PHONE: 740-432-2381
800-307-8422
View GUERNSEY COUNTY DJFS
Cash Assistance

 There are two types of cash assistance available through Public Assistance.

Ohio Works First temporary cash assistance (OWF), formerly called Aid to Family and Dependent Children, is a monthly cash grant for families with children or relatives caring for children. The cash grant amount is based on the number of people in your family and your family's income.

If you qualify, OWF will help you get job training, find employment and receive some benefits as long as you are working toward independently supporting yourself and your family.

It is important to note that OWF cash benefits are limited to thirty-six (36) months in a lifetime and do not have to be consecutive. OWF is a temporary tool to help you become independent.
Ohio Works First

To be eligible for benefits, all OWF adults and minor heads of households are required to participate in a self-sufficiency agreement and work activity assignments. Self Sufficiency Contract (SSC) non-compliance could result in a sanction. Click the following link to learn more about work activities, participation requirements, and sanctions.

Could I be eligible?

To qualify for OWF, families must have at least one minor child or a pregnant woman must be in her 3rd trimester and meet income standards set by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

A minor child is an individual who has not attained the age of 18 or an individual who has not attained age 19 and is a full time student in secondary or vocational school.

The OWF Monthly Payment Standards are:


AG Size

Income Guideline

OWF Payment Standard

1

$628

$ 363

2

$852

$ 495

3

$1,076

$ 608

4

$ 1,300

$ 749

5

$ 1,525

$ 877

6

$ 1,749

$ 976

7

$ 1,973

$ 1,091

8

$2,197

$ 1,210

How do I apply?

Complete and submit an application in one of the following ways:

  • In person at agency during regular business hours (M-F 8:00 am – 4:00 pm)
  • Complete a phone application by calling 1-844-640-6446
  • Fax to agency at 740-432-1952
  • Mail to Guernsey County, 324 Highland Avenue, Cambridge, OH 43725
  • Slip in drop box at the agency front door (24/7)
  • Apply online through the State of Ohio – Online Benefit Application
  • E-Mail the agency at [email protected]

What verifications are needed?

  • Proof of citizenship, or alien registration card/I-9
  • Social Security Card
  • Birth Certificate
  • Proof of all income (employment, child support, disability, unemployment, etc)
  • Additional verifications may be requested or required

What happens after I submit my application?

  • You or your Authorized Representative are required to have an interview. Applicants are seen Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm by appointment only or can call 1-844-640-6446 to complete the interview
  • Special appointments can be arranged if you are unable to come during regular business hours.
  • After your initial interview, an appointment to discuss your work activity assignment and self-sufficiency contract will be required.
  • Eligibility determination is required within 30 days of application.

What changes do I need to report?

If you do not tell your GCJFS about a change, you may not get all the benefits you are entitled to receive OR you may receive more benefits than you should. If you get help you shouldn’t have received, you may have to pay it back.

Cash Assistance Payment Method

Effective February 1, 2009, Cash Assistance recipients can choose to receive their benefits via the Ohio EPPICard™. The Ohio EPPICard™ is a MasterCard® debit card that can be used at MasterCard member banks, ATMs and any retailers that accept MasterCard. Clients can also choose to have their cash benefits direct deposited into their savings or checking accounts as well.

The EPPICard™ will be mailed to the current address we have listed in your case. Should you have any questions concerning your balance, or if you lost your card and need a replacement, please call: EPPICard™ Customer Service at 1-866-320-8822, 24 hours a day/7 days a week, or click here to access their website.
Guernsey County JFS
324 Highland Avenue Cambridge, OH 43725
Phone: 740-432-2381 | 800-307-8422
Fax: 740-432-1952

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