In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the corresponding agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Fax: (202) 690-7442

Email: program.intake@usda.gov.

Other Ways to File a Complaint

It is recommended that individuals contact the Ohio Department Job and Family Service - Bureau of Civil Rights or the county representative before trying to file their complaints directly with any of the federal agencies listed below. The reason for this is so that the filing will be with the correct agency, based upon the kind of program, service or benefit involved. Federal agencies where complaints may be filed other public benefit program other that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program include:

The U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
202-514-0716

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Civil Rights
www.hhs.gov/civil-rights/filing-a-complaint/index.html
OCRComplaint@hhs.gov 

Centralized Case Management Operations
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Ave. S.W.
Room 509F HHH Building
Washington D.C., 20201