Cash Assistance – Ohio Works First
Time-limited cash assistance for eligible families
Ohio Works First, or OWF, is Ohio’s time-limited cash-assistance program under TANF. It provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families with children and certain pregnant individuals. Employment does not automatically make someone ineligible.
Eligibility
Eligibility is based on household composition, income and other program requirements.
Most work-eligible adults must participate in assigned employment, education, training or other approved activities. Participants will be required to complete an assessment and follow a self-sufficiency plan.
Ohio Works First is generally limited to 36 months for households subject to the time limit. Certain exceptions or extensions may apply.
Income Guidelines
Families with children that meet a “gross monthly income test” may be eligible. Gross monthly income includes unearned income – for example, Social Security benefits – and earned income – such as payment for work– before taxes. If a family member works and pays for childcare, the cost of childcare may be reduced. Resources such as a car or home ownership are not considered in determining eligibility.
To Receive OWF Cash Assistance, You Must:
- Be a resident of Ohio
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Be pregnant or responsible for a child under the age of 18 or 19 and still in secondary school
- Be underemployed, unemployed, or about to be unemployed
To be eligible for OWF, you are required to cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) in establishing paternity or in securing support from the absent parent(s). If you receive child or spousal support payments and are approved for OWF Cash Assistance, the State will keep all or part of your child or spousal support payments to cover the cost of the OWF Cash Assistance benefits. You may not have to cooperate with the CSEA under certain circumstances, such as being a victim of domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ohio Works First is Ohio’s time-limited TANF cash-assistance program for eligible families with children and certain pregnant individuals.
No. TANF is the federal program/funding framework. Ohio Works First is Ohio’s cash-assistance program operated under TANF.
Other programs and services, including PRC, may also receive TANF funding.
Eligibility is based on program rules, household composition, income and other circumstances. Families caring for a minor child and certain pregnant individuals may qualify. In some circumstances, a child may qualify even when the adult caring for the child is not included in the cash-assistance group.
Possibly. Having a job does not automatically make a household ineligible. The agency will review household income and other eligibility factors.
Most work-eligible adults must participate in assigned employment, education, training or other approved activities unless an exemption applies. Your case worker will explain your responsibilities, approved activities and any self-sufficiency plan you are required to follow.
Ohio Works First is generally limited to 36 months for households subject to the state time limit. Certain child-only cases, extensions or exceptions may be treated differently. Your caseworker or official notice can explain how the time limit applies to your household.
Apply online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal or call 844-640-6446. You may also get application assistance at the Summit County Job and Family Services office.
What happens after I apply?
You may need to complete an interview and provide documents verifying information such as household members, income, expenses or other circumstances. Read all notices carefully and submit requested information by the listed deadline. Missing an interview or deadline may delay your application or affect your eligibility.
How do I submit documents or report a change?
Use the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal to manage your case and upload documents. You can also email your documents SummitE-Docs@jfs.ohio.gov. Physical documents can be placed in the drop boxes located outside of the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services (1180 South Main Street) or sent vis USPS.
Include identifying information requested by the agency, keep proof of submission and follow the instructions in your notice.
How is my benefit amount decided?
Benefit amounts are calculated under each program’s rules. The agency may consider household size, income, allowable expenses and other circumstances. Your official eligibility notice will explain the decision made for your case.
How do I know whether I may qualify?
Review the current income guidelines for general information. Income is not always the only eligibility factor, so the best way to receive an official determination is to apply.
- Apply for SNAP Start a new application for benefits, including Food, Cash, Early Childhood Services, or Medical Assistance.
- Ohio Cash Assistance - Ohio Works First (OWF) Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of the state's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program.
Photo Credit: Woman holding a jar of coins - Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash.