Benefits Screener

SNAP Food Assistance

Monthly grocery assistance for eligible households, administered by state agencies.

Start with the state benefits agency and collect income, rent, utility, and household documents.

Medicaid and CHIP

Health coverage programs for eligible adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Apply through the state Medicaid agency or health insurance marketplace.

LIHEAP Utility Help

Energy bill assistance for eligible households, often targeted to heating, cooling, and crisis needs.

Check the local LIHEAP intake office before shutoff notices or seasonal deadlines.

Ohio Housing and Voucher Navigation

HUD Ohio housing resources route households to public housing authorities, housing counselors, voucher information, homelessness contacts, and local affordable housing options.

Contact the local Public Housing Authority, call 2-1-1 where available, and use HUD-approved housing counseling when rental, eviction, or foreclosure guidance is needed.

Dayton local benefit path

Dayton has a local benefits page with a county-office checklist, utility and housing intake prompts, and links back to cost-of-living context.

Utility bill audit

Dayton has a starter utility benchmark of $178/mo. Pair LIHEAP checks with provider hardship plans and bill audit steps.

Local resource navigation

For urgent food, housing, utility, medical, or crisis needs, local 2-1-1 and county intake offices can identify active providers and current funding.

Income documentation

If income is currently zero or unstable, gather unemployment, benefit, or recent pay documentation before applying.