Aid to Families With Dependent Children in Ohio

The Aid to Families With Dependent Children program was established by the federal government in 1935 to provide financial assistance to families in need. In 1996, the AFDC program was replaced with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a state-administered grant assistance program. In the state of Ohio, TANF programs are administered by the Department of Job and Family Services. Residents must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for cash, food and medical assistance.

Benefits Offered

Ohio offers three primary categories of TANF assistance in the form of cash, food or medical benefits. Cash assistance is available to qualifying families through the Ohio Works First program. This program provides cash benefits to needy families with minor children for a maximum of 36 months. The Ohio Food Assistance Program provides eligible families with electronic benefits that can be used to purchase food items. The food assistance program also provides nutrition and education counseling for pregnant and new mothers. The Ohio Medicaid program offers free or low-cost health care services to qualifying individuals and families who cannot otherwise not afford medical care.

Who is Eligible

Eligibility for TANF benefits in Ohio is based on your gross monthly income, assets and family size. For example, as of 2010, a family of three could earn no more than $734 per month to qualify for cash assistance through the Ohio Works First program. Adult recipients of cash benefits must actively participate in work activities to continue their eligibility. You may qualify for food assistance benefits if your gross monthly income is at or below 130 of the federal poverty guidelines for your household size. Medicaid benefits are available to families with children under age 19, pregnant women, people with disabilities and individuals over age 65 whose income is within federal poverty guidelines.

How to Apply

You may apply for Ohio TANF benefits in one of two ways. First, you may submit a paper application at the Department of Job and Family Services in the county in which you live. You will need to provide a copy of your Social Security card, along with several other key documents, including: recent pay stubs, recent bank statements, proof of ownership for any vehicles, proof of any child support you pay or receive, proof of housing and utility costs, proof of health insurance if applicable and proof of any child care costs you pay. You can also apply for benefits online through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services website.

Considerations

If you are receiving cash assistance and fail to meet the employment requirement, the Department of Job and Family Services reserves the right to reduce or terminate your benefits. You cannot receive cash assistance if you already receive Supplemental Security Income benefits or assistance payments for a foster child in your care. Intentionally providing false or misleading information to obtain benefits constitutes fraud and is punishable by fines, incarceration or both.