Who is Eligible?


To receive cash assistance, single-parent households are required to work or be involved in specifically defined work activities at least 30 hours per week; adults in two-parent households have a 35 hour requirement. Receipt of cash assistance is limited to three years. After a two-year waiting period, persons in need of additional assistance may reapply for another two years. Cash benefits are capped at a five-year lifetime limit.

There are more than 5,000 families per month receiving OWF cash assistance in Summit County. Funding is provided through Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).

How to Apply?

Once you have completed, signed, and dated the application, you can submit it online via the link below, fax it to 1.866.351.8292, mail it to 1180 S. Main Street, Suite 102, Akron, OH 44301-1256, or bring it in. You must complete a face-to-face or telephone interview to determine your eligibility.

The following information is needed for all household members. You may submit this information with your application or bring to your scheduled interview:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate or hospital record, U.S. passport
• Photo identification (driver's license, state, or school ID)
• Alien registration card (if not a U.S. citizen)
• Proof of income
• Child support received

Ohio EppiCard

You can receive your Ohio Works First monthly benefits by direct deposit into an existing checking or savings account or on the Ohio EppiCard Card.

The Ohio EppiCard works like a debit card. Use it anywhere MasterCard is accepted for purchases and ATM withdrawals. Your cash benefits are loaded onto the card each month for you to use conveniently, safely, and securely.

Cardholder’s responsibilities

You should do what you can to keep track of your balance. You may call customer service for balance information up to 10 times per month free of charge. After 10 monthly balance checks, a fee of 25 cents per inquiry is applied to your card. To avoid fees for balance inquiry altogether, you can check your balance online at www.eppicard.com.

Other fees associated with card use include a 75-cent charge for ATM cash withdrawals and $5 for replacement cards after four free replacements. Be aware that banks may also charge a fee for using their ATMs.

What if my Ohio EppiCard is lost or stolen?

Call customer service at 1.866.320.8822 to report a lost or stolen card, and one will be mailed to you within 7-10 business days. You can expedite a replacement card for a $5 fee.

Other fees associated with card use include a 75-cent charge for ATM cash withdrawals and $5 for replacement cards after four free replacements. Be aware that banks may also charge a fee for using their ATMs.

Income Guidelines

Based on 100% of the Federal Poverty Level

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