Ohio Works First (OWF) is the financial assistance portion of Ohio's Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program. OWF was established to provide time-limited assistance to eligible families. OWF provides cash benefits to eligible, needy families for up to 36 months. After 36 months, a family cannot receive additional cash assistance unless the County Department of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) approves an extension of benefits. There are two kinds of extensions, hardship; and good cause. A family can receive a hardship extension any time after the 36-month time limit has ended. A family can only receive a good cause extension after a 24-month waiting period following the 36-month limit. Each CDJFS sets its own policies for hardship and good cause extensions. The emphasis of OWF is self-sufficiency, personal responsibility and employment . In 2017, an Ohio Works First payment for a family of three is $474. Benefits are issued through either the Ohio Pathway card, which is a pre-paid debit MasterCard, or deposited directly into a checking or savings account. The Ohio Pathway card can be used at MasterCard member banks, ATMs and any retailers that accept MasterCard. You may apply for Ohio Works First online by going to odjfsbenefits.ohio.gov or by filling out the “Request for Cash, Food and Medical Assistance” (JFS 7200) form and submitting it to your county agency. You can get the form at your county agency or at  odjfs.state.oh.us/forms/findform.asp?formnum=07200. You can find the address and phone number of your county agency at jfs.ohio.gov/County/County_Directory.pdf or by calling 1-866-635-3748. You may be able to find your local agency in the county government section of your phone book. Hours: M-F 8am to 4:30pm