Job and Family Services Exception Letter

In Ohio there is a program called Ohio Works First and due to this requirements, individuals are required to work a certain amount of hours in order to receive benefits such as TANF and Food assistance. Clients I treat who are unable to work due to their mental health symptoms are provided with a letter to exempt them from this requirement. 

Many therapists refuse to write these letters because they don't know how or they do not know if they are allowed. If my clients tell me that they cannot work, I believe them. Sometimes requiring someone to work can exasperate their mental health symptoms by increasing their stress. 

I want to remove the gate keeping from resources and providing this letter has helped many many clients receive food assistance they are entitled to. I have not found that providing this letter increases their reluctance to work since this stems from their symptom level. 

Food is a basic necessity and who are we to stand in the way of entitled resources. I hope this helps reduce the provider burden in doing so.