Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) is the federal program that funds many cash assistance programs across Ohio. The dollars provide a monthly payment (through the Chase Ohio Pathway Card or direct deposit) 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.

OWF cash recipients are required to sign and comply with a self-sufficiency contract with our work program/JOBS area.  The self-sufficiency contract requires each individual to engage in work-related activities. 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 4 criteria that are based on a household’s extraordinary circumstances that may limit an ability to achieve self-sufficiency.

Important Updates for Recipients

  • Active Recipients:  If you are actively receiving Ohio Cash Assistance benefits, you must now log in here to access information about your Way2Go Card.  If you have not received your Way2Go Card, please call 1-866-320-8822 to request a payment card. 
  • Inactive Recipients:  If you are not actively receiving Ohio Cash Assistance benefits, your old EPPICard has been closed and can no longer be used.  Any remaining funds left on your EPPICard can be returned to you by calling 1-866-320-8822.  It may take up to 60 days before a check is issued.  If your remaining funds are not claimed, they will be returned to Ohio's unclaimed property department.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility is based on the family's income and the number of people living in the home. In addition, adults must cooperate with the work program/JOBS area to meet participation requirements. Click here for more information on work program requirements.

Applying for benefits

Click here for instructions on how to apply for cash assistance.

It may take 30 days to complete your case.  A Notice of Action will be mailed to you once the case has been completed.  Please be patient until that time.