Cleveland, OH Financial Assistance
A Comprehensive Guide to Government Financial Assistance for Cleveland, Ohio Residents
If you are a resident of Cleveland, Ohio, and are in financial need, you might not be sure where to turn for help. The good news is that there are several government and non-profit resources available to assist you. These resources are designed to offer you a helping hand during challenging times, providing various types of financial support for those who meet the eligibility criteria. This article will guide you through the available options, the requirements to qualify, and how to apply for them.
Federal Assistance: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a federal aid program that provides funds to eligible individuals and families to buy food. The amount of aid given depends on the household size, income, and certain expenses. To apply, visit the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services website at jfs.ohio.gov.
Federal Assistance: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The Ohio Works First program, part of the Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), provides monthly cash assistance to eligible families for up to 36 months. To qualify, you must have a child under 19 years, be pregnant, or be a member of an eligible two-parent family. More details can be found on the Ohio Works First website.
Federal Assistance: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP establishes financial assistance to individuals and families struggling to pay their heating bills. Your household income, size, and the type of fuel you use are some of the primary eligibility considerations for this program. Applications are accepted at the Ohio Development Service Agency.
State Assistance: Ohio Medicaid
Ohio Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to some low-income people, families, pregnant women, elderly adults, and people with disabilities. Eligibility is largely based on income and family size. Apply for Ohio Medicaid through the Ohio Benefits website.
Government Housing Subsidies
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several housing programs for low-income households, including the Section 8 housing choice voucher program. This program helps people with low income to pay for privately-owned rental housing. More details are available on the HUD website.
Non-Profit Agencies
- The United Way of Greater Cleveland: This non-profit organization focuses on poverty relief and offers various social services, including food, housing, healthcare, and employment assistance. Visit their website at unitedwaycleveland.org.
- The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland: Provides emergency housing assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, and more. More information is accessible at The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland.
- The Greater Cleveland Food Bank: They provide nutritious meals to those in need. Visit greaterclevelandfoodbank.org for information on how to receive assistance.
Strategies To Escalate Out Of Financial Need
Beyond receiving aid, there are strategies you can employ to help your family navigate out of financial hardship. Implementing a strict budget, consolidating debts to cover payments more efficiently, and seeking additional employment can be useful strategies. Utilizing free debt counselling services or low-cost financial literacy programs can also equip you with the knowledge and skills to manage finances better and avoid financial crisis in the future. One such organization is Money Smart Week, a public awareness program run by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. The program provides resources to help individuals and families make better-informed money decisions.
Overall, don't get discouraged in the face of financial hardship. Reach out to these organizations and make use of the resources available to you. There is ample support available to you and provided by both the state and local non-profit agencies. Your situation is not permanent and with the right support, overcoming financial difficulty is achievable.
Search for Financial Assistance in Ohio
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EEOC - Cleveland Field Office
The Federal laws
prohibiting job discrimination are: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color,
religion, sex, or national origin; the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which
protects men and women who perform substantially equal work in the same
establishment from sex-based wage discrimination; the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, which protects individuals who are 40 years
of age or older; Title I and Title V of the Americans with Disabilities
Act of 1990, which prohibit employment discrimination against qualified
individuals with disabilities in the private sector, and in state and
local governments; Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of
1973, which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals with
disabilities who work in the federal government; and the Civil Rights
Act of 1991, which, among other things, provides monetary damages in
cases of intentional employment discrimination.
The US EEOC enforces all
of these laws.
EEOC also provides oversight and coordination of all
federal equal employment opportunity regulations, practices, and
policies. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5048309,-81.6918194
- Phone
- (800) 669-4000
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Legal Assistance (ACLU)
Aids in litigation for people
that have had their civil liberties violated.
The types of cases
accepted are (but not limited to) free speech,separation of church and
state, privacy, due process, and others.
The ACLU handles cases that
involve serious violations of civil liberties by the government.
Do not
have a large staff of lawyers.
The ACLU does NOT accept divorce,
custody, or criminal cases. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5055392,-81.6558831
- Phone
- (216) 472-2200
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Nine to Five - Nat'l Job Problems Hotline
An advocacy
organization of working women for the purpose of fighting for more
effective corporate & public policies to end sexual harassment & protect
the rights of victims.The Nat'l Job Problems Hotline provides
information on any job related problems: .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4979302,-81.6975447
- Phone
- (800) 522-0925
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Ohio Civil Rights Commission - Cleveland Regional Office
Investigates charges of discrimination in employment, public
accommodations, housing, credit and higher education on the bases of
race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry
or familial status.
