$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Ohio Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Ohio
SSDI in Ohio - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Ohio - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition. It is federal, so the rules are the same in Ohio as everywhere else.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA, 2024
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Does SSDI approval lead to other benefits in Ohio?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. Because Ohio expanded Medicaid, some lower-income SSDI recipients may also qualify for Medicaid coverage while they wait.
How long does SSDI take in Ohio?
Ohio reviews the medical part of your claim through its Division of Disability Determination, part of Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. An initial decision typically takes several months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Ohio - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Ohio - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Ohio, getting SSI also opens the door to Medicaid.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Ohio does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get Medicaid with SSI in Ohio?
Yes. Ohio automatically enrolls SSI recipients in Medicaid, so approval covers your health care without a separate application.
Does Ohio add to my SSI payment?
No. Ohio does not pay a general state supplement on top of federal SSI, so recipients receive only the federal amount. This is set by the SSA, not by anything you can change on your application.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Ohio
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Ohio
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS, 2026
ADDED BY THE PACT ACT
20+ conditions
New toxic-exposure conditions the VA now presumes are service connected
VA.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Ohio offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Ohio offers an enhanced homestead exemption that shields $56,000 of your home value from property tax for veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled, with no income test, and the amount rises each year with inflation. Your County Veterans Service Office can help you file. This is separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Ohio
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Ohio
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Ohio?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
What's the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. Medicaid is based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Is there free Medicare help in Ohio outside of Turnout?
Yes. Ohio runs OSHIIP, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program, through the Ohio Department of Insurance, offering free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-686-1578. Turnout works alongside resources like this to get you the most from your coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Ohio
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Ohio
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed, 2026
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education, 2024
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Ohio public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Ohio?
Under the Ohio Operating Standards, the school must complete the initial evaluation within 60 calendar days of getting your written consent, then hold the meeting to develop the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Medicaid in Ohio
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Ohio residents.
Medicaid in Ohio
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Ohio residents.
Ohio Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost. Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014, so most adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, even without children. Most coverage is delivered through managed care plans, and Ohio is rolling out its Next Generation managed care program.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
3M+
Ohioans enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of late 2024 (approximate)
KFF / Ohio Dept. of Medicaid, 2024 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
Ohio Dept. of Medicaid, 2026
ADULT INCOME LIMIT
138% FPL
Adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify through the Medicaid expansion group
Ohio Dept. of Medicaid / KFF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Adults ages 19 to 64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level
- Children in households at or below roughly 211% of the federal poverty level
- Pregnant women up to about 205% of the federal poverty level, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability, including SSI recipients who are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through Ohio Benefits at benefits.ohio.gov, or in person at your County Department of Job and Family Services. You can also apply by phone at 1-800-324-8680. Have proof of income, identity, and Ohio residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Did Ohio expand Medicaid?
Yes. Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014, so adults ages 19 to 64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level can qualify, even without children. This is a key difference from states that did not expand.
What's the difference between Medicaid and Medicare?
Medicaid is based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Is there a work requirement for Ohio Medicaid?
Not yet in effect for most enrollees. Ohio has federal approval to add a community engagement requirement for expansion adults, expected to phase in later in 2026 with exemptions for many groups. Check medicaid.ohio.gov for the current rules before your renewal.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Ohio
Monthly grocery benefits on an Ohio Direction Card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Ohio
Monthly grocery benefits on an Ohio Direction Card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, sometimes called food assistance in Ohio, helps qualifying households buy groceries, and is run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through county offices. Benefits are loaded each month onto an Ohio Direction Card and can be used at most grocery stores, Kroger, Walmart, and many farmers markets. A gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level is the main test for most households.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
1.3M+
Ohioans received SNAP benefits, one of the largest caseloads in the Midwest
Ohio DJFS / USDA, 2026 (approx.)
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in FY2026
USDA, FY2026
HOW FAST APPROVAL HAPPENS
7 days
Expedited benefits for households with very low income or urgent need; standard processing up to 30 days
Ohio DJFS / USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Ohio
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
- Households with a member 60 or older or with a disability follow simpler income rules
How to apply
Apply online through Ohio Benefits at benefits.ohio.gov, in person at your county Department of Job and Family Services, or by phone at 1-844-640-6446. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. The same portal screens you for Medicaid and other assistance.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for SNAP in Ohio?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
How long does SNAP approval take in Ohio?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
What is the Ohio Direction Card?
