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Franklin County Job and Family Services

New COVID-19 Response PRC Program Provides Assistance Payments To Families Impacted By Public Health Emergency

April 2, 2020

Columbus, OH – Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services has amended its Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program to provide targeted relief for families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Franklin County COVID-19 Response PRC Program provides eligible families with $500 in one-time cash assistance to help address emergent needs and expenses brought about by the public health emergency. The program is made possible through a special allocation from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

“Franklin County families have already been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. They’ve lost jobs, they’ve lost child care, they’re in crisis mode now,” FCDJFS Director Joy Bivens said. “This program will provide one-time assistance to our most vulnerable families to help them weather the storm that we all know is coming.”

Families must reside in Franklin County; have at least one minor child and/or a pregnant woman in the household; and have a gross household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $3,620 a month for a family of three, in order to qualify.

The financial assistance can only be used for eligible expenses outlined under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, which excludes food and medical care.

Families can apply online today at jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/covid19PRC.

They can also download and print copies of the application, while paper copies will be made available at each FCDJFS Opportunity Center Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. — noon. Families can also submit applications directly via on-site drop boxes at each Opportunity Center during hours of operation, by fax at 614-233-2398, or by emailing [email protected].

The program permits families to self-attest to the eligibility criteria and FCDJFS will accept digital signatures and verbal authorization for applications.

FCDJFS will notify applicants upon approval or denial and the Franklin County Auditor’s Office will mail checks directly to approved households. At this time, neither FCDJFS nor the Auditor’s Office can provide an estimated date when payments will be authorized and mailed but both agencies will make every effort to expedite process.

COVID-19 Response PRC Program payments are one-time and limited to one per household. The program is effective until 60 days after the public health emergency ends or until the funding is exhausted.

In addition to the COVID-19 Response PRC Program, eligible families may also apply for one-time emergency assistance through the Agency’s PRC Program. However, eligibility criteria differ for each program. Learn more at http://jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/prc.

Residents who need food assistance, cash assistance or Medicaid can apply or check on the status of an existing application by visiting www.benefits.ohio.gov or calling 1-844-640-OHIO (6446). Customers can also check on the status of an existing case, submit verification documents and sign up for text message notifications online through the Ohio Benefits Self-Service Portal at https://ssp.benefits.ohio.gov.

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The Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services provides timely public assistance benefits and builds community partnership through inclusion, responsiveness and innovation. Learn more at https://jfs.franklincountyohio.gov and follow FCDJFS on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.