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26 Outreach The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services is partnering with the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Liquor Control and the Ohio Casino Commission to identify and educate impacted vendors and retailors on the prohibition. To ensure that TANF recipients have adequate access to their cash assistance with minimal fees or charges, including an opportunity to access assistance with no fee or charges, and are provided information on applicable fees and surcharges that apply to electronic fund transactions involving the assistance, and that such information is made publicly available, the State of Ohio has implemented the following policies and procedures: • Assistance groups are given the option to receive benefits by direct deposit into their personal bank account, or they may receive the benefits on a state-issued electronic payment card (Ohio EPPICard). • Assistance groups that choose to have their benefits issued on the Ohio EPPICard have a number of options to access their benefits. Notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by 42 U.S.C. 608(a), assistance groups can use their Ohio EPPICard to make purchases at any business that accepts MasterCard. Many businesses also provide "cash back" with a purchase. Assistance groups that require cash for purposes other than purchases can also go to any MasterCard member bank or credit union location nationwide to withdrawal cash without a fee. Assistance groups are also able to use an ATM to access their benefits but will incur a small fee for each withdrawal. Assistance groups are advised that ATMs should be used as an option of last resort to avoid incurring fees. • Assistance groups that chose to receive their benefits on the Ohio EPPICard are provided information about fees and surcharges and how to avoid them: during application and reapplication; with informational materials included with the Ohio EPPICard when it is first sent to the assistance group; and through 24 hour-a-day support by phone (1-866-320-8822) or on the internet (www.eppicard.com). Family Supports The following support services are offered to individuals to help them maintain their jobs: • Medicaid Eligibility. To the extent allowed by law, Medicaid eligibility is aligned with eligibility for the OWF program so that all participants have access to quality health care. Additionally, many families who are diverted or sanctioned from public assistance may still be eligible for Medicaid. • Transportation. OWF work participants must have access to employment opportunities in order to successfully enter and remain in the labor force. For this reason, state law requires each board of county commissioners to develop a written transportation plan that establishes policies regarding the transportation needs of low-income residents of the county seeking or striving to retain employment. In developing the transportation plan, the board is required to consult with various entities within the county including the CDJFS.