Latest News & Updates from LCDJFS and CSEA
We want to take a moment to ensure the public knows that our agency remains open during the current UAW strike. The leadership and staff at Lorain County Job and Family Services remain dedicated to the mission of the agency and are working hard to minimize any difficulties for our clients as a result of the strike.
The lobby remains open. Lobby hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Verifications can be placed in the drop boxes located outside our agency and also may be uploaded to the Self-Service Portal, faxed to (440)323-3422, sent to our agency via US Mail, or emailed to [email protected]
You can view status updates on our Self Service Portal as well as access any forms via our website (lcdjfs.com).
Clients may see the following alerts: Your EBT card was placed in a BLOCK HIGH-RISK TRANSACTION status to help protect your benefits from fraud. This does NOT affect shopping in Ohio stores. To shop online/out of state, temporarily remove the block using ConnectEBT or call 866-386-3071. Create an account at www.connectebt.com. Once an account is created. manage your EBT card through the online portal or official ConnectEBT app downloaded to your mobile device. Keep your card locked when you are not actively shopping.
Self Service Portal: Create an account
Call Center:
Please note, some call center prompts/options have changed. You can view the reference guide by clicking Call Center (lcdjfs.com).
- Phone hours to apply or renew benefits WITHOUT a scheduled appointment are 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Phone hours to apply or renew benefits WITH a scheduled appointment are between 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Lobby hours to drop off verifications or pick up forms are between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Higher than normal call volumes may be experienced on Mondays and any day after a federal holiday.
- To avoid the long wait, when given the option for a call back, please take advantage of it. You will be called back when it is your turn. When calling at the end of the day, the call back may carry over to the next morning starting at 8:00 a.m.
***Hours for the call center are Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (844-640-6446).
Submitting Verifications:
Drop Boxes
For your convenience, a drop box is located outside the main entrance accessible 24/7. There is one drop box outside of Job & Family Services entrance to the main lobby facing the parking lot for easier access. Please use this box when dropping off SNAP/TANF, Child Care, PRC and Medicaid verifications (dark grey). Please include your case number or Social Security Number on each document. The drop box is emptied daily at 5:00 p.m. during regular business hours.
There is also a drop box outside the Child Support Enforcement Agency by the lobby door. Please use this box for All CSEA related documents. (light grey).
State Hearings SHARE Portal:
The Bureau of State Hearings has redesigned and deployed the SHARE (STATE Hearings Access to Records Electronically) Portal. Clients are able to log in to the SHARE site using their Ohio Benefis Self-Service Portal login and password. The Portal will provide access for appellants and authorized representatives to review state hearing records, request a hearing, upload a document, request a reschedule, or withdraw a hearing. To access the Portal, please click here. To watch a video on how to use the Portal, please click here.
LCCAA HEAP Updates: Utility help through LCCAA HEAP. New satellite offices are being opened up throughout Lorain County. Check the following link for locations, dates, and times: LCCA
EBT Card Issuance: If you have had an EBT card in the past, you will not receive a new one when new benefits are authorized. You will need to call for a replacement if you no longer have the card. For the Ohio Direction card hotline for SNAP benefits, call 1-866-386-3071. For the Ohio EPPICard hotline for Cash Assistance benefits, call 1-866-320-8822.
Online Voter Registration:
Ohio residents are now able to register to vote online! The Secretary of State's Online Voter Registration (OLVR) system allows an applicant to securely and efficiently submit a voter registration application online to the Secretary of State's Office. In order to use OLVR, an applicant must have a valid Ohio driver's license or state identification card. The following information will be requested to complete the online voter registration and must match the applicant's BMV information:
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Applicant's name
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Address
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Date of Birth
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Last four digits of applicant's Social Security number
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Ohio driver's license or state identification number
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Consent for the Ohio Secretary of State's Office to obtain applicant's signature
Simply click on this link to register.
2026 Holidays / Agency Closed Dates
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day |
January 19 |
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Presidents' Day |
February 16 |
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Memorial Day |
May 25 |
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Juneteenth observed |
June 19 |
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Independence Day |
(observed) July 3 |
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Labor Day |
September 7 |
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Indigenous Peoples Day |
October 12 |
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Veterans Day |
November 11 |
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Thanksgiving |
November 26th and 27th |
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Christmas Eve and Christmas observed New Year's Eve |
December 24 & 25 December 31st |