Ohio Works First (cash assistance) is temporary assistance available to families to help pay for immediate needs while the adults of the family prepare and search for jobs.

Ohio Works First is a work program. Families receive assistance by spending a minimum of 20 to 35 hours per week (depending on circumstances) working, in school, or in some cases, volunteering at a location that will help them gain work experience for the future. Adults who are unable to find a work or volunteer activity will work closely with their Success Coach to remove any remaining barriers to finding employment.

Benefits are distributed through the Way2Go card, which can be used like a debit card, or through direct deposit into the individual’s bank account.

Families may be eligible for the program for up to 36 months, which may be non-consecutive. Ultimately, Ohio Works First allows families to work toward financial stability.

Ohio Works First is also known as cash assistance or Federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

Eligibility for Ohio Works First is based on the family’s income and the number of people living in the household. There must be one or more minors (17 years and younger) in the household or women who are at least six months pregnant.

Typically, to qualify for cash assistance a family must meet the “gross monthly income test” which means that their monthly income (both earned and unearned) before taxes is below a certain level. The current gross monthly income for a family of three is $1036.

The best way to find out if you qualify is to apply.

There are certain individuals that are not eligible. That list includes, but is not limited to:

• Fugitive felons
• Probation/parole violators
• Individuals convicted of residence fraud
• Individuals that receive SSI

Once families have been approved for cash assistance, they can receive monthly payments in two ways:

• Through direct deposit into their bank account
• On the Way2Go card

The card looks similar to and works like a credit or debit card. Your payments are automatically loaded onto the card and can be used at MasterCard, ATM and retailer locations in Ohio to make purchases or receive cash.

To find out more about the Way2Go card or access your balance and transaction history, visit the Way2Go Website.