This letter transmits a rule modification that is effective May 1, 2001.

CHAPTER 3000

Rule 5101:1-23-01 OWF: Time-Limited Receipt of Assistance (CCN 4681)

An amended federal interpretation regarding receipt of assistance for TANF purposes was recently issued, prompting the modification of the OWF time limit rule. Specifically, the federal interpretation states that a month in which TANF benefits are reduced to $0 to repay an overpayment is not countable as receipt of assistance toward the federal 60-month lifetime limit. In order to follow federal policy, we have amended rule 5101:1-23-01 to remove the provision at paragraph (D)(3), which previously counted a month in which OWF benefits were reduced to $0 to repay an overpayment, toward the OWF 36-month limit. Additionally, new paragraph (E)(13) was added which states that any month for which OWF assistance is reduced to $0 to repay an overpayment does not count toward receipt of assistance.

CRIS-E modifications have been requested to support this policy change. The change is a prospective change; thus any month prior to May 1, 2001 that was counted toward the 36-month limit due to the pre-May 1, 2001 policy, will continue to be countable. Only those OWF benefits that are affected (i.e., reduced to $0 to repay an overpayment) as of May 1, 2001 or after will not be counted toward the 36 and 60-month lifetime limits for receipt of OWF.