Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Montgomery County Department of Job and Family Services administers Ohio Works First (OWF) which is the financial assistance portion of Ohio's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. OWF was established to provide time-limited assistance to eligible families. OWF provides cash benefits to eligible, needy families for up to 36 months. The emphasis of OWF is self-sufficiency, personal responsibility and employment. Applications and eligibility determinations for OWF are completed at the County Department of Job and Family Services.

FAQs

What are the purposes of TANF?

To assist needy families so that children can be cared for in their own homes
To reduce the dependency of needy parents by promoting job preparation, work, and marriage
Encourage the formation and maintenance of two-parent families

What are the highlights of TANF?

Work Requirements

Single parents are required to participate in work activities for at least 30 hours per week. Two-parent families must participate in work activities 35 or 55 hours a week, depending upon circumstances
Failure to participate in work requirements can result in a reduction or termination of benefits to the family
States cannot penalize single parents with a child under six for failing to meet work requirements if they cannot find adequate child care

Five-year Time Limit

Families with an adult who has received federally funded assistance for a total of five years (or less at state option) are not eligible for cash aid under the TANF program.

Personal Employability Plans

States must make an initial assessment of a recipient's skills
States may develop personal responsibility plans for each recipient to identify the education, training, and job placement services needed to move into the workforce

Teen Parent Requirements

Unmarried minor parents must participate in educational and training activities and live with a responsible adult or in an adult-supervised setting in order to receive assistance
States are responsible for assisting in locating adult-supervised settings for teens who can live at home

Where would I go to apply for OWF?