Skip to Main Content

The main and utility menus utilize arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. Up and Down arrows will open main level menus and toggle through sub tier links. Enter and space open menus and escape closes them as well. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items.

Prevention, Retention, and Contingency Program - Emergency Assistance

If you have an emergency that is a one-time, short-term crisis, the Prevention, Retention, and Contingency (PRC) program may be able to help.

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
Monthly Income
(As of 1/12/2023)

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

Programs

Utility Assistance

Ohio offers Energy Assistance Programs to help low-income residents pay their heating or cooling bills.

Medicaid

Medicaid provides free or low-cost health coverage to millions of low-income Americans. Like other health insurance plans, Medicaid can help pay for doctor’s visits, hospital expenses, long-term care, and more.

Emergency (Expedited) Food Assistance

Cuyahoga County residents may be eligible for a faster decision on food assistance applications if they meet certain criteria.