Ohio Works First (OWF)

Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of Ohio’s TANF program. OWF was established to provide cash assistance to eligible, needy families.

Recipients are required to participate in work activities for the required number of hours every month that you are on assistance. Failure to do so without good cause can result in termination of benefits.

OWF cash benefit is limited to 36 months for families with minor children or pregnant women. Minor children living with guardians other than their parents may be eligible for “child-only” assistance, with no time limit.

FAQ

Who is eligible for TANF in Ohio?

In order to be eligible for TANF in Ohio, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Be a resident of the state of Ohio.
Be unemployed or under employed (working for very low wages).
Be pregnant or have a child under age 19.
Meet income limit guidelines .

What is the income limit for cash assistance in Ohio?

In Ohio, eligibility for cash assistance is limited to needy families with gross countable income less than or equal to 50% of the federal poverty level. For a family of three, the current income limit is $1,138 per month.

Household Size	Income Limit
1	$665
2	$902
3	$1,138
4	$1,375
5	$1,612
6	$1,848
7	$2,085
8	$2,322

The income limits are presented as dollar amounts derived from a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for each household size in 2026.

How much cash assistance will I get for a family of 3 in Ohio?

In Ohio, TANF benefits vary by household size, income, and available resources. A family of three with no income may receive up to $640 per month.

Household Size	Payment
1	$382
2	$521
3	$640
4	$790
5	$924
6	$1,028
7	$1,149
8	$1,275

The amounts shown represent the maximum monthly cash benefits available to families with no countable income. Actual payments may vary based on a family’s income and other eligibility factors.

Benefits are issued through either the Ohio PATHWAY card or deposited directly into into a checking or savings account.

How do I apply for cash assistance in Ohio?

You may apply for Ohio Works First online by going to Ohio Benefits or by completing the “Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance” (JFS 7200) form and submitting it to your county agency.

As part of the application process, you must complete a face-to-face interview. The county will schedule that interview after you complete the initial application.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Benefits Customer Service
(844) 640-6446

What documents do I need to apply for TANF in Ohio?

When you apply for TANF cash assistance in Ohio, you may be asked to provide all or some of the following documents:

A valid photo ID
Social Security numbers for the people applying (or proof that you have applied for them)
Proof of residency (where you live), such as a lease or a utility bill
Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status
Proof of your children’s identity and their relationship to you, such as birth certificates
Proof of earned and unearned income for everyone in your household, such as pay stubs
Proof of other resources, such as bank statements, if the state asks for them
Proof of pregnancy, if you are applying while pregnant
Information about the children’s other parent, such as a name and last known address, which states use for child support
Any additional documents needed to verify your household’s situation

Each state sets its own rules, and what you need may depend on your situation. If you are not sure what to bring, contact Ohio Benefits (ODJFS) at (844) 640-6446 and they can tell you exactly what your application requires.

How long does it take to get cash assistance approved in Ohio?

Eligibility determination will be made usually within 30 days from the date an application is received. Turnaround times may vary depending on the facts of your case and the time it take to verify your income.

How long can I receive cash assistance in Ohio?

The state of Ohio allows you to be on cash assistance for 36 months. After your 36 months have elapsed, you will be ineligible for cash benefits for 24 months.

However, each county may set its own hardship exemptions that would allow families to remain on OWF for a longer period of time.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

Refugees may be eligible for the Refugee Cash Assistance and Refugee Medical Assistance programs for the first 12 months after they arrive.

For more information about Refugee Services Program, call
(614) 466-4815