Must file complaints within six months (or one year
for housing complaints) of the alleged act of discrimination.
OCRC must
make a finding within one year after the charge is filed. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5231027,-81.6473288
- Phone
- (216) 787-3150
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
WECO Ohio Home Ownership IDA Program
The weco fund,
inc.
has been awarded a grant from the Ohio Department of Job and Family
Services to help people save up to purchase a home.
Once eligibility is
established, participants must open an IDA account and save money every
month.
One $750 has bee .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5071458,-81.6816607
- Phone
- (866) 432-9326
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
CMHA -Section 8
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4895950,-81.7088554
- Phone
- (216) 771-1471
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Call 221 for Cuyahoga
County and Northeastern Ohio.
Information on Rent Assistance will be
provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542
- Phone
- (216) 436-2100
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
CMHA -Section 8
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4895950,-81.7088554
- Phone
- (216) 771-1471
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Call 221 for Cuyahoga
County and Northeastern Ohio.
Information on Rent Assistance will be
provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542
- Phone
- (216) 436-2100
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
CMHA -Section 8
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4895950,-81.7088554
- Phone
- (216) 771-1471
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
United Way of Greater Cleveland
Call 221 for Cuyahoga
County and Northeastern Ohio.
Information on Rent Assistance will be
provided. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5010230,-81.6822542
- Phone
- (216) 436-2100
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Aids Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
Helps those who
are able to live independently in the community to locate safe and
affordable housing.
Offers a directory of available housing facilities,
public and private.
Emergency financial assistance may be available to
assist with meeting rental and utility payments.
How service is provided: on-site.
Transportation may be provided
WHO QUALIFIES: Targets those with AIDS/HIV.HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F:
9:00am-5:00pmFEES: Free
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Proof of diagnosis, Photo ID, Birth Certificate, ID
s for each family member, proof of income, etc.
HOW TO ACCESS: Phone for information or an appointment M-F: 9:00am-5:00pm
SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Intake Worker
SUPPORTS FOR PERSONS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Spanish
SITE DESCRIPTION: Provides a comprehensive and compassionate response to
HIV and AIDS in the Greater Cleveland community through supportive
services, educational, and advocacy.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Located on the south side of Euclid Ave., E of E.
30th St and Euclid Ave.There is public transportation to this site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available.
This
site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5023730,-81.6650260
- Phone
- (216) 621-0766
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland
A program for parent(s) who have had children removed from their care
by the Dept.
of Children and Family Services, in which the family is
supported in the reunification process.
In most cases the family will be
moving into different housing.
Funding will be provided for one month s
rent, and security deposit if necessary, in an amount such that client
will be able to continue to pay that rent on the basis of his/her
income.
Delinquent mortgage payment could be provided, but such a
situation would be very rare.
How service is provided: on-site
who qualifies: must live in cuyahoga county.
Must have at least one
child under age 18 who has been removed from the home by DCFS.
Must have
a source of income.
Must have satisfied all reunification requirements
with the exception of finding suitable housing.
Income requirements will
depend on client s specific circumstances.
For any other eligibility
issues, each case will be evaluated on its own merits.
Hours of service: m-f: 8:30am-5:30pm
fees: free
required documents: dcfs referral; proof of income; id; social security
numbers for all members of family.
How to access: client should contact his/her dcfs social worker.
The
social worker must complete referral forms and contact Housing
Supervisor.
Then client can call to make an appointment with Housing
Supervisor.
Service contact person: housing supervisor
supports for persons with special requirements: spanish language
available.
Tty available.
SITE DESCRIPTION: Office of Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program,
and of housing assistance services.
Travel instructions: near e 18th st.
and Prospect Ave., next to
unemployment office and across from the CSU Convocation Center on the
Prospect side.
There is public transportation to this site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available.
This
site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4999717,-81.6780803
- Phone
- (216) 263-6266
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp.
Provides one
month s rental payment for newly hired employees of Cleveland Clinic,
University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Museum
of Art, and Judson at University Circle who do a one year lease to live
in the specified area in pre-approved rental units.
Must occupy the
rental property as a primary residence.
