An assistance group seeking to participate in the Ohio works first program shall apply to a county department of job and family services using an application containing information the director of job and family services requires pursuant to rules adopted under section 5107.05 of the Revised Code and any additional information the county department requires. If cash assistance under the program is to be paid by the director of budget and management through the medium of direct deposit as provided by section 329.03 of the Revised Code, the application shall be accompanied by information the director needs to make direct deposits.

When a county department receives an application for participation in Ohio works first, it shall promptly make an investigation and record of the circumstances of the applicant in order to ascertain the facts surrounding the application and to obtain such other information as may be required. Upon the completion of the investigation, the county department shall determine as soon as possible whether the applicant is eligible to participate, the amount of cash assistance the applicant should receive, and the approximate date when participation shall begin. The amount of cash assistance so determined shall be certified to the department of job and family services in such form as the department shall prescribe. Warrants, direct deposits, or debit cards shall be delivered or made payable in the manner the department may prescribe.

To the extent required by rules adopted under section 5107.05 of the Revised Code, a participant of Ohio works first shall notify the county department immediately upon the receipt or possession of additional income not previously reported to the county department. Any failure to so notify a county department shall be regarded as prima-facie evidence of an intent to defraud.