The Ohio Direction Card is the state EBT card that holds your SNAP benefits. It works like a debit card at most grocery stores, Walmart, and many farmers markets across Ohio.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Ohio
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Ohio
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help, and is run by the Ohio Department of Health through county health departments. Many working families qualify, and being on Medicaid, SNAP, or Ohio Works First usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
INCOME LIMIT
185% FPL
Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level meet WIC's income test
Ohio Dept. of Health, 2026
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA, 2024
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving Medicaid, SNAP, or Ohio Works First are automatically income-eligible
- Ohio residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Call 1-800-755-4769 (1-800-755-GROW) or your local county health department to schedule a WIC appointment. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Ohio residency, and proof of household income or proof of Medicaid, SNAP, or Ohio Works First enrollment. If approved, you receive your Ohio WIC Nutrition Card (eWIC) and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Ohio's food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on Medicaid or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
HEAP in Ohio (Home Energy Assistance)
Assistance that helps cover your home heating and cooling bills and prevents shutoffs.
HEAP in Ohio (Home Energy Assistance)
Assistance that helps cover your home heating and cooling bills and prevents shutoffs.
Ohio's version of LIHEAP is called the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. It helps qualifying households pay their heating and cooling bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. HEAP includes a Winter Crisis Program and a Summer Crisis Program for households facing shutoff or a cooling emergency. As of April 2026, HEAP is administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, with applications taken through local Energy Assistance Providers.
INCOME LIMIT
175% FPL
Households at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can qualify for heating, cooling, and crisis help
Ohio HEAP / LIHEAP Clearinghouse, 2026
WINTER CRISIS HELP
Up to $1,200
Maximum Winter Crisis Program benefit for households facing shutoff; the Summer Crisis Program pays up to $800
LIHEAP Clearinghouse (Ohio), FY2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your utility
The benefit is credited to your energy account, not paid to you as cash
Ohio HEAP (ODJFS), 2026
Who qualifies
- Ohio households at or below 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Renters and homeowners paying energy bills, or paying energy costs included in rent
- Households facing a shutoff or disconnection may qualify for Winter or Summer Crisis help
- Households on SNAP, Ohio Works First, or SSI are automatically income-eligible
How to apply
Apply online at energyhelp.ohio.gov, or through your local Energy Assistance Provider or Community Action Agency. Bring a current utility bill, photo ID for household members, proof of income, and any disconnection notice. The Winter Crisis Program runs November 1 through March 31, and the Summer Crisis Program runs July 1 through September 30. If approved, the benefit is credited to your utility account.
Frequently asked questions
What if my income is too high for HEAP?
Ohio uses a limit of 175% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you receive SNAP, Ohio Works First, or SSI, you automatically meet the income test, so apply even if you are close to the limit.
How is the benefit paid? Do I receive a check?
No. HEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe or preventing a shutoff. You will not receive cash.
What's the difference between the Winter and Summer Crisis Programs?
The Winter Crisis Program runs November through March and helps with heating shutoffs, up to $1,200. The Summer Crisis Program runs July through September and helps with cooling, up to $800, for households with a member 60 or older or a documented medical need.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Ohio
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Ohioans.
ACA Subsidies in Ohio
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Ohioans.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace that Ohio uses. Because Ohio expanded Medicaid, adults with the lowest incomes are usually covered by Medicaid, while the marketplace serves those earning above the Medicaid limit. Enter your income and household size at HealthCare.gov to see your subsidy.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
470K+
Ohioans selected a marketplace plan for 2026 through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace Ohio uses
CMS 2026 Open Enrollment Report, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
100-400% FPL
Households in this income range may qualify for premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
HealthCare.gov, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage. Special enrollment available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov, 2026
Who qualifies
- Ohioans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning above the Medicaid limit but within subsidy ranges
- Those not eligible for Medicaid, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Ohio
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio run its own marketplace or use HealthCare.gov?
Ohio uses the federal HealthCare.gov marketplace. You apply, compare plans, and enroll at HealthCare.gov, and the system checks whether you qualify for Ohio Medicaid first.
