Ohio Works First

Ohio Works First (OWF) was established to provide time-limited cash assistance to eligible families through Ohio’s Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program. The Ohio Works First Program promotes employment, person responsibility and self-sufficiency.  OWF is a product of House Bill 408 and was passed by the Ohio Legislature and put into effect on October 1, 1997.  House Bill 408 was a reform measure shifting the 60-year old welfare system from an entitlement to one of work.  Applications are completed and processed at county department of job and family services and OWF cash assistance can be provided to eligible families for up to 36 months.  For child-only cases, there are no time limits for cash assistance.

Each county agency develops its own policies for hardship and good cause extensions.  After a 36 month time limit, cash assistance is not available unless the county department of job and family services approves an extension.  A family may apply for a hardship extension at any time after their 36 month time limit has ended.  A family may apply for a good cause extension after a 24 month waiting period following the 36 month time limit.

Who is Eligible?

Ohio Works First eligibility requirements include:

ü     A minor child in an assistance group or a pregnant woman at least six-months pregnant.

ü     Children must reside with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian or a legal custodian.

ü     Adults and minor heads-of-households who apply for or receive benefits must sign a self-sufficiency contract.

Failure to comply with the contract without good cause can result in sanctions affecting the entire family.  Failure to sign the self-sufficiency contract by an adult or minor head-of-household results in denial or termination of benefits.  The contract explains requirements for the participant, the county department of job and family services, the child support enforcement agency and the public children services agency.  Adults and minor heads-of-households are required to participate in work activities.

Recipients of OWF cash benefits are eligible for health care coverage under Medicaid and for childcare subsidies.  They may also be eligible for Food Stamps, Prevention-Retention and Contingency payments and various training programs to assist them in obtaining and retaining employment.