Welfare program changes

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

Ohio is changing its welfare program to avoid $136 million in federal fines after missing benchmarks for how many participants are working or pursuing employment.

The fines were levied for Ohio’s failure to meet a requirement that at least half of families drawing benefits were employed or seeking work.

Ohio has missed that mark since 2007, and fines have not yet been assessed for 2010. Gov. John Kasich ordered the changes — which are designed to put Ohio back in compliance with the federal mandate — Monday, ahead of a Thursday deadline.

If Ohio stays in compliance, it will not have to pay the millions in fines.

The changes include a separate Ohio-run welfare program using state funds.

“The Ohio Works Now program will provide a small additional TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare program] benefit of $10 per month to working families with children,” Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services spokesman Ben Johnson said.

The extra benefit would be in place for one year, cost the state $7 million and count the families receiving it in Ohio’s work participation pool. Working families who have fallen on hard times, but are still working, qualify, Johnson said.