Emergency Support
This page contains updates and resources regarding SELF and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Status of Offices: SELF offices are now open to the public! Masks are ENCOURAGED.
Emergency Assistance
SELF is able to offer emergency assistance, such as rent assistance, to families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
SELF is no longer accepting applications for COVID-related Emergency Rent assistance as of 12/19/2022 at 5:00 PM. This decision was made due to the large volume of applications that have been received.
To apply through the State of Ohio web portal: HERE
Basic Instructions on the State Portal for Submitting Applications for Assistance
- Prior to starting your application, create the following files which will be uploaded:
**all documents must be able to be read
Photo Identification
Social Security Cards for All household members (if unavailable you
Can use an official document listing the number such as an old tax form and a birth certificate)
Income for all household members over age 18 for the last 30 days, or award letter.
Copy of your utility bill, if applying for utility assistance
- Landlord Information: you will need your landlord’s name, address, phone number. You will also need the rent amount owed, which months are owed and any fees that are owed. You can apply for up to 3 months ahead for assistance. It is important that you know what months are owed.
- On the opening page, there is a section that allows you to create an account. You will need to create a 15-character password.
- You will be applying for assistance for the Home Relief Grant.
- You will be asked to provide information about your family members.
- For the rental section, you will need to add a zero for months you are not asking for assistance for.
- You may see a screen stating that you are ineligible for HEAP, do not let that stop you from completing the application. The HEAP income eligibility is lower that the home relief grant.
- The Opening Page also lists a phone number and email if you need additional assistance. The staff at SELF are unable to offer any additional assistance.
- Once submitted, these applications can take up to 30 days to be completed.
Energy Assistance
***ATTENTION!*** Due to Hurricane Ida’s damage in the southern and eastern US, our phone scheduling system is down until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. Appointments may still be made online at self.itfrontdesk.com
The Winter Crisis and Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP) are available at SELF November 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023.
SELF is requiring appointments by phone or video call to apply for Summer Crisis, Winter Crisis, HEAP, and PIPP – Appointments can be scheduled at self.itfrontdesk.com or by calling 513-868-9300. Appointments are scheduled up to 28 days in advance, and new appointments open at midnight each night.
SELF Classes
SELF is still providing classes at this time, many available virtually or in-person with social distancing options available.
Learn the status of classes here.
COVID-19 Resources
Social Security is available by phone: 800-772-1213, 8am – 5pm M-F. Find your local SS office here.
Social Security is available online!
- Please encourage your clients to call or take advantage of our secure and convenient online services to:
- Apply for Retirement, Disability, and Medicare benefits;
- Use the mySocialSecurity account to estimate benefits, check the status of an application/appeal, or print a benefit verification letter;
- Request a replacement Social Security card using the mySocialSecurity account;
- Upload forms/documents for Medicare Part B Special Enrollment Period online!! Go to www.ssa.gov/medicare and scroll down to “Already Enrolled in Medicare” or go directly to www.ssa.gov/Medicare-PartB-SEP.
- Our updated retirement hub page www.ssa.gov/retire is easy to follow, with Learn-Apply-Manage sections. The retirement page also links directly to our calculators which help you drill down into benefit information!
COVID-19 Resources for Parents
Food Assistance in Butler County
The Ohio Means Jobs center (located at 4631 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, OH 45014) is open Monday – Friday from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm for computer, printer or fax use for work or service related requests.
