Disability and Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Ohio
Disability & Special Needs Support for Single Mothers in Ohio
Last updated: September 2025
Emergency help first
- If you or your child are in immediate danger: Call 911.
- If your child is in a behavioral health crisis: Call 988 and ask for Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) in Ohio. Teams aim to get to you within about 60 minutes statewide. (education.ohio.gov, codes.ohio.gov)
- If you need Medicaid help or can’t reach your managed care plan: Call the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: 800-324-8680. (content.govdelivery.com)
- If you suspect abuse, neglect, or theft against a person with developmental disabilities: Call DODD Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 800-617-6733 (Option 1) or use the state online form. If someone is in danger now, call 911. (ocf.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov)
- If you don’t know where to start: Call Ohio Benefits Helpdesk: 844-640-6446 for SNAP, Medicaid, cash aid, or publicly funded child care application help. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov)
Quick Help Box
- Best first call for disability services in Ohio: Your county Board of Developmental Disabilities (CB/DD). Use the statewide directory to find your board and ask for intake/eligibility. (oacbdd.org)
- Waiver services now: Ask your CB/DD about the Level One, SELF, or IO waivers; and ask about county Family Support Services funds while you wait. (codes.ohio.gov)
- Medically fragile/complex care: Ask about the Ohio Home Care Waiver through Medicaid; call the Medicaid Hotline if you need help. CareStar is managing OHCW care coordination as of July 1, 2025. (codes.ohio.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
- Behavioral health specialty plan for kids: Ask your child’s provider or county board about OhioRISE and MRSS. (education.ohio.gov, codes.ohio.gov)
- School help and scholarships: If your child has an IEP or autism diagnosis, look at the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship and Autism Scholarship. Max awards for 2025–26 are up to $34,000 depending on program. (education.ohio.gov)
- Cash, food, WIC, child care: Apply on Ohio Benefits or call 844-640-6446. WIC fruit-and-vegetable benefits are 26∗∗forchildrenand∗∗26** for children and **47–$52 for most women per month. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov, wicworks.fns.usda.gov, wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Program | Who it helps | What to ask for | How to apply | Key contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicaid + Waivers | Children with disabilities needing in‑home or community supports | Level One, SELF, IO (through county boards); Ohio Home Care Waiver; Healthchek (EPSDT); OhioRISE | Start with county Board of DD; or apply for Medicaid on Ohio Benefits | County CB/DD directory and 800-324-8680 (Medicaid Hotline). (oacbdd.org, codes.ohio.gov) |
| School supports | Students with IEPs or autism | Autism Scholarship; Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship | Apply through approved providers after IEP/AEP | 877-644-6338; scholarship resources pages list FY2026 amounts. (education.ohio.gov) |
| Child care | Work/school and need care for your child | Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC); special needs rate add‑ons | Apply on Ohio Benefits; ask provider about special needs enhancements | 844-640-6446; eligibility at 145% FPL initially; 150% FPL if child has verified special needs; ongoing up to 300% FPL. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov) |
| Food & WIC | Groceries and formula support | SNAP; WIC CVB | Ohio Benefits for SNAP; local WIC clinic for WIC | 844-640-6446; WIC CVB 26∗∗child;∗∗26** child; **47–$52 women. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov, wicworks.fns.usda.gov) |
| SSI cash | Severe disability with limited income/resources | Child SSI; deeming rules apply | Apply with Social Security; appeal if denied | 2025 SSI FBR: 967∗∗(individual),∗∗967** (individual), **1,450 (couple). (ssa.gov) |
| ABLE savings | Save without losing SSI/Medicaid | Ohio STABLE ABLE account | Open online; check SSI treatment rules | SSI ignores up to $100,000 in ABLE savings. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov) |
Why this hub is different
- Action-first steps at the top so you don’t lose time.
- Exact scholarship and waiver limits from current state rules.
- Direct phone numbers and official links so you can move fast.
- Reality checks on waitlists and timelines with Plan B options.