How service is provided: on-site
who qualifies: current, full-time employees of cleveland clinic,
university hospitals, case western reserve university, cleveland museum
of art, and judson at university circle.
Program can only be used once
and can only be used by one member of a household.
An employee is
eligible to apply for the home purchase program 12 months after they
have received rental assistance.
Rental unit must be located in the
target area, which includes city of Cleveland neighborhoods of
University Circle, Hough, Glenville, Little Italy, Fairfax, and
Buckeye/Shaker.
The area is defined by East 79th Street on the west,
Superior Avenue to the north, the Cleveland city line to the east, and
Buckeye-Woodland to the south.
A portion of East Cleveland up to Elberon
Avenue and Roxbury Road is also included
HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F: 9:00am-5:00pmFEES: Free to apply
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: None for initial contact
HOW TO ACCESS: Complete inquiry form on web site.
Phone for an
application and appointment M-F: 9:00am-5:00pm.
Applicant must obtain a
signed letter from organization before renting a unit.
Must be able to
provide first month s rent and security deposit.
Service contact person: community development specialist
site description: performs neighborhood planning and community
revitalization activities.
Focuses on increasing market-rate and
affordable residential housing and on economic development activities to
stabilize and revitalize Cleveland Ward 6.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Nearest intersection is 79th and Quincy Avenue.
There is public transportation to this site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available.
This
site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4935254,-81.6316951
- Phone
- (216) 361-8400
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Harry Ratner/Samuel D. and May Wise Human Service Funds
Offers one-time grants for individuals with critical needs. May only
cover a portion of the cost of the item or bill. Will cover a variety of
needs including, but not limited to, baby clothing, cribs, school
uniforms, work clothing, furniture, linens, utility bills, medical
bills, dental bills, medical equipment and appliances which include air
conditioners for medical purposes,. Grants awarded are for a maximum of
$125 for all needs except abortion, which is limited to $80. Funds for
abortions may not always be available. Will not pay for mobile or cell
phone bills. For bills that exceed $125, client will have to demonstrate
his/her ability to pay off the balance of the bill (being on a payment
plan, have income to make payments, funds etc.). Provides up to $125
towards rent in order to avoid eviction and for security deposits, but
client must have funds to pay off any remaining balance.
HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED: By mail; by fax.
WHO QUALIFIES: Cuyahoga County residents who have a critical need and
for whom the grant will make an impact on their situation. Client may
only receive assistance once in a lifetime.
HOURS OF SERVICE: Application process takes approximately 3-5 weeks
FEES: Free
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Completed Application form; Social security number
of applicant; Proof of non-profit status is required for new agencies
who have never worked with the fund before. For utility or rent
assistance: must have a copy of the client s bill. For
appliances/furniture: copy of an estimate from the store from which the
item will be purchased. For rent/security deposit: must have statement
from landlord with full amount of rent due or security deposit. Doctors
written recommendation needed to obtain an air conditioner.
HOW TO ACCESS: An application form must be completed by a licensed
social worker or medical professional on behalf of the client. The
application should be faxed or mailed to the fund administrator. If the
person working on behalf of the client has not worked with this fund
before or does not have an application form, he or she should mail, fax,
or leave a voice mail message indicating interest (the best way to
contact is by fax). An application and instructions will be faxed to
them. Grant checks are mailed to the social worker or medical
professional on behalf of the client (made out to the vendor, not the
individual). Allow approximately 3-5 weeks for processing of the grant
check. If the request has been denied, a letter will be sent.
SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Fund Administrator
SITE DESCRIPTION: Philanthropic fund that provides one-time grants for
individuals with critical needs. Supplements other major sources of
funding in order to fill gaps in service. Grant checks are written to
vendors, not to individuals. A social worker or medical professional
must facilitate the application process.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Not applicable.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: Not Applicable. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4963405,-81.6719914
- Phone
- (216) 566-1262
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
JD Breast Cancer Foundation
Provides financial
assistance to those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Will
provide funds for the following: Housing: rent, mortgage, property tax
payments; Utilities: gas, electric, existing phone service;
Transportation: gasoline, car repairs, bus and taxi fare.
Provides gift
cards for various stores that may be used for food and pharmacy
purchases.
Can also assist with the purchase of necessary medical
supplies.
May provide financial assistance for other needs on a
case-by-case basis.
Payment is made directly to the debtor or service
provider.
