Cash Assistance
What is OWF?
- Ohio Works First (OWF) provides cash benefits to needy families
- OWF is a time-limited program - adults are only eligible for 36 months of OWF in their lifetimes
- Benefits are issued via DIrect Deposit or on an EPPICard, which works like a debit card
The following individuals are potentially eligible for OWF if they meet the initial eligibility test and the income, residence, citizenship, and work requirements of the program:
- Pregnant women
- Single or married adults with minor dependent children in the home
- Unmarried minor parents and pregnant minors
- Minor children who live with someone other than a parent
What are the program eligibility requirements?
- Completion of an application and interview with a caseworker
- Assessment with an Employment Service Counselor (ESC)
- Signing a Self-Sufficiency Contract with the ESC
- Weekly participation in the JOBS Program as coordinated by the ESC
How many hours per month do I have to participate in the JOBS Program?
|
If your household contains: |
You must work for this number of hours every month: |
|
One eligible adult with a child under 6 |
At least 87 hours per month (20 hrs/wk) |
|
One eligible adult with a child 6 or older |
At least 130 hours per month (30 hrs/wk) |
|
Two eligible adults |
At least 152 hours per month (35 hrs/wk) |
|
Two eligible adults who use subsidized child care |
At least 238 hours per month (55 hrs/wk) |
What is the initial eligibility test and payment standard for my household size?
- The OWF initial eligibilty test is a monthly income standard; those whose incomes fall under the standard are potentially eligible to receive OWF
- Payment standards and initial eligibility test standards on the following chart are listed monthly
|
OWF Assistance Group Size |
Initial Eligibility Test |
Payment Standard |
|
1 |
$628 |
$363 |
|
2 |
$852 |
$495 |
|
3 |
$1076 |
$608 |
|
4 |
$1300 |
$749 |
|
5 |
$1525 |
$877 |
|
6 |
$1749 |
$976 |
|
7 |
$1973 |
$1,091 |
|
8 |
$2197 |
$1,210 |
|
9 |
$2421 |
$1,329 |
|
10 |
$2645 |
$1,449 |
|
11 |
$2870 |
$1,566 |
|
12 |
$3094 |
$1,687 |
What happens if I fail to cooperate with the JOBS Program?
- The adult who failed to comply with the JOBS Program will be removed from SNAP benefits
- The entire assistance group will be sanctioned from receiving OWF for a minimum time period or until they comply with the JOBS Program
- The length of the sanction depends on the number of previous sanctions imposed on the adult who failed to comply with the JOBS Program:
|
Number of sanctions |
Length of sanction |
|
1 |
1 month or until compliance, whichever is longer |
|
2 |
3 months or until compliance, whichever is longer |
|
3 or more |
6 months or until compliance, whichever is longer |
- For third occurence and all subsequent sanctions, the adult who failed to comply with the JOBS Program will also be removed from Medicaid until compliance with the sanction has been achieved
How do I apply for OWF?
- Click here for more information
What are some other information sites about the OWF Program?