Ohio Department of Aging
50 W. Broad St. 9th Floor
Columbus, OH, 43215
(800) 266-4346
Mission and Vision
Our Mission: To provide leadership for the delivery of services and supports that improve and promote quality of life and personal choice for older Ohioans, adults with disabilities, their families and their caregivers.
Our Vision: Ohioans will benefit from a network of effective resources and community services that support consumer rights, independence and dignity.
Federal law mandates that each state designate a unit on Aging. The Department of Aging is a cabinet-level state agency with a Director appointed by the Governor. The Department receives and administers funding from a variety of sources and oversees a variety of programs.
The Golden Buckeye Card
More than two million Ohioans are eligible for the Golden Buckeye card, honored at 20,000 businesses statewide. Golden Buckeye cardholders have saved an estimated $2 billion since 1976. All Ohioans age 60 or older, as well as adults age 18-59 who have disabilities as defined by Social Security, are eligible for a free Golden Buckeye card.
How to Get a Card - Ohio residents who hold current Ohio Driver Licenses or State ID cards automatically receive a Golden Buckeye card in the month of their 60th birthday. Individuals who do not have a current license or State ID, as well as people under age 60 who are eligible due to disability, or who otherwise do not receive their card automatically, may apply for a card at most public libraries and senior centers. Due to ID, age and disability (when appropriate) verification requirements, you cannot apply for a Golden Buckeye Card online or by phone.
The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is a paid job training and work experience program for low-income adults age 55 and older. Training is available in positions such as receptionists, typists, secretarial assistants, nutrition aides, security guards, maintenance workers, teachers’ aides and more. Custom training programs and positions are developed to meet the needs of participants and employers. SCSEP also allows eligible seniors to contribute to their communities by performing valuable community service.
Participants train in nonprofit organizations, hospitals, schools, police stations, senior centers, food banks, museums, nutrition programs and various governmental agencies. Participants train 20 hours per week and are paid at least state or federal minimum wage. Schedules are determined by the needs of the training site, but are typically four hours a day, five days a week.
Benefits vary, but may include job training, personal leave, physical exams, job-related counseling, workers’ compensation and job referral and placement
Ohio’s Assisted Living Waiver Program
Ohio’s Assisted Living Waiver Program pays the costs of care in an Assisted Living facility for certain people with Medicaid, allowing the consumer to use his or her resources to cover “room and board” expenses.
In the budget bill for the 2006-2007 biennium, the Ohio General Assembly authorized the creation of a Medicaid-funded assisted living waiver. The legislation authorizes funding beginning July 1, 2006.
