Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program - Emergency Assistance
To qualify:
- You must be a US citizen or qualified alien
- You must live with at least one minor child, be pregnant, or be the non-custodial parent of a child
- Your family’s income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- You must have limited liquid assets
Persons in Household | 200% Federal Poverty Level |
1 | $2,430 |
2 | $3,287 |
3 | $4,144 |
4 | $5,000 |
5 | $5,857 |
6 | $6,714 |
7 | $7,570 |
| 8 | $8,427 |
Families applying for PRC must also meet one of the following categories:
- Employed individuals, persons seeking assistance to obtain employment, or persons engaged in post-secondary education in an approved, accredited program.
- Shelter assistance services for rental assistance and/or security deposits/or utility assistance, or there is lead poisoning in the house.
- Families establishing or re-establishing a household through the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) who have recently obtained custody of a child, or who are participating in a domestic violence or homeless program.
- Families affected by natural disasters (as declared by the Governor). Income limits apply for each item.
There is a maximum issuance of $1,500 per year.
Before you apply for the PRC program, you should explore all other options to eliminate or reduce the current need.
The Process for Applying
Complete the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program Application. Applicants are required to verify proof of income, minor children and residency. Applicants are responsible for completing all necessary documents and providing available verifications and information. Verification from the source of income must be obtained. Verification provided over the phone is acceptable, with the applicant’s Sharing of Information form submitted.. The application must be signed.
Ohio Relay Service 711.
For more information or to download an application, click here: PRC Application Packet
Return your completed application and required documents. PRC applications and verifications can be submitted by any of the following methods:
Email - Submit as an attachment to Cuy-PRC-Application@jfs.ohio.gov.
Drop-off - Neighborhood Family Service Center Location Drop Boxes
Fax - Submit to (216) 987-8655.
Phone - Call (216) 987-7392 to leave a message requesting for a PRC application to be mailed to you.
The PRC application will be approved or denied as quickly as possible, but no later than 10 calendar days once all required verifications are received from the applicant. Notification shall be given in person or sent by mail within two (2) business days of the application decision.
All payments are made directly to the vendor.
Check the status of your application by calling the PRC Information Line at 216-987-7392. Leave a message and allow 48 hours for a response.
The following groups are not eligible for PRC:
-
Fugitive felons
-
Individuals convicted of program fraud, who haven’t yet completed repayment
-
Individuals who are not pregnant or who have no minor children
- Individual who is not a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien
If you do not agree with the eligibility action taken on your benefit case, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Ohio Works First, Child Care Assistance or the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency program, you can request a state hearing to appeal the decision.
Click here to learn more about the state hearings process: CJFS State Hearings