Assistance for Low-Income Families

Prevention, Retention & Contingency (PRC)

This program is designed to help families with urgent needs. By helping families address short-term needs, services will be provided with the expectation that families will overcome the immediate barriers to achieving and maintaining self-sufficiency and personal responsibility.
  • Prevent families from having to apply for cash assistance to solve short-term problems
  • Help employed parents retain their job
  • Provide for contingent needs by helping families take care of isolated emergencies before they turn into crisis
PRC is available to families that include a minor child, a pregnant woman in the last 3 months of her pregnancy if she has no other minor children. Some services are available to the parent of a minor child who does not live in the same household.

Ohio Works First (OWF)

Ohio Works First (OWF) offers time-limited cash assistance and employment services to eligible families working towards self-sufficiency. Families must contain at least one child under the age of 18 or an individual who has not attained age 19 and is a full time student in secondary or vocational school. OWF is also available to a pregnant individual in the last 3 months of pregnancy. A self-sufficiency contract (SSC) is required of all adults in order to document the agency and the individual's responsibilities in achieving the goal of self-sufficiency. Part of the process of developing the SSC is a review of work history, education, and interests. The amount of the monthly check will be based on the number of people in the family and any income.

In Ohio, OWF cash benefits are limited to 36 months, which is three years of continued benefits. After two years off cash assistance, a family may be able to reapply if they can demonstrate "Good Cause" as to why they should be granted an additional 24 months of cash assistance. After a person has used their 5 years (60 months) of cash assistance, they can never receive this benefit again; not in another county in Ohio nor in another state. There are certain circumstances when you may be able to receive additional OWF hardship assistance.

Employment Services

Employment Services provides assistance in preparing a resume, setting realistic employment goals, where to look for a job, and learning other critical skills needed to make the transition from Welfare to work. A satellite One-Stop office is located onsite at 345 Oakhill Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44502.