Ohio Works First (OWF) is Ohio's main program to help low-income families with children by providing financial support. This program is mainly for families with kids under 18 and pregnant women in need, as long as they meet certain requirements.

Ohio Works First isn't just about giving financial help; it's a work program too. Families that get assistance are expected to spend at least 20 to 35 hours a week working, learning in school, or sometimes volunteering at places where they can gain work experience for the future. The number of hours depends on their situation.

If adults are having trouble finding a job or a place to volunteer, they won't be left on their own. They'll work closely with Community Link, which helps remove any barriers that are keeping them from getting a job. This part of the program is key because it's not just about helping families in the short term. It's also about giving them the skills and experience they need to stand on their own in the future.

Like similar programs in other states, OWF has a time limit. Families can usually get help for up to 36 months. Sometimes, this period can be longer based on special situations. When a family is close to the end of their benefit period, they will receive a form to fill out if they still need help.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Ohio Works First (OWF), there are specific criteria for parents or caretakers who need help. These include:

• You must live in Ohio.
• You need to be a U.S. national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident.
• You must be pregnant or taking care of a child under 19 years old.
• Your income has to be very low.
• You should be working less than full-time, not working at all, or about to lose your job.

To get cash help from Ohio Works First, you might have to join in "work activities." These activities include things like training while you work, helping out in the community, and learning skills that will help you get a job.

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

Ohio Works First also includes a special program called LEAP, which stands for Learning, Earning, and Parenting. LEAP is designed to help young parents who are still in their teens, up to the age of 20, and who haven't finished high school or gotten a GED yet.

The main goal of LEAP is to make sure these young parents can graduate from high school. It understands that being a parent and a student at the same time can be really tough. So, LEAP gives extra help like managing cases, finding child care, sorting out transportation, and dealing with other school-related challenges. This support is crucial because it removes big roadblocks that could stop these young parents from getting their diploma. By focusing on education, LEAP aims to give these young parents a better chance for a successful future, both for themselves and their children.

One-Time Payment Assistance

The Prevention, Retention, and Contingency program (PRC) in Ohio offers a valuable form of one-time payment assistance, specifically aimed at helping low-income families overcome emergency situations and work towards self-sufficiency. This program is a part of the broader Ohio Works First initiative.

PRC's Emergency Assistance category provides one-time financial aid to families facing urgent needs. To qualify for this emergency assistance, there are a few key requirements:

Family Composition: Your household must have at least one minor child, or there must be a pregnant person in the home.

Income Limits: The total household income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. This ensures that the aid reaches families who are truly in need due to their financial situation.

Use of Funds: The assistance provided can be used for various emergencies. For example, if you're behind on rent or utility bills, PRC can help. It's not just limited to one type of emergency either; you can request help for multiple issues at once.

Maximum Aid: There's a cap on how much a family can receive – up to a maximum of $2,500. This limit ensures that the program can assist as many families as possible while addressing the most pressing needs.

Using the Ohio EPPICard

In Ohio, people who receive TANF/Ohio Works First benefits can access and use their funds through the Ohio EPPICard, which works like a debit card. Once benefits are deposited into their account, cardholders can use the EPPICard to make purchases at stores, pay bills, or withdraw cash from ATMs. It's a convenient way to access benefits without needing a traditional bank account. The card is accepted anywhere that takes MasterCard, making it easy to buy what's needed for the family.

Ohio Works First (TANF) Application Instructions

Applying for Ohio Works First (OWF) is straightforward, and there are several ways to do it:

Online:

• Visit the Ohio Benefits website.
• Complete the online application form.

In Person:

• Go to your local county Department of Job and Family Services office.
• Fill out the application form there.

By Mail:

• Request an application form from your local office or download it from the Ohio Benefits website.
• Mail the completed form to your county Department of Job and Family Services.

By Phone:

• Call your local county Department of Job and Family Services.
• Request that they mail you an application form or complete the application over the phone.

Ohio Works First plays a crucial role in supporting Ohio's low-income families. It's more than just a financial aid program; it's a bridge to self-reliance, offering routes to employment and training opportunities.

By balancing immediate financial support with long-term employment solutions, Ohio Works First helps families not only meet their current needs but also build a foundation for a more stable and independent future.