While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the TANF program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Ohio TANF FAQ Sheet

TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Table of Contents 

What Is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program?

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program provides financial assistance to low-income families. The goal of TANF is to help families become financially self-sufficient. States and U.S. Territories receive block grants from the federal government, which are used to fund each state and territory’s specific TANF program.

Learn more about the TANF program and its primary purposes here.

What Services Does OWF Provide in Ohio?

Ohio Work First (OWF) provides temporary assistance to financially support families in need. The OWF program also provides eligible families with work preparation services to help them re-enter the workforce or find more stable employment.

What Is the Difference Between OWF and Food Assistance?

OWF and Food Assistance are both assistance programs administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. While Food Assistance benefits can only be used to purchase foods that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, OWF benefits are money that can be used however the participant sees fit, with some restrictions.

Both OWF and Food Assistance benefits can be given to participants on an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. However, OWF benefits can be transferred directly into a participant’s bank account or withdrawn from an approved ATM. Food Assistance benefits cannot.

If you have questions about OWF or Food Assistance, call the Department Job and Family Services at (866) 244-0071.

How Much Assistance Does OWF Provide?

The exact benefit amount a family will receive each month will depend on their household income, size and resources.

Eligible families can receive an average of $203.58 per month. Families can receive these benefits for up to 24 months throughout their lifetime.

How to Qualify for OWF in Ohio

To qualify for OWF in Ohio, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident
  • Be a resident of Ohio
  • Have children in your care
  • Participate in the Ohio Work and Training Program
  • Meet the Ohio state income requirements for your household size

Caretakers of children who cannot be taken care of by their immediate family may also qualify for benefits under the Caretaker Relative Grant or Child-Only OWF Grant. This grant takes into consideration the situation of emergency caregivers and will only count the resources and the income of the child (if any) and not those of the caretaker.

How to Apply for OWF Ohio

Before you apply for Temporary Assistance for Families in Ohio, complete the following three steps:

  1. Check the eligibility requirements.

  2. Gather the documentation and information you will need for the application.

Find a list of what you need to apply on page 2 of the application here.

  1. Choose how you are going to apply, whether online, in person or by mail.

If you have any further questions about the application process, call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (866) 244-0071.

How to Check Your Application Status

Depending on your method of application, you can check your application status in the following ways:

What Happens After You Apply for OWF?

If you applied for OWF online, in person or by mail, you should receive a notice in the mail from the Department of Job and Family Services within 30 days of receiving your application with your determination, your benefit amount and how you will be receiving the benefits, if you are eligible.

If you have a valid bank account listed on your application, your OWF benefits will be deposited within 14 days of when you receive your determination letter. Otherwise, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within 14 days.

Once you receive your benefits, you can use them to support your family as you see fit, while following the restrictions.

Note that if you receive an EBT card, you will only be allowed to purchase items at stores that display the Quest Logo, and you can only withdraw cash from ATMs that display the Quest Logo.

If you require additional assistance or have questions about your determination call (866) 244-0071.

How to Appeal a Denial of Benefits

If you do not agree with the OWF benefit decision given to you by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, you can appeal your decision in person or by mail within 90 days of receiving your determination letter.

When you are denied benefits, you will receive a State Hearing Request Form along with your denial letter.

To file an appeal and request a hearing by mail, fill out your State Hearing Request form and submit it to the following address:
ODJFS Bureau of State Hearings
P.O. Box 182825
Columbus, Ohio 43218-2825

To appeal by fax, send the request filled out completely to (614) 728-9574.

To request a hearing by phone, you can call the state’s consumer assistance line at (866) 635-3748. Just be sure to have your denial letter and hearing request on hand for reference.

To appeal by email, send your request to bsh@jfs.ohio.gov with the subject line “State Hearing Request” Be sure to have your denial letter and hearing request on hand for reference.

You can also file a hearing request online here.

If you are filing online, by phone or by email, remember to have the following information on hand:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your phone number
  • The reason for your appeal, whether you were denied benefits or you received a lower benefit amount than you believe you should have
  • Your desired solution for how the Department of Job and Family Services should remedy the situation

Need More Help?

For help with obtaining Temporary Assistance for Families in Ohio, or for any further questions about your application, call the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services at (866) 244-0071.

If you wish to send the department information from out of the state of Ohio, fax your documents to (614) 466-1767 or email them to out_of_state_inquiries@jfs.ohio.gov.

For general information about TANF or other family assistance programs, you can also call (614) 466-4815.

Offices and services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

View or Download Our Free Guide

While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and compiled a guide and these answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.

Our free TANF Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility requirements and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.

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