CAMTL 192 (Cash Assistance: the Application Process for Ohio Works First and Refugee Cash Assistance, the Recertification Requirement, Domestic Violence- Information, Screening, Referral, and Waiver of Eligibility Requirements)
Cash Assistance Manual Transmittal Letter No. 192
September 22, 2023
TO: All Cash Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Matt Damschroder, Director
SUBJECT: Cash Assistance: the Application Process for Ohio Works First and Refugee Cash Assistance, the Recertification Requirement, Domestic Violence- Information, Screening, Referral, and Waiver of Eligibility Requirements
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The JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information” has been redesigned through human centered design (HCD) with a cross-agency review including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) for all programs to provide pertinent information about each program. The JFS 07501 was compared with other forms and notices such as approval, denial, benefit change notices, self-sufficiency contract, and information given verbally during interviews. Duplicative information was removed from the JFS 07501 and the redesigned version is now an informational pamphlet that can be available at the county agency or community partners, and/or given to individuals if they would like additional program information. As a result, Ohio Administrative Code rules 5101:1-2-01, 5101:1-2-10 and 5101:1-3-20 have been amended to remove the requirement for county agencies to send the JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information” at application and recertification.

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has taken the actions described below. These rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 10/01/2023.

Chapter 1000

5101:1-2-01 "The application process for Ohio works first and refugee cash assistance.”

This rule describes the procedures for the county agencies to follow regarding the Ohio Works First (OWF) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) programs. Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (A)(1)(c) was removed to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501 at application;
  • Paragraphs (J)(1) was amended to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501; 
  • Paragraph (J)(2) was amended to remove the requirement that the JFS 07501 be used to conduct the interview;
  • Former paragraph (J)(6) was moved to new paragraph (K)(18) to ensure the JFS 07092 is a requirement of the interview due to the removal of the JFS 07501;
  • Paragraph (K)(1) was amended for clarity;
  • Paragraph(K)(2) is being removed due to the JFS 07501 being an informational pamphlet and not required to be covered during the interview;
  • Paragraphs (K)(15), (K)(16), and (K)(17) were added to provide an explanation of the requirements during the interview due to the removal of the JFS 07501; and
  • Minor language changes for clarity.

5101:1-2-10 "The Recertification Requirement.”

This rule describes the recertification process for the Ohio Works First (OWF) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (D)(2)(e)(i) was removed to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501 at recertification;
  • Paragraph (D)(2)(h) was amended for clarity; and
  • Minor language changes for clarity.

Chapter 2000

5101:1-3-20 Ohio works first: domestic violence- information, screening, referral and waiver of eligibility requirements.

This rule describes the screening, referral and waiver of Ohio works first (OWF) eligibility requirements in domestic violence situations: 

  • Paragraph (B)(6) was added to clarify the county agency may provide information about local supportive services or programs, when requested; and
  • Paragraph (C) was removed to eliminate the requirement to provide the JFS 07501.