Sandusky County
Department of Job & Family Services
 2511 Countryside Drive * Fremont, Ohio 43420
Sandusky County DJFS
Home
Job Postings
Job Seekers
Employers
Adoption & Foster Care
Children Services
Adult Protective Services
Child Support
Health Insurance
Temporary Cash Assistance
  • OWF
  • DFA
    •
    Day Care
    Food Assistance
    Other Services
    Voter Registration
    Partners
    Reports
    Grandparent Info
    Kinship Info
    Emancipated Youth
    Newsletter
    Bid Opportunities
    Contact Us
    OWF

    Welfare reform in Ohio represents a fundamental change in the way we look at public assistance. Its primary focus is to bring stability and self-sufficiency to people's lives. To accomplish this goal, Ohio has developed a program to address the needs of the families.


    Ohio Works First(OWF) - Cash Assistance
    Since October 1, 1997, Ohioans formerly receiving ADC became a part of the Ohio Works First (OWF) program. OWF emphasizes employment, training, education and supportive services. OWF does have a three year (36 months) time limit to receive cash benefits. After 36 months, a family cannot receive additional cash assistance unless the County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) approves an extension of benefits. There are two kinds of extensions, hardship; and good cause. A family can receive a hardship extension any time after the 36-month time limit has ended. A family can only receive a good cause extension after a 24-month waiting period following the 36-month limit. Each CDJFS sets it's own policies for hardship and good cause extensions. The time limit effects cash assistance only. Participants may continue to be eligible for other programs such as medical and food stamp assistance.

    In the state of Ohio, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is the agency responsible for the administration, development, and supervision of the OWF program. All 88 counties in Ohio have a local ODJFS office which administers OWF. OWF does provide cash assistance for families with children when their income and other resources are not sufficient to meet the minimum need for maintenance according to state standards. Children may be eligible for OWF when one or both of the parents is absent from the home, too ill to work, or unemployed.

    Who is eligible for Ohio Works First cash payments?

    Applicants must meet several criterion to be eligible for monthly cash payments:

    • Family eligibility requires that a minor child be residing with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian, or legal custodian.
    • Unmarried minor parents and pregnant minors must live with a parent, specified relative, legal guardian, or custodian, or be in an approved adult-supervised living arrangement.
    • Adults and minor heads of household must:
      • Sign and comply with a Self-sufficiency Contract that details requirements to remain eligible.

    What are the work requirements under Ohio Works First?

    All participants must work 30 hours per week - two parent households must work 35 to 55 hours per week - or be in specially approved work or educational activities.

    What is the Self-Sufficiency Contract?

    Because Ohio stresses personal responsibility, participants are required to sign a "Self-Sufficiency Contract." This contract puts in writing work activities and other obligations recipients must fulfill to receive cash assistance. It also outlines all supportive services the recipient is scheduled to receive.