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OHIO WORKS FIRST (OWF)
Ohio
Works First (OWF) is Ohio’s program to provide financial support to low income
families under the Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
program. It replaced the Aid for Dependant Children program in 1997.
The OWF program is based on a “work first” philosophy of achieving self sufficiency
meaning that all able-bodied adults are expected to work. Those in need of
training or supportive services to improve their potential may receive help
through other Agency services.
In
order to qualify for OWF, families must contain at least one minor child and be
within income standards set by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
(ODJFS).
Families who qualify for OWF can receive monthly assistance checks through OWF
for a maximum of 36 months. Once the 36 months has been exhausted, extensions
may be granted only through County approval based on specific circumstances. If
a family exhausts their 36 months, they must be off of cash assistance for 24
months before they can re-qualify. In order to receive assistance after the 24
months off of the program, the family must document a catastrophic event that
prevents them from remaining self-sufficient. Adults are limited to a total of
60 months of cash assistance in their lifetime.
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