Amherst
Ask about Amherst
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Amherst and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Amherst
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Older adults · City office
Amherst Office on Aging
671 Franklin Avenue, Amherst, OH 44001
Help here
- Meals for older adultsAsk about weekday meals delivered to older adults at home.
- Transportation and errandsAsk about rides for medical visits, shopping, and other essential local trips.
- Information and referralsGet help finding services and support for older adults and their families.
- Senior activitiesFind information about activities for older adults at the Nordson Depot.Read more
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on amherstohio.org
Utilities · City office
City of Amherst Utilities Department
480 Park Avenue, Lower Level, Amherst, OH 44001
Help here
- Utility billing and paymentsGet help with city utility bills, payment options, and account questions.Apply online
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on amherstohio.org
Local office · Regional office
United Way of Greater Lorain County 2-1-1
Help here
- Community resource referralsCall 2-1-1 for free help finding local services and support.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on 211lorain.org
Local office · City office
Amherst Mayor’s Office (City Hall)
206 South Main Street, Amherst, OH 44001
Help here
- City government helpContact the Mayor’s Office with questions about city government and services.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on amherstohio.org
Library · Regional office
Amherst Public Library
221 Spring Street, Amherst, OH 44001
Help here
- Library servicesGet a library card and borrow books and other materials or use library resources.
Checked on October 9, 2026 · Found on amherstpubliclibrary.org
Checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Amherst
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio
5510 Baumhart Rd, Lorain, OH 44053
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Lorain County Community Action Agency, Inc.
936 Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052-0245
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Lorain County
Amherst is in Lorain County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Human services · County office
Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services
42485 North Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
Help here
- Cash, food, and medical assistanceApply for cash, food, and medical help or ask about your benefits.Apply online
- Child care assistanceGet help paying for child care while you work, train, or attend school.
- Child supportGet help with child support services and questions about your case.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on lcdjfs.com
Public health · Regional office
Lorain County Public Health WIC
9880 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
Help here
- WIC food and nutrition supportEligible pregnant people, new parents, infants, and children can get food benefits, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on loraincountyhealth.com
Housing authority · Regional office
Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority
1600 Kansas Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052
Help here
- Housing assistanceContact the housing authority about housing programs and assistance.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on lmha.org
Public health · Regional office
Lorain County Public Health
9880 Murray Ridge Road, Elyria, OH 44035
Help here
- Public health servicesGet help with public health services, health information, and referrals.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on loraincountyhealth.com
Mental health and recovery · County office
Lorain County Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board
1165 North Ridge Road East, Lorain, OH 44055
Help here
- Behavioral health and recovery servicesFind local mental health and addiction treatment and recovery services.
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on loraincountyohio.gov
Local office · Nonprofit
United Way of Greater Lorain County 2-1-1
Help here
- Information and referralsCall any time to find local help with basic needs, health care, housing, utilities, and more.Read more
Checked on October 8, 2026 · Found on 211lorain.org
Ohio programs by kind of help
These are run by Ohio and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- GoodsClothing, diapers, furniture, a phone and other things for home.
- TransitBus fares, rides and getting to appointments.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- LegalFree legal help, and help staying safe.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - HealthCare.gov
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal marketplace for health insurance plans. Many people can get lower monthly costs based on their income.
Call 1-800-318-2596 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- United Way of Greater Lorain County 2-1-1
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988