Hero Pay

OCCRRA is excited about the opportunity to support Governor DeWine’s Hero Pay initiative, which is vital to the early childhood and school-age professional workforce.

In December 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021. The Act provided Ohio with funding to help support professionals with the pandemic. As a result, ODJFS created Hero Pay.

Hero Pay FAQs

Where can I find the Hero Pay eligibility requirements?

The eligibility requirements are outlined in the Manual Procedure Letter issued by ODJFS. You may also review the helpful Hero Pay Eligibility At-A-Glance document available on the right. To view all our Hero Pay Phase 2 Frequently Asked Questions, view the FAQ document under Guidance Documents on the right.

Why am I not eligible for Hero Pay?

As outlined in question 2 on the Hero Pay FAQ document & on the Manual Procedure Letter issued by ODJFS:

To be eligible for Hero Pay, you had to meet all the following requirements.
1. Have an employment record open in the OPR for 170 of the 180 days during the payment eligibility period of September 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023 OR December 1, 2022 through February 28, 2023. The professional must be employed by a regulated child care program for the entire payment eligibility period, excluding a gap of less than 10 days; AND
2. The license for the child care center, type A home or type B home must be in an active status during the entire payment eligibility period, excluding a gap of less than 10 days; AND
3. The professional has an eligible role in their employment tab in their OPR profile.

You may also review the helpful Hero Pay Eligibility At-A-Glance document.

Do I have to apply to receive the Hero Pay Phase 2 payment?

No you do not need to apply, HOWEVER to receive payment, an action MUST be taken. Even if you have entered payment portal information before, it must be entered for this Phase by March 31st, 2023.

If I am eligible, when do I need to submit my banking information?

The Hero Pay Phase 2 Payment Portal opens for eligible professionals on March 16th, 2023 and closes at 11:59PM on March 31st, 2023.

If you have additional questions that are not addressed above, please use the Contact Us page for assistance.

Guidance Documents

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