Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is the federal program that funds many cash assistance programs across Ohio. The dollars provide a monthly check to low-income families with minor children at home.

In Ohio, the TANF program is called Ohio Works First (OWF). OWF provides temporary support to families while parents work their way toward becoming self-sufficient.

Families may receive cash assistance for 36 months (which does not have to be consecutive). That assistance can be extended if circumstances warrant. There are two types of extensions:

• Good Cause: Must be off assistance for two years and meet certain work-related criteria.

• Hardship: Must meet at least one out of ten criteria. About half the families on hardship extensions have four or more children under the age of 14.

Applying for benefits

Whether you mail in your application or see someone the same day you apply at our office, you will need to bring some verifications with you to complete the application process. Typically, that means:

• your Social Security card

• proof of age and citizenship

• proof of any income you receive

• proof of assets, such as a bank account

• proof of housing costs (a recent cancelled rent or mortgage check, or utility bill)

• proof of any child support benefits

• proof of disability, if you claim it