancelled their app prompts straight to a voicemail.
Then a couple of people I talked to for example went
down on a Friday and was given a app the following
Tuesday for the same issue that I have. Please give
feedback. Thanks
10:30:22 AM
[Jim Ashmore] First, we
apologize for the delay and can appreciate your urgency.
I would suggest that you call 946-1208 (the PRC manager)
for assistance with your specific situation.
10:32:04 AM
[Jim Ashmore] In the
future, you may want to speed the process by obtaining
the application online and faxing back in from your
nearest public library branch. Here's a link:
http://www.hcjfs.hamilton-co.org/Buttons/Clients_Customers/PRC.htm
10:22:39 AM
[Darryl] Most calls for assistance around the city
end up with..."Did you get approved by JFS or SSI or
SSDI yet?" Does JFS have a program for [zero] income
people that are disabled (with only Drs Letters and
reports) being 55 years old, as in vouchers for
subsidized housing that does not require JFS
Medicaid/SSI/SSDI approval first? CMHA requires an
income for any assistance...so are you aware of any help
for those of us waiting on all the above, for housing
besides the drop in center? Thanks for your time here
and answers! These got to be tough questions to
answer...darryl
10:28:14 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Certain
low-income disabled individuals do qualify without
receiving formal SSI. However, the determination process
for that program is determined by the state. You can
apply at the local JFS.
10:22:02 AM [Evette
Key] There or parents who with kids can't afford to
replace there food for that week will they get food
stamps.
Jim Ashmore: You have to be receiving food stamps
now to get the replacement food stamps.
I'd suggest you log on to
www.hcjfs.org and click on "see if you qualify"
(Benefit Bank) under Quick Links.
10:20:04 AM
[Visitor] You said "Due to overwhelming demand and
the limited state funding availability, this program
ended on Monday." For those of us that mailed our
application this passed Saturday is there a possibility
that the application will be considered? When you say it
ended Monday does that just mean you are no longer
acceptinf new applications? Any other programs we can
get help from?
10:21:51 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Yes and
yes. We have just stopped accepting applications. As for
further assistance, it might be worthwhile to contact
211 to see if other services are available.
10:17:32 AM
[Visitor] If your form was mailed in for foood
assistance how soon would it be add to your card
Jim Ashmore: We hope to have this completed by week's
end. Please check the balance on your food stamp EBT
card once daily to quickly know.
10:17:15 AM
[Visitor] I have a client who has a spenddown, her
worker that we have listed is no longer working there.
How do I get the new workers name?
10:18:52 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Please
call 946-1070.
10:14:58 AM [Evette Key] Will all get some food
stamps who don't have a food stamp card.
10:15:25 AM
[Jim Ashmore]
Unfortunately, no.
10:13:09 AM
[Vicki] Do you have to already recieve food stamps
in order to get help after the blackout? do you go on
your income?
10:14:09 AM
[Jim Ashmore] 1. Yes. We
did have another program, but, due to the limited
funding, it has expired. 2. Yes. Food stamps is based on
income.
10:11:32 AM
[Marci Cook, GCBHS] Any suggestions? Does he just
need to reapply all together?
10:12:32 AM
[Jim Ashmore] If he's
not currently receiving, he should reapply.
10:09:37 AM [Marci Cook, GCBHS] There is a client
who received FS for the month of August, but was cut off
the month of September. He lost all of his food from two
freezers and has nothing. He submitted an application by
fax today. (Being the last day). Will he receive
replacement FS for August since it was mostly meat that
spoiled in his 2 freezers for his family?
10:10:43 AM
[Jim Ashmore] This
program is only for food stamp recipients that receive
allotments in the month of September and issued before
Sept. 15.
10:07:40 AM
[Visitor] It seems to me that this program which I
guess was put in place to be of some assistance to
certain individuals, has become a henderance to many,
this why I ask what is work net.
10:08:57 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We
appreciate the feedback. We will pass it on to our
vendor who coordinates this process.
10:02:40 AM [Visitor] What is work net?
