Portage County Job & Family Services has begun using the Ohio NextGen360 Verification Platform to check employment and income for people applying for Medicaid, SNAP, Ohio Works First and certain child support services, the Record-Courier reported on Nov. 11. The county agency must confirm those details before deciding eligibility.
The shift follows the expiration of Ohio's contract with The Work Number, an Equifax service that county agencies statewide used through June 30. Although The Work Number still operates, the report says county agencies can no longer use it for public assistance eligibility decisions. As a result, some Portage County employers may get direct requests from the county to confirm wages.
The platform can verify income through applicant-authorized payroll connections, Experian payroll data or direct employer contact when electronic verification is not available. County-specific forms may be used. Even with an electronic service, applicants must authorize release of their payroll information.
The department encourages employers to alert payroll and human resources staff, respond promptly, check whether their payroll provider participates and consider the Truv employment verification directory. Mandy Minnick, deputy director of programs at Portage County JFS, described employers as important partners and said timely responses can prevent unnecessary delays for eligible families. Employers can reach the ONVP Help Desk at 855-905-5627 or ONVPHelpDesk@jfs.ohio.gov.