Understanding Disability Benefits Support in Ohio

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities sent this bulletin at 04/11/2025 03:50 PM EDT

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Understanding Disability Benefits Support in Ohio

DDD staff from left to right: Megan Cox, Enid Quinn, and Jonathan Clancy.

DDD staff from left to right: Megan Cox, Disability Claims Adjudicator; Enid Quinn, Senior Disability Claims Adjudicator; and Jonathan Clancy, Disability Claims Supervisor.

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April marks Social Security Awareness Month, a time to consider the resources available for individuals applying for Social Security disability benefits in Ohio. The Division of Disability Determination (DDD) at Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) is vital in supporting Ohioans by assessing their eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

In the past year alone, we proudly served over 158,000 Ohioans, ensuring that those who qualify receive the vital support they need. Our dedicated team collaborates closely with the Social Security Administration to assess and process applications efficiently.

We’re committed to making the application process as smooth and efficient as possible. By reducing our average processing time for initial applications, we strive to provide timely and accurate decisions for every applicant.

Want to learn more about how we can assist you or your loved ones? Watch our video about the disability determination process and how we’re continually working to improve our services.

OOD Assists Job Seekers

In March 2025, we helped 391 people reach their goal of employment.

If you or somebody you know has a disability and would like to work, reach out to OOD today. Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors can help you explore your options. Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.

All About Accessibility: STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive

Able to save month with STABLE account. $25 match enrollment incentive at www.stableaccount.com.

April is ABLE to Save Month, a wonderful opportunity to highlight the ways ABLE programs across the country are enhancing financial independence for people living with disabilities. Ohio’s iteration of an ABLE program—STABLE Account—remains as committed as ever to empowering individuals and helping them to live more independently.

In honor of ABLE to Save Month, Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague introduced the STABLE Account Enrollment Incentive last April and is proud to continue championing and promoting this impactful initiative for 2025. The incentive matches the first $25 contributed by eligible Ohioans when they open a new account. By providing this additional benefit, the Treasurer’s office aims to help new accountholders jumpstart their savings and investment journey.

STABLE Account empowers individuals with disabilities to save and invest with greater ease, helping them build a stronger and more secure financial future. Signing up for a STABLE Account takes just about 20 minutes and can be done online from the comfort of home. This program offers financial empowerment and security, supporting not only employment and long-term savings goals, but also overall financial well-being for individuals and families. Since its inception, the program has grown significantly, now serving over 46,000 accountholders who are actively saving and improving their lives. For more information about STABLE accounts, the new enrollment incentive, and to sign up, visit StableAccount.com.

OOD Works e-Newsletter Returns April 25

Happy spring! The OOD Works e-Newsletter will return on Friday, April 25. Stay tuned!

In the News

Great Lakes Science Center Launches Sensory-Friendly Programming

Cleveland.com, 4-8-25

“Life changing;” Cafe Helps Prepare Adults with Developmental Disabilities Prepare for Workforce

WHIO, 4-7-25

Celebrate Autism Acceptance Month with Connor and Kevin Miller

Loveland Magazine, 4-5-25

Registration Open for “Gen Z” Virtual Career Fair on April 29

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Press Release, 4-4-25

“Disability Doesn’t Define You:” 1,200 Athletes Compete in National Wheelchair Basketball Championships

WWBT, 4-6-25

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Programs provided by Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) are funded, in whole or in part, with federal grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). For purposes of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Program, including Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS), OOD received 78.7% of its funding through the DOE VR grant. In Federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024, OOD received $166,384,030 in federal funds. Funds appropriated by the State covered 21.3 % of the total costs, or $45,031,510. Of these federal funds, $24,957,605 is set aside for Pre-ETS.

For purposes of the Works 4 Me program, OOD received 100% of its funding through the DOE Disability Innovation Fund grant. In FFY 2024, OOD received $716,175 for this program.

For purposes of the Supported Employment (SE) Program, the DOE SE grant funded 90% of the costs for the Supported Employment for Youth with a Disability Program up to the grant amount and 100% of the costs of regular Supported Employment program costs up to the grant amount. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 for SE Youth with a Disability, and State appropriated funds paid the remaining 10%, or $65,984 of the total costs. In FFY 2024, OOD received $593,853 in regular SE grant funds.

For purposes of the Independent Living Services for Older Individuals Who are Blind (OIB) Program, the federal grant received from DOE in FFY 2024 paid 90% of the total costs incurred under the program. In FFY 2024, OOD received $1,166,389 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $129,599 of the total costs incurred under the OIB program. For purposes of the Independent Living (IL) Program, the federal grant received from HHS paid 90% of the total costs incurred in FFY 2024. In FFY 2024, OOD received $646,297 in federal grant funds. Funds appropriated by the State paid the 10% required match, or $71,811 of the total costs incurred under the IL Program.