- Inclusive guidance for LGBTQ+, veterans, immigrants, tribal families, rural moms, and single fathers.
Ohio’s Disability Services Map at a Glance
Below are the fastest, highest‑impact steps for most single mothers caring for a disabled child. Move in this order if you can; it lines up with how Ohio agencies talk to each other.
1) Get in the door with your County Board of Developmental Disabilities (CB/DD)
- Why this matters: Your county board is the gateway for DODD waivers (Level One, SELF, IO), service coordination, and local supports. Every Ohio county has one.
- Start here: Use the Ohio Association of County Boards directory to find your county board. Tell them your child’s age, diagnosis (or suspected), and urgent needs (safety, respite, school issues). Ask for an intake and to be screened for DODD eligibility. (oacbdd.org)
- If your child is in immediate behavioral crisis: Call 988 and ask for MRSS. (education.ohio.gov)
- What to gather: IEP/AEP, ETR, recent evaluations, therapy notes, medical records, Medicaid card if any.
- Timeline reality check: Intake scheduling usually within a few weeks; waiver enrollment timing depends on priority level and available slots. Plan for several months; use county Family Support Services (FSS) or Healthchek/OhioRISE supports in the meantime.
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the board back and ask for a “service and support administrator (SSA)” consult. If you cannot reach anyone, use DODD’s general contact line 800-617-6733 and ask for help connecting to your county. For concerns about safety/eligibility decisions, consider calling Disability Rights Ohio or a local legal aid; and keep a written log. (forms.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov)
2) Apply (or update) Ohio Medicaid right away
- Why this matters: Medicaid is the insurance backbone for kids with disabilities (EPSDT/Healthchek, equipment, therapies, NEMT rides, and waivers).
- Apply fast: Online at Ohio Benefits or by phone 844-640-6446. Ask about EPSDT/Healthchek, OhioRISE, and whether your child may qualify via disability pathway or income. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov)
- For medically fragile/complex kids: Ask specifically about the Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHCW). Basic eligibility includes being under 60, meeting a nursing facility level of care, and needing waiver services to stay at home. CareStar is the care management agency effective July 1, 2025; use 800-324-8680 for help. (codes.ohio.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
- For significant behavioral/mental health needs: Ask your provider or board to screen for OhioRISE and MRSS. Statewide MRSS expansion targets on‑site response in under an hour after a 988 call. (education.ohio.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the Medicaid Hotline 800-324-8680 and ask for an eligibility review and care management support; ask your child’s doctor to fax medical necessity notes; request a fair hearing if denied. (content.govdelivery.com)
Medicaid HCBS Waivers for Children in Ohio
These are the major DODD and Medicaid options that keep your child at home with supports.
DODD Waivers (through County Boards)
- Level One Waiver (L1) — children: Annual benefit limit up to $41,424 per waiver eligibility span. Often used for homemaker/personal care, respite, adaptive equipment, and home mods. (codes.ohio.gov)
- SELF Waiver — children: Annual waiver limit up to $41,424; includes participant-directed services and support brokerage; participant-directed goods/services are capped per rule. (codes.ohio.gov)
- IO Waiver: No single flat cap; funding ranges are set by needs assessment (ODDP) and county cost-of-doing-business category. County SSA will tell you your child’s range and build the plan. (codes.ohio.gov)
- How to apply: Through your county board’s intake/eligibility. Ask to be screened for all appropriate waivers and to be placed on any needed waiting lists, and ask about interim supports (FSS funds, short-term respite).
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a copy of your Ohio Developmental Disabilities Profile, your assigned funding range (IO), and a written notice of any denial/reduction so you can appeal under ORC 5160.31 due process. (codes.ohio.gov)
Medicaid’s Ohio Home Care Waiver (OHCW)
- Who it helps: Children and adults under 60 with medically complex needs who would otherwise need hospital or nursing facility care.