Maximum amount of assistance varies as determined by need.
How service is provided: by mail; by phone.
WHO QUALIFIES: Individuals with breast cancer diagnosis in Cuyahoga,
Lorain, and Lake Counties with demonstrated financial needs or hardship,
or who are unable to work.
May help clients from other counties on a
case-by-case basis.
Clients are eligible within six months of active
treatment or surgery, or if they are taking maintenance drugs.
HOURS OF SERVICE: M-F: 9:00am-4:00pm
FEES: Free
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Copies of outstanding bills, rent, mortgage.
Completed application signed by client and licensed medical social
worker, doctor, or registered nurse.
HOW TO ACCESS: Must have referral from licensed medical social worker,
physician, or registered nurse.
Phone for information or to request
application 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week; leave a message and the call
will be returned within one business day.
May also download application
from Web-site.
Completed application must then be mailed or faxed back.
Applicant will be contacted within 60 days as to the status of their
application (may be faster in certain emergency situations).
SERVICE CONTACT PERSON: Whoever answers the phone can assist
SITE DESCRIPTION: Provides supportive services for those diagnosed with
and survivors of breast cancer.
Provides emergency financial assistance
to individuals with breast cancer.
Also offers informative public events
that address various breast cancer issues.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: Located on the North side of Magnolia St.
near the
intersection with 108th St.
accross the street from the VA Hospital.
There is public transportation to this site.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL services accessible or available.
This
site has an accessible restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5147020,-81.6114190
- Phone
- (216) 791-9447
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Veterans service commission - cuyahoga county
Provides
assistance with food, shelter (rent or mortgage), and utility bills for
families of active military personnel.
Assistance is in the form of
vouchers.
Amount of assistance depends on the number of dependents left
behind after deployment.
Also available to make community presentations
about their services.HOW SERVICE IS PROVIDED: On-site.
In cases of
serious disability, home visit for financial assistance may be possible
- this is decided on a case-by-case basis.WHO QUALIFIES: Assistance is
to families of active military whose residence is in Cuyahoga County
(place of deployment is not considered).
Military family member must be
deployed for other than training purpose.
Reserves must have been
activated by presidential (federal) order, not state.
Amount of
assistance will depend on number of dependents left at home, and amount
of income/income reduction for family.
Any community group can request a
presentation.HOURS OF SERVICE: Office hours: M-F: 8:30am-4:30pm.
Application packets can be picked up M-F: 8:30am-4:15pm.
Flexible hours
for community presentations.FEES: FreeREQUIRED DOCUMENTS: First LES
(leave earning statement), showing how much income will be received
every month.
If the LES has not yet been received, will need spouse s
military ID.
Further information will be available in application
packet.HOW TO ACCESS: Come in M-F: 8:30am-4:15pm to pick up an
application packet, or call M-F: 8:30am-4:15 to request that a packet be
mailed; an appointment for intake on-site can be made at that time.
For
community presentations, call M-F: 8:30am-4:30pm to schedule.SERVICE
CONTACT PERSON: Appointment Clerk to pick up packet; can call Client
Liaison or Financial Assistance Manager with questions.SUPPORTS FOR
PERSONS WITH SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Spanish language available.SITE
DESCRIPTION: Provides emergency assistance to veterans who are
experiencing hardship.
Assists with the burial of qualified, honorably
discharged veterans.
Assists veterans and their widows, children and
other next of kin to understand and secure military benefits, including
filing claims with the Dept.
of Veterans Affairs.TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS: On
the north side of Prospect Ave., across from the Wolstein Center.
There
is public transportation to this site.WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY: ALL
services accessible or available.
This site has an accessible
restroom. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.4963405,-81.6719914
- Phone
- (216) 698-2652
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Maximum Accessible Housing Of Ohio
The mission of
Maximum Accessible Housing of Ohio (MAHO) is to develop and/or
facilitate options in housing for people with physical disabilities. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5109150,-81.6034870
- Phone
- (216) 231-7221
- Location
- Cleveland, OH
Department of Community Development - CLEVELAND
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Cuyahoga County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5051274,-81.6936367
- Phone
- (216) 6642351
- Location
- Cleveland , OH
Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services - CUYAHOGA COUNTY
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Montgomery County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
41.5019950,-81.6988077
- Phone
- (216) 4206844
- Location
- Cleveland, OH