Cash Assistance FAQs

Visit our help page on how to apply for Ohio Works First (OWF) Cash Assistance

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), also referred to as Ohio Works First (OWF) cash assistance, is an income-based program offered to assist families that are experiencing a temporary financial hardship and help to place them on a path to self-sufficiency.

OWF Cash Assistance is an income-based program and all applicants/families must meet federal income guidelines. In addition, applicants must be...

• The parent, legal guardian, legal custodian, or specified relative of a minor child living in your household under the age of 19 (A specified relative is anyone age 18 or older caring for a minor in place of the parent[s] and can verify the relationship); or
• Medically verified to be at least 6 months pregnant (third trimester).

A customer can be eligible to receive OWF for a period of up to 36 months. Months do not have to be counted consecutively (ex: a participant could receive OWF for a 10-month span over the course of a year and still be eligible to participate in the program for up to 26 additional months).

Once the 36-month timeframe has expired, the customer may submit an application for an OWF Hardship Exemption(PDF, 308KB) or OWF Good Cause Extension(PDF, 178KB).

Participants receiving OWF cash assistance are required to sign and comply with a self-sufficiency contract and plan that requires the customer to participate in an assigned work activity.

Customers receiving OWF cash are required to complete a Work Activity assignment for an established number of hours each month, depending on their household composition.

• Single-parent household with a child(ren) age 5 or younger: 87 required monthly hours
• Single-parent household with a child(ren) age 6-18: 130 required monthly hours
• 2-parent household (not utilizing Publicly-Funded Child Care): 152 required monthly hours
• 2-parent household (utilizing Publicly-Funded Child Care): 238 required monthly hours

*Publicly-Funded Child Care or Subsidized Child Care assistance is available for families participating in the OWF Work Activity program. A separate application is required for this benefit.

Customers who have exhausted their 36 months of OWF eligibility but are still experiencing extenuating barriers in gaining employment are eligible to apply for additional months of assistance. Examples of these hardships and barriers include:

• health issues affecting the customer or family member requiring full time care;
• being 75% completed with college or trade school courses; or,
• A combination of surmountable barriers that must be documented.

Download an OWF Hardship Exemption form(PDF, 308KB).

Customers who have exhausted their 36 months of eligibility and have not received OWF for two years may be eligible for an OWF Good Cause exemption if they have experienced a loss of employment/income due to no fault of their own, death, or other unique family circumstances.

Download a Good Cause Extension Review form(PDF, 178KB).

Customers who fail to attend their assigned work activity (without providing Good Cause documentation for their absence) are subject to sanctions/penalties being applied to the benefits. These penalties can range from one to six months.

• First Offense: Cash assistance is closed for one (1) month, or until a mandatory compliance has been met.
• Second Offense: Cash assistance is closed for three (3) months, or until a mandatory compliance has been met.
• Third Offense (and any future occurrences): Cash assistance is closed for six (6) months, or until a mandatory compliance has been met. Customers failing to meet their monthly required work activity hours may also have a penalty placed on their food and medical assistance.

The A.M.P. program connects Franklin county youth and young adults ages 16-24 with a case manager – your personal advocate – will work with you to build a customized plan for your future, while helping you address your current challenges. A.M.P. can connect you with services and assistance to help you gain the skills, employment or knowledge you need to get to your next level. All Youth and Young Adults age 18-24 in receipt of cash assistance are required to participate in the AMP program.

For more information, visit levelupwithAMP.com or call 614-233-AMP1 (2671).