Cash Assistance

Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of the State’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, providing cash benefits to needy families for up to 36 months. After the 36 month time limit, cash assistance is not available unless we approve a hardship or good cause extension. For child only cases, there are no time limits for cash assistance. To apply, go to www.benefits.ohio.gov and fill out a Request for Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance form and submit it to our agency.

Each County Job and Family Services agency sets its own policies for hardship and good cause extensions. The emphasis of OWF is self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and employment. OWF requires adults receiving benefits to work or engage in work related activities, such as educational or training programs. Once you have returned the form to our office, you will be scheduled to call our toll free call center at 1-844-640-6446 to speak to one of our caseworkers, who will determine your eligibility.

For assistance with the EPPI card, please visit: https://www.eppicard.com/ohedctaclient/.

TANF Disaster Assistance is often made available after natural disasters, when the Governor declares a state of emergency. You may apply for TANF Disaster Assistance at our agency. We will determine the types of benefits/services that can be provided, such as appliance replacement, home repair, and clothing purchases.

Families determined eligible may receive up to $1,500 per family dwelling per declared disaster. There may be additional benefits available as well.

The Ohio Refugee Services Program provides time-limited cash, medical, and other assistance to help refugees resettle in Ohio and achieve economic self-sufficiency. For more information, go to http://jfs.Ohio.gov/refugee/index.stm.

CALL CENTER HOURS:

M-W 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Th 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
F 8:00 am – 3:00 pm

CALL CENTER PHONE:

1-844-640-OHIO (6446) | FAX: 419-353-6091