- Key eligibility: Medicaid eligible; meet nursing facility level of care; safe to serve at home; need at least one waiver service not otherwise available. (codes.ohio.gov)
- Care management: CareStar is ODM’s care management agency as of July 1, 2025. Use the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: 800-324-8680 if you are unsure who manages your case. (content.govdelivery.com)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for a reassessment; request an internal plan appeal; and if still denied, request a state hearing.
Education Supports and Scholarships (K–12)
Ohio offers two powerful scholarships in addition to your child’s IEP services. These do not depend on your income.
Autism Scholarship Program (ASP)
- Maximum for 2025–2026: $34,000 per school year. The child needs an IEP showing special education services or an Autism Education Plan (AEP); a private autism diagnosis can qualify if reflected in the IEP/AEP. Earliest eligibility is age 3. (education.ohio.gov)
- How to apply: Choose an approved provider on the state directory and submit through the provider. Phones: 877-644-6338 or 614-728-3480. (education.ohio.gov)
- Common roadblocks: Provider waitlists; transportation; partial coverage (parents pay costs above the cap).
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Consider the Jon Peterson scholarship if your child has an IEP under a different disability category, or use your IEP to secure more services from your district.
Jon Peterson Special Needs (JPSN) Scholarship
- Maximums for 2025–2026 by category: Up to 34,000∗∗(Autism/TBI/Hearing+Vision),∗∗34,000** (Autism/TBI/Hearing+Vision), **29,750 (Orthopedic/Multi‑handicapped), 24,080∗∗(VisionorOHI‑major),∗∗24,080** (Vision or OHI‑major), **20,069 (Hearing Impaired or Emotional Disturbance), 13,069∗∗(SLD/ID/OHI‑minor),∗∗13,069** (SLD/ID/OHI‑minor), **10,045 (Speech/Language). Student must have a current district IEP. (education.ohio.gov)
- How to apply: Pick an approved provider, then apply through them. Phones: 877-644-6338 or 614-728-3480. Provider search and parent portal are on the state site. (education.ohio.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Use the IEP to secure services in your public school; consider EdChoice Expansion for tuition help if you’re switching schools for reasons beyond disability services. (education.ohio.gov)
Publicly Funded Child Care (PFCC) — including special needs
- Initial income eligibility: Up to 145% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for most families.
- If your child has a verified special need: You may qualify initially up to 150% FPL, and your provider can request special needs payment enhancements for the additional supports your child requires.
- Ongoing eligibility: Families can stay on PFCC up to 300% FPL if other rules are met. Apply on Ohio Benefits or call 844-640-6446. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- Copays: Based on income and family size, with $0 copay for families at or below 100% FPL. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your provider to help request a special needs enhancement; check Head Start and Early Head Start; ask your CB/DD about respite hours in your waiver or county funds.
Food, WIC, and Groceries
- WIC Cash Value Benefit (fruits/vegetables): Children ages 1–4 receive 26∗∗/month;pregnantandpostpartumnon‑breastfeedingparticipantsgenerally∗∗26**/month; pregnant and postpartum non‑breastfeeding participants generally **47/month; fully or partially breastfeeding participants $52/month, per the USDA’s 2024–2025 food package updates. Apply through your local WIC clinic. (wicworks.fns.usda.gov, wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov)
- SNAP (Food Assistance): Apply via Ohio Benefits or by phone 844-640-6446. Ohio follows federal SNAP rules, including expedited issuance for very low income/limited resources and gross/net income testing as described in the state manual. If you are denied, you can appeal. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your county JFS for an “expedited SNAP” screening; call or visit food pantries via 211 while your case processes.
SSI Cash Benefits and Protecting Eligibility with ABLE
- SSI 2025 Federal Benefit Rate: 967∗∗/monthforanindividual;∗∗967**/month for an individual; **1,450 for a couple. A child’s payment depends on family income and resources (deeming rules). Apply through Social Security; appeals are common, so keep deadlines. (ssa.gov)
- Protect savings with ABLE (Ohio STABLE Account): SSI disregards up to $100,000 held in a qualified ABLE account; balances above that can suspend SSI cash benefits but generally keep Medicaid if the excess is solely the ABLE balance. Review SSA’s ABLE Spotlight and POMS for details. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask for help from a hospital social worker or a legal aid advocate for the SSI application or appeal, and consider opening ABLE as soon as you can.
