Public Benefits Employment Outcomes

As Q4-20 began, the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021, and Other Extensions Act became law, providing States with the option to extend recertifications by six months and to adjust interview requirements without requiring waiver approval from the United States Department of Agriculture. Ohio reimplemented these options.

On October 14, the option to waive the initial interview completely was re-approved for extension through December 31, 2020. The Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services (CJFS) took advantage of this waiver.  Additionally, the State of Ohio took advantage of a previous waiver that allowed recertifications to be extended by 6 months.  All recertifications due in November and December 2020, that had not previously received a 6-month extension of their certification period, had their certification period extended through May and June 2021 respectively. Also, DJFS was not required to provide face-to-face interviews even when requested by the client.

CJFS experienced an increase in the TANF enrollment numbers through Q2-20.  However, there is an observed decrease in enrollment that began in Q3-20 and continued through the remainder of 2020.  This drop is likely due to the transition back to "normal order" and requiring an interview for new applications and recertifications that began in July and continued throughout November.  Additionally, CJFS resumed normal verification procedures which include mailing checklists for items that could not be verified.  Finally, child care facilities began reopening and contracted providers adopted virtual tools to engage clients in Work Activities programming. While CJFS continued to extend "good cause" for failed work program hours to Ohio Works First work required participants as necessary, the expansion of “good cause” that previously reduced the number of sanctions due to child care closures and contracted provider closures was reduced.  

Through TANF enrollment, CJFS continues to ensure individuals in Cuyahoga County have access to temporary financial assistance during this health emergency.