Cash Assistance

Ohio Works First (OWF)

Ohio Works First is part of Ohio’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) and was established to provide time-limited cash assistance to eligible families.

Low-income families with minor children in the home may qualify for temporary Cash Assistance through Ohio Works First. The program allows participants to get monthly payments while they pursue self-sufficiency. Eligibility is determined by income and the number of people living in the home.

Who is eligible?

• Families with minor child(ren)
• Pregnant women in third trimester
• Specified relatives
• Children living with specified relatives

What do I have to do?

• Sign a self- sufficiency contract and plan
• Participate In Work Activity
• Complete a certain number of hours per week in an approved work activity. Work activities include:
• Work Experience Program (WEP)
• Completing a GED
• Completing Advanced Training
• Earn a post -secondary degree

How Long Can I Get It?

You can receive assistance under the Ohio Works Program for up to 36 months in your lifetime. Exemptions to extend the duration of assistance are based on individual circumstances.

How Do I Apply?

You can file an application in person at our agency during regular business hours, by mailing in a completed application, or by faxing a completed application. You can also apply online.

Disability Cash Assistance

Disability Cash Assistance is income that is designed to help individuals with their expenses as they await a disability determination from Social Security. Individuals applying for disability cash assistance must be determined to be disabled by the Disability Determination Unit in Columbus. This process can be lengthy, sometimes taking months. Individuals are required to apply for SSI at the Social Security Office.