Utilities and Energy Help
- Programs to ask about: Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Winter/Summer Crisis Programs, and Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) Plus for electric and gas. These are administered by the Ohio Department of Development through local providers; most programs use income rules based on FPL.
- Action step: Contact your local Community Action Agency through 2‑1‑1 or visit the Ohio Department of Development’s Energy Assistance page to book an appointment and upload documents. If your child’s medical equipment depends on electricity, tell them at once to explore medical certifications.
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your electric/gas company’s critical needs or medical certification team for a short‑term hold while your HEAP/PIPP appointment is pending.
Transportation to Medical Appointments
- Non‑Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Available through Medicaid managed care or fee‑for‑service. Contact your plan or the Ohio Medicaid Consumer Hotline: 800-324-8680 to arrange rides. If you have OhioRISE, ask your care coordinator for help scheduling. (content.govdelivery.com)
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the hospital social work desk to set up a ride through the plan portal; request mileage reimbursement if you drive.
Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) — help paying for specialized care
Ohio’s Children with Medical Handicaps (CMH) program, administered by local health departments and ODH, can help with diagnosis and treatment for certain eligible conditions and offers service coordination. Ages served and details are set in state law and ODH rules, with local health departments helping families enroll. Start by calling your local health department’s CMH nurse. Examples of county CMH pages (with program descriptions, contact numbers, and brochures) are available via health departments in Cincinnati, Clark, Summit, Wayne, and others. (cincinnati-oh.gov, ccchd.com, scph.org, wayne-health.org)
- Tip: Ask your child’s specialist to submit the Medical Application Form and ask your county CMH nurse to help you track the “Letter of Approval.”
- What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the county health department and ask for the CMH public health nurse; if you can’t find a number, call your pediatric hospital’s social work office for a warm handoff.
Waiver & Scholarship Comparison Tables
Table A — DODD Waivers for Children (high‑level)
| Waiver | Annual cap (child) | Key services | Who manages | How to start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level One (L1) | $41,424 | Homemaker/personal care, respite, adaptive equipment, home mods | County Board SSA + DODD | Call your county CB/DD for intake/eligibility. (codes.ohio.gov) |
| SELF | $41,424; participant‑directed | Participant‑directed H/PC, goods/services, support brokerage | County Board SSA + DODD | Ask SSA about SELF and special budget authority. (codes.ohio.gov) |
| IO | Needs‑based ranges (no single flat cap) | Broad HCBS, nursing, residential respite, transportation | County Board SSA + DODD | Request ODDP assessment and funding range. (codes.ohio.gov) |
Table B — K–12 Scholarships (2025–2026)
| Scholarship | Max amount | Who qualifies | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autism Scholarship | $34,000 | Student with autism diagnosis reflected in IEP/AEP | Apply via approved provider; state parent portal. (education.ohio.gov) |
| Jon Peterson | 10,045–10,045–34,000 by disability category | Any student with a district IEP | Apply via approved provider; state parent portal. (education.ohio.gov) |
Table C — Child Care & Copays
| Item | Amount/limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PFCC initial eligibility | 145% FPL | 150% FPL if child has verified special needs; ongoing up to 300% FPL. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov) |
| Copays | $0 at ≤ 100% FPL | Copay increases with income; see annual state copay table. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov) |
Table D — WIC Cash Value Benefit (CVB) monthly
| Participant | Monthly fruits/vegetables CVB |
|---|---|
| Children 1–4 | $26 |
| Pregnant/postpartum (non‑breastfeeding) | $47 |
| Fully or partially breastfeeding | $52 |
| Sources | USDA WIC Works food package summaries and breastfeeding support pages (updated 2024). (wicworks.fns.usda.gov, wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov) |
Table E — SSI and ABLE essentials
| Program | 2025 amounts or rule | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| SSI FBR (individual) | $967/mo | Base amount before countable income reductions. (ssa.gov) |
| SSI FBR (couple) | $1,450/mo | For eligible couple. (ssa.gov) |
| ABLE resource disregard | Up to $100,000 | Protects savings for disability needs without losing SSI; Medicaid treatment depends on whether excess is solely ABLE. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov) |
How to sequence your applications (fastest path)
- Step 1: Call your county CB/DD and request intake; ask for help with waivers, respite, and OhioRISE referral if needed. (oacbdd.org)
- Step 2: File Ohio Medicaid now (EPSDT/Healthchek) and ask about OHCW or OhioRISE; call 800-324-8680 if stuck.
