Assistance Ohio Works First (OWF)

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

Eligibility

The Ohio Works First program is available for families with children younger than 18 years of age and pregnant women in their 3rd trimester that meet federal income limits (at or below):

Size of Assistance Group Gross Monthly Income
1 $426
2 $571
3 $716
4 $861
5 $1,006
6 $1,151
each additional +145

You can find out if you may be eligible for Ohio Works First cash assistance by using our Ohio Works First Eligibility Guide.

What Do I Have To Do?

  • Cooperate with a self sufficiency contract
  • Participate in a Work Activity
    Complete a certain number of  hours per week in an approved work activity:

    • Work Experience Program (WEP)
      Volunteer your time to gain work experience. Some active work sites include: Champaign County DJFS, Paws Animal Shelter, Red Cross, Lawnview Child and Family Center
    • Individual Job Search
    • Employment
    • Education / Training
    • Developmental / Alternative siteExamples may include: A referral to the Help Me Grow program, counseling, a referral for domestic violence help, pregnancy post partum period

How Long Can I Get It?

You can receive assistance under the Ohio Works First program for up to 36 months. 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
    • by faxing a completed application
  • We offer Walk-In appointments on:
    • Monday, Wednesday at 8:45 am.
    • Tuesday, Thursday at 12:15 pm.
    • There are no appointments on Fridays or the last Wednesday of each month.
    • Appointments are conducted 1st come 1st serve.
    • If you are employed and cannot come to a walk in appointment time, you can file an application at any time and we will contact you to make other arrangements.
    • You can speed your application up by bringing: 
    •  
      • Proof of your last 30 days income-pay stube, child support, SSI, Disability pay verification, unemployment, etc.
      • Proof of citizenship for everyone-(original)birth certificate, hospital record, etc.
      • Social Security cards for everyone.
      • Identification for everyone-driver’s license, grade card, state ID, etc.

We are required to determine eligibility within 30 days of your application.