COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced today that Ohio is one of five states selected by the Trump Administration for a new pilot program that will help individuals overcome barriers to employment and move from public assistance to self-sufficiency.

Ohio was chosen for the pilot by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through its Administration for Children and Families for the purpose of finding innovative approaches to promote work and reduce government dependency.

“Every day in Ohio, we are working to help people reach their full potential. Part of that mission is to make sure those who need a job are supported in finding a job and placed on a pathway toward financial independence,” DeWine said. “Through this pilot, we will help more Ohioans overcome barriers to employment, achieve self-sufficiency, and build the foundation for a brighter future. I thank the Trump Administration for entrusting Ohio as one of just five states to carry out this important work.”

“At the heart of Ohio’s mission is the belief that every person has the potential to succeed if given the right support and opportunity,” said Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel. “This pilot program is about meeting people where they are and removing barriers that stand in their way. We are committed to demonstrating that this investment is well-placed and appreciate the Trump Administration’s confidence in Ohio.”

The pilot will be administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and will focus on those receiving benefits through the department’s Ohio Works First program. Funded through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant, OWF provides short-term assistance to low-income families, while helping recipients work toward securing a job.

Under the pilot, Ohio will have greater flexibility to provide individualized services tailored to participants’ unique needs. OWF recipients often live at or below 50% of the federal poverty level and face significant barriers to employment such as lack of transportation, limited education, unstable housing, or health challenges. Caseworkers will work closely with participants to develop personalized plans that address these barriers — helping them move toward stable employment and self-sufficiency.

“The Trump Administration recognizes the best economic program is a job, and Ohio’s pilot reflects our shared commitment to reshaping welfare programs to prioritize employment, personal responsibility, and strong families,” said Acting Assistant Secretary of ACF Andrew Gradison. “Our goal is to reduce reliance on public assistance by addressing factors that prevent individuals from achieving self-sufficiency.”

Historically, federal funding for OWF required states to meet certain metrics for recipients tied to employment, work search, and training. Approval of this pilot allows Ohio to develop alternative metrics that account for barriers to employment, track progress toward independence, and address basic needs along the way. For example, if a single mother lacks a high school education, reliable transportation, or stable housing, the pilot will give case workers flexibility to address those root issues as part of her plan toward long-term employment.

“You can’t climb the ladder to success if you’re not on the ladder,” said ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder. “This pilot allows us to find innovative ways to combine the efforts of state, county, and community resources to build stronger families.”

ODJFS will begin implementation of the pilot on Oct. 1, which will be available to OWF participants in all 88 counties.