- Step 3: If your child has an IEP or autism plan, pick a provider and apply for Autism or Jon Peterson scholarship for fall placement; check waitlists now. (education.ohio.gov)
- Step 4: File PFCC for child care coverage (work/school). Ask your provider to request a special needs enhancement if accommodations are required. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- Step 5: Apply for WIC and SNAP (if eligible) through Ohio Benefits or your clinic.
- Step 6: If the disability is severe and income is very limited, apply for SSI; consider opening a STABLE (ABLE) account to protect savings. (ssa.gov)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Missing the county CB/DD intake: County boards are your launchpad to DODD waivers and service coordination. Don’t wait for a diagnosis to start intake—bring school evals and pediatric notes and ask for eligibility screening. (oacbdd.org)
- Not asking for MRSS during a crisis call: When you dial 988 for a child or teen, say “we need MRSS.” That routes your family to mobile crisis designed for youth. (codes.ohio.gov)
- Letting PFCC lapse after a raise: Ohio lets families stay on PFCC up to 300% FPL if other rules are met. Report changes, but don’t assume you’re out. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- Skipping ABLE: Without ABLE, saving more than 2,000∗∗canthreatenSSI.WithABLE,upto∗∗2,000** can threaten SSI. With ABLE, up to **100,000 is excluded. (ssa.gov)
- Not appealing: Many SSI, waiver, or scholarship denials are overturned on appeal. Always ask for the decision in writing and note the deadline on the letter.
What to do if one door closes (Plan B options)
- Waiver waitlist too long: Ask your county CB/DD about Family Support Services funds, community respite options, and short‑term help; ask Medicaid about OhioRISE and Healthchek services while you wait. (education.ohio.gov)
- Autism/JPSN provider full: Get on multiple waitlists, ask your public school to immediately implement any IEP services, and reapply next window. (education.ohio.gov)
- Denied SSI: File a reconsideration promptly; ask your child’s specialists for detailed functional reports tied to Social Security’s childhood listings; consider legal aid.
- PFCC not enough for 1:1 support: Ask your provider to request a special needs enhancement from the state and layer services from your DODD waiver or OhioRISE. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
Diverse Communities
- LGBTQ+ single mothers: Many state workers are familiar with diverse families. When connecting to services, use your chosen name and identifiers. For school services, remind teams that supports must be provided regardless of family structure. Phone: 800-324-8680 for Medicaid plan changes if you need providers with affirming training. (content.govdelivery.com)
- Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask your CB/DD for caregiver training supports under waivers, adaptive equipment, and respite. For income‑limited families, pair SSI and ABLE to stabilize finances. (ssa.gov)
- Veteran single mothers: You can use state programs alongside VA benefits. For behavioral health crises, 988 has a Veterans option; ask for MRSS if the youth is involved. (codes.ohio.gov)
- Immigrant/refugee single moms: Many programs require specific statuses. Ohio Benefits offers language access at 844-640-6446; ask for an interpreter when you call. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov)
- Tribal citizens: If your family has tribal affiliation, mention it to county and school teams—certain federal protections and resources may apply in child welfare and education placement decisions.
- Rural single moms with limited access: Use tele‑evals when allowed (check scholarship virtual-service guidance), ask for mobile MRSS, and request travel mileage reimbursement from your Medicaid plan if you must drive long distances. (education.ohio.gov, codes.ohio.gov)
- Single fathers: All programs listed are for any parent or legal guardian. When contacting agencies, state you are the custodial parent and request the same supports.
