Prevention, Retention and Contingency Program

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. The support is short term crisis-oriented benefits and is not intended to meet recurrent or ongoing needs.  The aid comes in the form of a voucher made out directly to the vendor to buy items or services that are emergencies and non-recurring.

Who is eligible for PRC? Families that include a minor child.  A minor child is an individual who has not attained the age 18; or an individual who has not attained age 19 and is a full time student in secondary or vocational school.  All families must live in Lorain County.  PRC is also available to a pregnant individual in her 3rd trimester with no other minor children, and some services are available to the non-custodial parent of a minor child who lives in Lorain County, and does not live in the same household.

Who is not eligible for PRC?  Families without a minor child, single individuals who are not pregnant, non-U.S. citizens or non-qualified aliens, and those convicted of program fraud where repayment has not occurred.

What income limits apply for PRC?  The family's gross income must be under 175% of the poverty level.  Examples of income for a month at 175% of the Federal Poverty Level are as follow:

Family of 1 $1,517
Family of 2 $2,042
Family of 3 $2,567
Family of 4 $3,092
Family of 5 $3,617

A family need not be receiving assistance from Job & Family Services to be eligible.

Where does family apply for PRC Assistance in Lorain County? All applications must be made at:
Lorain County Department of Job & Family Services
42485 North Ridge Road
Elyria, Ohio 44035

A face to face interview is required for the program. You will complete and sign a special PRC Application stating the emergency need and items requested.  Individual and community resources will be explored before any items are provided. You will be asked for cost estimates and required verifications.  If you have any questions, you may call 440-323-5726 and ask to speak to a PRC Supervisor or Aide.

Office hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday  7:30 AM - 4:15 PM
Tuesday's  7:30 AM - 6:30 PM.

Common Questions & Answers:

Q: What is the income guideline?
A: Families must be at or below 175% of poverty. We look at all gross income, both earned and unearned, of all members of the PRC assistance group except for gross earnings of a minor child.

Q: Is there any resource limit?
A: Most of the categories have a $100 resource limit.

Q: What are some of the items for which a family may be eligible under PRC?
A: Emergency shelter; rent or security deposit; homeowner repair expenses for the furnace, roof repairs or plumbing; car repairs; clothing required for work or training; tools and safety equipment for your job; short term educational expenses; some employment expenses; and bus passes for working clients. Call and ask for the PRC program to see what other benefits can be issued.

Q: How long will I wait until my PRC request is ready?
A: The agency has 30 days to make a decision on any application for assistance but because PRC is needed for an emergent benefit, LCDJFS will determine eligibility within approximately ten (10) working days after completion of a signed application as long as all required verifications have been provided.