To document the implementation of Ohio Works First and to determine the similarities and differences across counties as these may explain variations in recipient outcomes.

Key features of the Ohio Works First program include a 36-month time limit on eligibility, an earned income disregard that ignores a portion of employment income in the calculation of benefits, a self-sufficiency contract and three tiered sanction process. In addition, child care, Medicaid, and Food Stamp benefits are extended to individuals leaving Ohio Works First to help them transition off cash assistance. Able-bodied individuals are required to work for 30 hours per week.

In addition to Ohio Works First, Ohio implemented the Prevention, Retention and Contingency (PRC) program, which provides short term cash assistance and services to OWF clients and other low income individuals to help them obtain and maintain employment or to meet short term needs that were formerly covered by the Emergency Assistance Program in order to help individuals stay off OWF cash assistance.

N=1,951 randomly selected from a stratified statewide sample of Ohio Works First recipients who received assistance in both January and June 2000(for the longitudinal survey of participants.)

N=13,989 randomly selected Ohio Works First recipients statewide who received assistance in both January and June 2000 (for the longitudinal administrative study).