- Language access: For state benefit applications, say “interpreter please.” Ohio Benefits confirms free language help at 844-640-6446. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov)
Local organizations and legal help
- County Boards of DD: Intake, eligibility, and coordination; find your county in the directory. (oacbdd.org)
- DODD statewide contacts: General questions 800-617-6733; online complaint form available. (forms.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov, ocf.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov)
- School scholarships: State parent portals and provider directories for Autism and JPSN scholarships include step‑by‑step guides and office hours. (education.ohio.gov)
Application Checklist
- Personal/ID: Birth certificates, Social Security numbers, proof of Ohio residency, custody documents if applicable.
- Medical/Education: IEP/AEP, Evaluation Team Report, therapy reports (OT/PT/SLP), specialist letters, medication list, hospital discharge summaries.
- Income/Expenses: Pay stubs or benefit letters, rent/utility bills, child care invoices, medical bills.
- Program‑specific asks:
- County CB/DD intake: Ask for DODD eligibility screening, SSA assignment, and waiver screening.
- Medicaid: Ask for EPSDT/Healthchek, OhioRISE screening, and NEMT enrollment.
- Child care: Ask about PFCC special needs verification and enhancement.
- School: Ask for Prior Written Notice on any IEP changes, and, if using scholarships, provider enrollment forms.
Ten Ohio‑specific FAQs
- Q1 — How fast can MRSS get to my home in a crisis?
Answer: Ohio’s MRSS expansion targets mobile response within about 60 minutes after a 988 call statewide. Tell the operator you have a youth in crisis. (education.ohio.gov) - Q2 — What are the Level One and SELF waiver limits for kids right now?
Answer: Level One: up to 41,424∗∗perchildpereligibilityspan.SELF:upto∗∗41,424** per child per eligibility span. SELF: up to **41,424 for children; includes participant‑directed options. (codes.ohio.gov) - Q3 — Who runs the Ohio Home Care Waiver care management?
Answer: CareStar is ODM’s care management agency effective July 1, 2025. Call 800-324-8680 for help. (content.govdelivery.com) - Q4 — What’s the top Autism Scholarship amount this school year?
Answer: $34,000 for FY2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026). (education.ohio.gov) - Q5 — How much can Jon Peterson pay?
Answer: For FY2026, 10,045∗∗to∗∗10,045** to **34,000 depending on disability category; see the state’s category chart. (education.ohio.gov) - Q6 — What income gets my family into publicly funded child care?
Answer: Initial eligibility is 145% FPL (or 150% FPL if your child has verified special needs); families can stay on up to 300% FPL. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov) - Q7 — What WIC fruit/vegetable amounts apply in Ohio now?
Answer: Children 26∗∗;pregnant/postpartum∗∗26**; pregnant/postpartum **47; fully/partially breastfeeding $52 per month under the updated USDA food packages. (wicworks.fns.usda.gov) - Q8 — What are the 2025 SSI base amounts?
Answer: 967∗∗/moindividual;∗∗967**/mo individual; **1,450/mo couple. Actual SSI for a child depends on deeming from parents. (ssa.gov) - Q9 — Can I save for my child without losing SSI?
Answer: Yes. With an ABLE (Ohio STABLE) account, SSI ignores up to $100,000 of savings; special Medicaid rules apply if only the ABLE balance causes excess resources. (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov) - Q10 — Who do I call if my waiver or services get cut suddenly?
Answer: Ask your SSA for written notice and appeal rights. For immediate help, contact your county CB/DD; for system help, call DODD 800-617-6733; if it’s a Medicaid waiver issue, also call 800-324-8680. (forms.prodapps.dodd.ohio.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
Reality checks, timelines, and tips
- Timelines vary: Intake and eligibility are faster than waiver placements. Scholarships follow school-year calendars with application windows; call early.
