Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program

Prevention, Retention and Contingency Benefits

All voucher services are contingent upon availability of funding.
The PRC Program is designed to provide benefits and services to needy families and low income employed families to help move out of poverty and become self-sufficient. PRC support is short term and is not intended to meet ongoing needs. If eligible for PRC benefits, a voucher is issued for the service.

Who is eligible for PRC?

Families must have a minor child in the home, reside in Lucas County and meet the income guidelines. Pregnant women without other minor children also may be eligible. Some PRC services are also available to non-custodial parents of a minor child who live in Lucas County but in a separate household from the child.

What are the income limits?

The Family’s gross income must be under 200% of the Federal Poverty Limits.
A Family does not need to be receiving other benefits from Lucas County Department of Job & Family Services to apply or be eligible for PRC services.

What type of assistance is available?

View the PRC Plan for 2023-2025 (PDF)

View the PRC Brochure (PDF)

View the PRC Brochure Spanish Version (PDF)

View the PRC Brochure Arabic Version (PDF)

Application for Prevention, Retention and Contingency Benefits (PDF)

IRS Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification (PDF)

Public Health Emergency Assistance

Services to assist with emergent needs as a direct result of a pandemic as declared by the Governor of the State of Ohio.

Assistance Groups (AG) may self-declare when reporting income for eligibility; Applicants must provide documentation of the pandemic impact directly on the AG.

Emergency shelter or temporary housing (includes payment of rent, mortgage to prevent eviction)
Utility assistance for primary heat source, electric or water service in order to prevent shut off or regain PIPP (Percentage of Income Plan Plus)/Pathway eligibility
Personal expenses (includes purchase of necessary household items such as cleaning/sanitizing products, baby care items, additional food, etc.)

Employment Materials

Uniforms and footwear
Tools/equipment
Professional licensure and/or testing fees

Must be necessary for employment and/or required by the employer/training program. Must provide itemized estimate and statement from employer that specifies the number of materials required. For state licenses, board certifications, and/or commercial driver’s licenses. Must complete Ohio approved course and meet all requirements for licensing/certification. Applicant must have verified employment or verified offer of employment (to start within 30 days of application date) of a minimum of 20 hours per week at State minimum wage.

GED Incentive

One-time payment upon completion of G.E.D. (must provide valid certificate).

Must apply within 90 days of receiving valid certificate.
Must complete W-9 to redeem G.E.D. incentive.

Shelter Assistance

**Effective August 1, 2025, all shelter assistance through the PRC program has been temporarily paused due to funding**

At this time if you need further assistance, please contact United Way 2-1-1.
Visit United Way Toledo's website
1001 Madison Ave Ste 100, Toledo, OH 43604
419-248-2424

Shelter Assistance: Up to $1,600

Families with minor child(ren), pregnant women or non-custodial parents
Current lease agreement or mortgage statement-must be in applicant's name
Copy of Subsidized Housing Assistance (HUD/Sections 8, etc.), if applicable
Written statement (itemized statement) must be signed, dated and include a contact number for the landlord, clearly stating the amount due and the month for which payment is being requested; one month rent or mortgage payment only. Landlord or rental/mortgage company must indicate they will accept HCNO payment for shelter. This is issued for the purpose to prevent eviction and keep clients in their home
Proof of eviction notice or foreclosure notice
Must by employed minimum of 20 hours per week at state minimum wage OR verified participation in a training opportunity that will allow for a living wage job OR in receipt of SSI (must have a minor child) OR on medical leave (or maternity/paternity leave) 30 days or less that meet all other requirements
If delinquent amount exceeds $1,600, applicant must provide written documentation that the difference was paid. Lease or mortgage must be in applicant's name

Utility Assistance

For primary heat source, electric or water service thirty (30) days delinquent or to prevent shut off or regain PIPP (Percentage of Income Plan Plus) eligibility.

Families with minor child(ren)
Must by employed minimum of 20 hours per week at State Minimum wage, or verify participation in training opportunity that will allow for living wage job, or in receipt of SSI
Must have secured employment for a minimum of 2 weeks to determine eligibility. Paystub(s) and letter from employer required
Documentation from HEAP stating that this resource has been denied
Utility Bill clearly stating the amount due (current, past due, or installment services)
Proof of Shut-Off Notice or amount needed to restore services (if applicable)
Verification of deposit for Utility service connection (if applicable)

Vehicle Repairs

Repair costs are limited to the value of the vehicle established by NADAguides.com-low retail value.

2 estimates are required.
Applicant must present valid Ohio driver’s license, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership or lease (must be in name for minimum of 90 days).
Proof that repair is not covered under warranty.
Repairs made to the body of the vehicle are limited to those needed to make the vehicle operable.
Vouchers will not be issued for ongoing maintenance requirements of vehicle (oil, air, wipers, filters, tune ups, tire rotation). Tire replacement limited to only flat tires that cannot be repaired.
If the repair cost exceeds voucher amount, applicant must provide written documentation from the vendor that arrangements have been made for the payment of the balance of the amount due.
Repairs are not subject to sales tax. No payment of tax will be made by the applicant or LCDJFS when LCDJFS is paying all or a portion of the bill.
Must by employed minimum of 20 hours per week at State Minimum wage or verify participation in training opportunity that will allow for living wage job or in receipt of SSI.

All categories have different requirements and verifications needed to complete the application process. A PRC application will need to be completed stating the need and assistance requested. If you have more specific questions on how to apply for the PRC program, contact 1-844-640-6446 (Customer Service Prompt). Fax number is (419) 213-8820.