Ohio Works First (OWF)

Ohio Works First (cash assistance) is temporary assistance available to families to help pay for immediate needs while the adults of the family prepare and search for jobs.

Ohio Works First is a work program. Families receive assistance by spending a minimum of 20 to 35 hours per week (depending on circumstances) working, in school, or in some cases, volunteering at a location that will help them gain work experience for the future. 

Benefits are distributed through the EPPIcard, which can be used like a debit card, or through direct deposit into the individual’s bank account.

Families may be eligible for the program for up to 36 months, which may be non-consecutive. Ultimately, Ohio Works First allows families to work toward financial stability.

Ohio Works First is also known as cash assistance or Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

All customers of cash benefits under OWF can also receive health care under the Medicaid program and food stamps.

Program components also include:

• Assessment of current levels of educational skills and employment history.
• The development of a customized educational/employment plan for achieving self-sufficiency.
• Case Manager assisting with determination of best program activities for individual's goals for finding employment.

Learning, Earning and Parenting (LEAP)

A cash assistance program for custodial teen parents up to the age of 20, who have not completed high school or received a GED Certificate. The intent of the program is to provide additional case management assistance with services such as child care, transportation and other school related issues, thus eliminating obstacles which may hinder or prevent students from reaching graduation.