Ohio Works First

The Ohio Works First (OWF) program is temporary assistance available to eligible families with minor children to help pay for immediate needs, while the adults of the family prepare and search for employment.  This temporary assistance is limited to 36 months and is intended to help with daily living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, car payments, child care, gas, etc.  

OWF serves as a temporary support system designed to emphasize employment and family self-sufficiency through programs and services to unemployed and/or low-income families.  While receiving cash benefits, adult family members search for jobs, attend training for future employment, participate in volunteer work programs, and/or finish a high school or vocational degree.

To assist in job maintenance and retention after an adult family member has found employment, Union County Department of Job and Family Services continues to provide supportive services to families as they transition to self-sufficiency.

To apply for Ohio Works First, visit the Ohio Benefits portal.

All adults receiving OWF cash assistance are required to work or participate in training programs at least 30 hours per week.  The adults in two parent households must work at least 35 hours per week.  Case managers work with each participant to evaluate their skills, abilities, and barriers to employment, and assist in developing an individualized employment plan and self-sufficiency contract.

All recipients of OWF cash benefits are eligible to receive health care coverage through Medicaid.  In addition, working families who lose eligibility for cash assistance may receive medical coverage for up to one year after leaving cash assistance to assist in making the transition to employment.  Child Care assistance is guaranteed for families receiving cash assistance with the family's fees based on a sliding schedule.  Other supportive services, including transportation, is provided or arranged based on the individual needs of the family.

PRC is not ongoing financial assistance, but a program, designed to help people overcome immediate barriers to achieving or maintaining employment or economic self-sufficiency, thereby preventing the need for ongoing public assistance.  It is a good tool to encourage families to attain and retain employment, prevent dependency, and promote family stability.  For more information and to apply for PRC, click here.