Ohio Works First (OWF) helps families with children get back on their feet. The OWF program can provide cash assistance to eligible families for up to 36 months. This temporary assistance helps with daily living expenses such as rent, utilities, food, car payments, child care, gas, and so forth.

OWF serves as a temporary support system designed to emphasize employment and family self-sufficiency through programs and services to unemployed and/or low income families. While receiving cash benefits, adult family members search for jobs, attend training for future jobs, participate in volunteer work programs, and/or finish a high school or vocational degree.