10:07:33 AM
[Jim Ashmore] A work
activities assignment program for those adults currently
receiving cash assistance (Ohio Works First).
10:04:43 AM
[Marci Cook, GCBHS] What is the wait time for those
who applied for food replacement with FS and the wait
time for those who applied for losing there food
(without) due to the power outage?
10:06:39 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We are
trying to get the food stamp replacements completed by
the end of this week. As for the other, those are being
sorted and processed with decisions to be made and folks
to be notified the week of Oct. 6.
10:03:54 AM [Visitor] Good morning I am a working
parent and I currently do receive foodstamps and my kids
receive medical, I get sick to and have to go to the
hospital or need to see a doctor and my job does offer
medical but I work for a temp agency and with them you
never know when the assignment will be up so can I still
qualify some how for medical coverage?
10:05:18 AM
[Jim Ashmore] Based on
what you are describing, it certainly sounds like there
is potential. I'd suggest you log on to
www.hcjfs.org and click on "see if you qualify"
(Benefit Bank) under Quick Links.
10:02:19 AM
[Marci Cook, GCBHS] Last week, Keeping in mind that
it was a being a busy week for all of you down there,
some of our case manager noticed that the "take a
number" process is not working out. The wait times are
actually longer than they were previously. Is there
something being done so that CM, Social Workers, and
clients are not spending 4-5 hours at JFS? The new "Walk
in method " for applications have only made the process
more chaotic and not streamlined them at all. Anything
in the works to balance this out?
10:03:36 AM
[Jim Ashmore] We are
working on a process to improve the waiting room flow as
we speak. As you suggest, the tremendous volume over the
past week has certainly hindered our effort. Thanks for
your patience. And your feedback.
If you are
experiencing technical difficulties, please e-mail be at
boehmm@jfs.hamilton-co.org. Otherwise pleas submit
your question here.
9:49:55 AM [Darryl] I have applied for assistance
with HCDJFS and currently receive FS, but am waiting on
approval for Medicaid/cash/etc, and the Waiver programs.
I have no income or insurance and have something similar
to Younger Onset Alz. Does JFS have anything that can
help with transportation, like a bus card or tokens, for
basic medical/food travel? How can someone get them with
JFS being so busy with the horrible storm outage we just
had? Thank you.
9:53:05 AM
[Jim Ashmore] You can
request Non Emergency Transportation. Please use the
Contact Us button on
www.hcjfs.org or call 946-1000, although that line
is extremely busy, as you mentioned, due to the
windstorm followup.
9:41:43 AM [Visitor] I applied last week for the
emergency food stamps I don't receive any right now but
I lost all my food my power was off for 6 days. I also
applied for medical card and never got one and every
time I call phone is busy.
Jim Ashmore: Please call the customer service
office at 946-1340.
9:31:27 AM [Visitor] I saw that HCJFS is offering
possible assistance with home damage from the recent
wind storm. I was wondering...we lost most of our roof,
we have home owner's insurance and a claims adjuster has
told us they will cover replacing a new roof but we have
a $500 deductible, that we cannot come up with is this
something that HCJFS assistance can help us with?
Jim Ashmore: Due to overwhelming demand and the limited
state funding availability, this program ended on
Monday.
9:25:59 AM [Visitor] Based on recent troubles
with the economy (gas prices & cost of food increase)
has HCJFS thought about lowering the family income
(poverty level) at all? For example we are a family of
seven (5 children--ages 11, 9, 9, 9, & 3 , two parents),
my husband works full time and I work part time, we have
a combined income of about $58,000 but we do not qualify
for food stamps and only the children receive Caresource.
My husband has medical insurance for himself from work
but it is too expansive to insure me. After we pay our
house payment, buy groceries and pay for gas we just
have nothing less.
Jim Ashmore: Unfortunately, those guidelines are set by
the state and federal government. We have no flexibility
on that.
Mark your calendar for chats about three topics never
discussed in an online chat
-- Workforce Development (Oct. 1),
--Child Abuse and Neglect (Oct. 15), and
--Child Care (Oct. 29).
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