The Director of the Ohio Department of Human Services (ODHS) issues this administrative order for the purpose of extending the statewide child care enrollment period and establishing a statewide maximum eligibility limit for publicly funded child care benefits.

Under this administrative order all county departments of human services (CDHS) shall upon receipt of this order:

1.Continue to provide child care benefits to all newly eligible applicants of OWF, LEAP, and Protective child care benefits.

2.Continue to provide child care benefits to all current recipients of OWF, LEAP, and Protective child care benefits.

3.Continue to enroll for Income Eligible Employment and Training child care benefits, all Transitional child care families whose twelve months of child care benefits have expired and who are determined eligible for Income Eligible Employment and Training child care benefits and whose income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

4.Continue to provide Income Eligible Employment and Training, Transitional, and Special Needs child care benefits to all current recipients whose income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.

5.Effective March 1, 1998 and ending June 30, 1998, enroll all newly eligible applicants for Income Eligible Employment and Training, Transitional, and Special Needs child care, with gross income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Instructions for Implementation of this Administrative Order

In accordance with ORC 5104.39 and 5104.40, the following instructions are to be followed for the purpose of implementing this administrative order:

1.For initial determination of eligibility for Income Eligible Employment and Training, Transitional, and Special Needs child care benefits, the CDHS shall refer to the maximum income levels at 150% of the 1997 federal poverty level.

2.For redeterminations of eligibility for Income Eligible Employment and Training, Transitional and Special Needs child care benefits, the CDHS shall refer to the maximum income levels at 150% of the 1997 federal poverty level.

Please note that the federal poverty levels for 1998 will be published in March. An updated administrative order will be issued as soon as possible after the Ohio Department of Human Services receives the new levels. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact the County Technical Support Section at (614) 466-7762.