Ohio Cash Assistance Programs For People In Need of Money

Ohio Cash Assistance Programs For People In Need of Money

Ohio residents can apply for cash assistance from programs offered by the federal government aimed at keeping people stable amid poverty. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 13.4 percent of the population in Ohio lives in poverty. Applying for cash assistance can help families in Ohio achieve short-term financial stability, afford emergency costs, and help with the cost of supporting their children.
To qualify for cash assistance programs in Ohio, residents’ income must not exceed the threshold. This guide is intended for Ohio residents struggling with food, shelter, paying bills, or any other short-term financial dilemma. Ohio cash assistance programs require careful analysis of eligibility requirements.

Ohio government programs for people in need of money

Government cash assistance programs are an ideal resource for Ohio residents needing assistance. These programs are intended for needy families whose income and resources are limited enough that they could face shelter or food crises. Ohio families with children and refugees should consider applying for Ohio government programs for people who need money.

Ohio Works First Program

The Ohio Works First Program (OWF) provides cash benefits of $221 per person to families who meet the eligibility requirements for up to 36 months. The payment is issued through the EPPICard Prepaid Mastercard Debit Card, or direct deposit into the recipient’s financial institution. The time-limited cash assistance is intended to help needy families with children become more self-sufficient.
The OWF Program is helpful for Ohio residents who have goals to pay for their rent and food, support their children independently, and live with minimal government assistance. The program’s self-sufficiency requirements mean approved applicants must participate in work-related activities to continue receiving benefits.
Adults and minor heads of households can use cash from the OWF program to help pay for food, rent, Internet, phone, and utility expenses, as well as emergency expenses that could arise, such as medical emergencies or car repairs. Cash assistance from the OWF program can also help pay down debt or save money. Applicants considering the OWF program should have some financial literacy to avoid making erroneous decisions with the cash they’re given.

Requirements for acceptance

• The requirements for acceptance into the OWF Program are as follows:
• Applicants must have a child 18 or younger,
• Must be pregnant or be 18 years or younger
• Must be unemployed, under-employed, or about to become unemployed
• And have a gross monthly income that must not exceed the criteria outlined in the initial income test.

According to The Department of Job and Family Services, for a family of up to three, the gross monthly income should not exceed $915. The gross monthly payment for a family of 5 should not exceed $858. Applicants must be sure to provide the exact amounts for verification purposes or risk their application being delayed.
In addition, adults and minor heads of household must also sign a self-sufficiency contract and not be a fugitive or someone violating parole or probation. There is no need to pay the money back for recipients of the OWF program.

How to apply for the program

Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements can apply online or fill out the downloadable, editable PDF form, the “Request for Cash, Food, and Medical Assistance” form JFS 7200. Print this form and submit it to your county agency which you can find in The Department of Job and Family Services County Directory.
In addition, the forms detailing applicant rights (JFS 8000) and program enrollment and benefit information (JFS 07501) are also available to read before, during, or after entering the program.
Ohio residents applying for the OWF program must complete a face-to-face interview for verification purposes. The interviewer will ask questions to verify your age, income, and disability information that will need to be answered honestly. Applicants should feel free to discuss questions and concerns about their unique program needs.

How long does it take to get accepted into the program?

Applicants should expect to receive a response regarding acceptance or denial within 30 days from the time their application is received. Application response times may vary based on factors pertaining to your case and the length of time needed to complete verification.

Refugee Cash Assistance

The State of Ohio Office of Refugee Resettlement offers the Refugee Cash Assistance Program (RCA) for eligible refugees who do not qualify for other federal programs like SSI and OWF. The assistance is intended for families who have been displaced by war, certified victims of human trafficking, those who have been granted asylum, and Cuban and Haitian entrants into the country. Additionally, Afghan and Ukrainian parolees and Amerasians may also qualify for RCA.
The Refugee Cash Assistance program can help recipients who may be adjusting to their communities or learning more about American culture. To obtain the maximum benefit from the program, recipients can meet one-on-one with job training specialists to help them find better jobs in their communities that will help increase their income.
Refugees will face significant challenges upon their initial arrival. In addition to cash assistance, refugee medical assistance is available for refugees who don’t qualify for Medicaid and are still living within their first eight months of living in the country. Refugee social services are ideal for refugees who need citizenship training, English language training, or job placement services to consider in addition to cash assistance.
The Refugee Cash Assistance Program is limited to the first eight months the recipient enters the U.S. or is granted asylum or another eligible status. For eligible refugees, there is no need to pay the money you get from RCA. Refugees can trust that the money they receive is sufficient to help with emergency costs as well as everyday expenses that may have become too difficult to afford.

Requirements for acceptance

• Applicants must provide documents issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services proving their immigration status
• Application for asylum must be granted, not simply submitted
• Applicants must be willing to participate in work and work training activities within 30 days of their initial receipt of RCA.
• Applicants must have less than $6,000 total in available resources

Applicants should be wary that their immigration status is updated and accurate and their total available resources are well-documented. The requirements for being eligible for refugee cash assistance are more complex and time-consuming to understand than Ohio’s other cash assistance program, the OWF. Like the OWF cash assistance program, the RCA program has strict requirements regarding verification and documentation.

How to apply for the program

Eligible applicants can apply online at their local Community Services Office or over the phone at 877-501-2233. Applicants can request interpreter services over the phone. Ohio cash assistance programs are run and managed by people who want to help refugees and needy families survive hardship. For applicants who struggle with the application at an office, community office employees will also have insight and knowledge into the process. Requesting in-person help for an application is better than turning in documents and forms that are incomplete or filled out wrongly.

How long does it take to get accepted into the program?

Applicants to the Refugee Cash Assistance Program should expect a response regarding acceptance or denial within 30 days from the time their application is received. Application response times may vary based on factors involved with the case, including income and identification verification issues. While waiting for approval, applicants can explore social services intended for refugees to be able to afford the costs of living in their communities.
Residents in Ohio struggling with emergencies, debt, and everyday household expenses can benefit from applying for Ohio cash assistance programs. The Ohio Works First Program and the Refugee Cash Assistance Program are the two cash assistance programs available for Ohio residents who need help with money. While there is no need to pay the money back, recipients should be careful to spend their money where it is needed most. Ohio cash assistance programs provide enough cash for needy families to survive should they monitor their spending.
Upon entry into an Ohio cash assistance program, residents who receive cash assistance should prioritize effective budgeting. Residents should seek to improve financial literacy before, during, and after applying for cash assistance. Ohio cash assistance programs have specific requirements, so becoming eligible takes some awareness and insight into the government’s cash assistance programs. Ohio residents looking for cash assistance should use this guide to increase their chances of achieving self-sufficiency and financial independence.