Apply For Ohio TANF

This page provides the Ohio TANF eligibility requirements. Applicants must meet both state and federal guidelines for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Individuals who apply for TANF must meet the monetary and non-monetary state guidelines, complete work-related activities, provide paternity information about the children in the household and report as required by the state.

Ohio residents who qualify for welfare are required to furnish information such as citizenship, income, resources, and age. Only household members who are eligible can receive Ohio welfare benefits. Read on for more information about applying for TANF. If you have additional questions or issues about this program, then contact TANF Ohio.

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

You will need to:


Where Do I Turn In My Benefits Application?

Turn in the application to your local CDJFS office:
This will start the application process for all assistance programs. Office hours vary by county. To search for your county office click here.


How Do I complete The Interview?

The county agency will provide you notice of the time, date and location of your interview. Your interview may be a telephone interview, office interview or a home visit.

Missed Interview
If you miss your interview, the county agency will notify you of the missed interview and explain that you are responsible for rescheduling. If you do not contact the county agency within 30 days from the date you file this application, we may deny your assistance and you will have to reapply.


What Type Of Verification Do I Need?

The table below lists the items required for each program you are applying for. Contact your local CDJFS for examples of the documents you can use as proof. If you can't bring everything, come to the interview anyway and we will help you.


Items Required
Proof you have applied for a Social Security Number (if you don't already have one)
Permanent Resident Card ("green card") or other INS documentation if not a U.S. citizen
Proof of U.S. citizenship if a U.S. citizen
Proof of income or any other money coming into your household (such as pay stubs, tax records, award letters, child support)
Most recent statements for any bank accounts (such as checking, credit union, savings)
Proof of current value of stocks/bonds, certificates of deposit, life insurance, trusts, annuities
Proof of identity
Proof of any child/dependent care costs
Proof of any child support paid for children not living with you

When Will I receive Cash And Food Assistance

We base eligibility for the cash and/or food assistance programs on the date we get your signed and dated application. Your eligibility for these programs is determined within 30 days from the date we receive your signed and dated application.


Do I Have To Be A Citizen?

No. Please do not let fear of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) keep you from seeking needed assistance for your family. Many immigrants can receive cash, food, and medical assistance. Also, alien emergency medical assistance is available without regard to your immigration status.


Ohio Employment Search

Part of the requirement, while on the TANF program, is finding a job to help sustain your financial needs. Ohio provides an online job site for you to search for employment. You can view the job site by clicking here.


Apply Online For Ohio TANF

If you have questions about applying for TANF benefits, or you want to see if you can apply for TANF Georgia online, then visit the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families website here.