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. Because Ohio expanded Medicaid, adults earning up to 138% of the poverty level are usually covered by Medicaid instead, and HealthCare.gov will screen you for that coverage.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Ohio (Ohio Works First)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Ohio (Ohio Works First)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
Ohio Works First, or OWF, is Ohio's version of TANF. It provides time-limited cash to families with children who have very limited income, paired with a work program that helps parents find and keep jobs. The program is run by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services through county offices. Cash is loaded onto an Ohio Pathway card and comes with a 36-month state time limit plus the federal 60-month lifetime cap.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
About $600
The approximate maximum cash grant for a family of three with no income, among the lowest in the country. (This is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
Ohio DJFS OWF payment standard (OAC 5101:1-23-40), 2026
STATE TIME LIMIT
36 months
Ohio limits OWF cash to 36 months, on top of the federal 60-month lifetime cap, with hardship extensions possible
Ohio DJFS (OWF), 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
50% FPL
To qualify, a family's countable income must fall at or below about 50% of the federal poverty level, separate from the benefit amount
Ohio DJFS (OWF), 2026
Who qualifies
- Ohio residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in high school)
- Pregnant women in their third trimester
- Households with very low income (at or below about 50% of the federal poverty level)
- Work-eligible adults must take part in the OWF work program unless exempt
How to apply
Apply online through Ohio Benefits at benefits.ohio.gov, or in person at your County Department of Job and Family Services. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying through Ohio Benefits also screens you for SNAP and Medicaid. If approved, benefits are loaded onto an Ohio Pathway card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I receive Ohio Works First?
Ohio limits adults to 36 months of OWF cash assistance, with a required 24-month break before you can reapply, and a federal 60-month lifetime cap on top of that. Hardship extensions may be available in some counties.
What's the difference between Ohio Works First and TANF?
They are the same thing. Ohio Works First (OWF) is simply Ohio's name for the federal TANF cash assistance program, run by Ohio DJFS.
Can I receive Ohio Works First and SNAP at the same time?
Yes. OWF recipients are categorically eligible for SNAP and Medicaid. Applying at Ohio Benefits screens you for all three at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Ohio (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Ohio (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. The federal credit is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. Ohio also has its own state EITC worth 30 percent of the federal credit, but the Ohio credit is nonrefundable, so it can only lower the state tax you owe.
FEDERAL WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
OHIO STATE EITC
30% match
Ohio adds a state EITC worth 30 percent of your federal credit, but it is nonrefundable
Ohio Revised Code 5747.71, 2026
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS, 2024
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- Ohio taxpayers who qualify for the federal credit automatically qualify for the state EITC
How to apply
You claim the federal EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. Ohio's 30 percent state EITC is claimed on your Ohio income tax return, and tax software carries it over automatically. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio have its own state EITC?
Yes. Ohio offers a state EITC worth 30 percent of your federal credit. Unlike the federal credit, the Ohio credit is nonrefundable, so it can lower your Ohio tax to zero but does not pay out as a refund on its own.
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller federal credit, and having children increases the amount. The Ohio credit follows whatever federal credit you qualify for.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or Medicaid, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Ohio
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Ohio
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Ohio families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Ohio does not currently have its own state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS, 2026
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS, 2026
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. You, your spouse if filing jointly, and each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income to qualify and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Does Ohio have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Ohio does not currently have a state-level Child Tax Credit. A state credit has been proposed but not enacted, so only the federal credit is available to Ohio residents right now.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Ohio
Subsidized child care for working Ohio families.
Child Care Assistance in Ohio
Subsidized child care for working Ohio families.
Ohio's Publicly Funded Child Care program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run by the Ohio Department of Children and Youth. The program pays providers directly, with families paying a weekly copay based on income and family size.
PARENT SHARE
Weekly copay
Families pay a copay based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Ohio Dept. of Children and Youth, 2026
INCOME LIMIT TO ENTER
145% FPL
Families enter the program at or below 145% of the federal poverty level, or 150% if a child has a verified special need
Ohio Dept. of Children and Youth, 2026
PAID DIRECTLY
To your provider
The subsidy is paid to your approved child care provider, not to you as cash
Ohio Dept. of Children and Youth, 2026
Who qualifies
- Ohio residents with a child who needs care, generally under age 13
- Parents who are working, in school, in job training, or receiving Ohio Works First
- Households at or below 145% of the federal poverty level to enter (150% for a child with a verified special need)
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through Ohio Benefits at benefits.ohio.gov, or contact your County Department of Job and Family Services. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work, school, or training schedule. Once approved, you choose an approved provider and the subsidy is paid directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my own child care provider?
Yes. You can choose from any provider approved and licensed to accept Publicly Funded Child Care, including licensed centers and licensed family child care homes.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A weekly copay applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay more toward the cost.
Who runs child care assistance in Ohio now?
The Ohio Department of Children and Youth, a newer state agency, now administers Publicly Funded Child Care. You still apply through Ohio Benefits or your county Department of Job and Family Services.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
