The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) is continuing the Benefit Bridge pilot program to better engage, prepare and support our most vulnerable Ohioans for long-term economic independence.

ODJFS will issue allocations from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Non-TANF GRF funding based on spending patterns. Each eligible county will be required to submit a plan to ODJFS for these funds.

The funding period for this allocation will be on a state fiscal year (SFY) basis for SFYs 2022 and 2023. ODJFS will communicate the funding period and liquidation period through the county finance information system (CFIS).

The TANF allocations consist of one hundred percent federal funding.  The Assistance Listing Number (ALN), formerly Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) is 93.558.

The Non-TANF GRF allocations consist of one hundred percent state funding.

Costs Allowable for TANF Program Activities

TANF eligibility and allowability rules apply to each of the below categories: 

• Transportation
• Housing
• Utilities
• Education
• Employment
• Education for Training and Employment
• Child Care
• Financial Incentives
• Third Party Services to Administer the Program
• Other

Costs Allowable for Non-TANF GRF Activities

• All the above categories that do not meet TANF allowability or eligibility requirements are allowable to Non-TANF GRF.
• Medical

Financial and random moment sample (RMS) codes and definitions will be communicated by the Bureau of County Finance and Technical Assistance (BCFTA).

County PRC Plans

The CDJFS is not required to modify their existing PRC plan to use these funds.

For funding details and questions regarding eligibility, allowable activities, and programmatic reporting requirements, please refer to Denise Olson or Margaret Walsh in the Office of Family Assistance.  For questions regarding fiscal reporting please contact your ODJFS Fiscal Supervisor or the CFIS Helpdesk CFIS_HELP_DESK@jfs.ohio.gov.