- Documentation wins: Bring organized records to every meeting; upload documents to Ohio Benefits as soon as possible.
- Stack supports: Use Medicaid EPSDT, OhioRISE, PFCC, and school services while waiting for waivers.
- Ask for written decisions: You need written notices to appeal.
About This Guide
Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
- Method: We rely on primary sources (Ohio Administrative Code, Ohio agencies, USDA, SSA) and link directly to application portals and official forms. See our Editorial Standards for source verification, change tracking, and update commitments. This editorial standards page was last updated August 2025. (codes.ohio.gov)
- Scope: This guide uses official sources from the Ohio Department of Medicaid, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Department of Education & Workforce, USDA, SSA, and established statewide nonprofits for directories.
- Verification cycle: Regular comprehensive review every eight months; urgent policy change updates within 48 hours when confirmed. Report corrections to info@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer
- Program details change: Always verify the latest amounts, eligibility rules, forms, and deadlines with the relevant agency.
- No legal advice: This guide is general information, not legal or case‑specific advice.
- Security note: Do not include Social Security numbers or medical record numbers in emails. Use official portals or call agencies directly (phone numbers above are bolded) for sensitive information.
Sources cited in this guide
- DODD Level One and IO administration and L1 benefit limits: Ohio Admin. Code 5123‑9‑06 (Eff. Jan. 1, 2024). (codes.ohio.gov)
- SELF waiver benefit limits and PDGS rules: Ohio Admin. Code 5123‑9‑40 and 5123‑9‑45 (Eff. July 1, 2025). (codes.ohio.gov)
- Ohio Home Care Waiver eligibility: Ohio Admin. Code Chapter 5160‑46 (Eff. Jan. 1, 2024). CareStar management announcement (June 24–27, 2025). Medicaid Hotline 800‑324‑8680. (codes.ohio.gov, content.govdelivery.com)
- MRSS statewide expansion and 988 routing: Ohio DEW EdConnection (May 13, 2025) and OAC 5122‑29‑14 (Eff. Apr. 1, 2025). (education.ohio.gov, codes.ohio.gov)
- County Board directory: Ohio Association of County Boards, Member Directory. (oacbdd.org)
- Autism Scholarship amount (FY2026): $34,000. Ohio DEW PDF and program pages. (education.ohio.gov)
- Jon Peterson scholarship category amounts (FY2026): 10,045–10,045–34,000. Ohio DEW PDF and resources page. (education.ohio.gov)
- PFCC eligibility thresholds, special needs verification, and copay policy: OAC 5101:2‑16‑02, 5101:2‑16‑05. (emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov)
- WIC CVB amounts (children and women): USDA WIC Works and WIC Breastfeeding Support (2024 updates). (wicworks.fns.usda.gov, wicbreastfeeding.fns.usda.gov)
- SSI 2025 Federal Benefit Rates: SSA COLA page (2025). 967∗∗individual;∗∗967** individual; **1,450 couple. (ssa.gov)
- ABLE (SSI resource exclusion up to $100,000): SSA Spotlight and POMS SI 01130.740 (updated July 8, 2025). (ssa.gov, secure.ssa.gov)
- Ohio Benefits Helpdesk: 844‑640‑6446. State portal pages. (ssp.benefits.ohio.gov)
If you need something specific not covered here, reply with your Ohio county and your child’s age/diagnosis. I’ll map out the fastest local steps and fill in any gaps.
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- 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
- ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
- 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
- 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
- 🎓 Education Grants
- 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
- 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
- 🔧 Job Training
- ⚖️ Legal Help
- 🧠 Mental Health Resources
- 🚗 Transportation Assistance
- 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
- ⚡ Utility Assistance
- 🥛 WIC Benefits
- 🏦 TANF Assistance
- 🏠 Housing Assistance
- 👶 Childcare Assistance
- 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
- 🚨 Emergency Assistance
- 🤝 Community Support
- 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
- 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
- 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
- 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
- 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
- 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
- 👩💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
- 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
- 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
- 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
- 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
- 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery
