Income standards for Early Learning Initiative (ELI) eligibility have been changed as a result of the annual update of the federal poverty guidelines. Copayment amounts have also been revised due to the change in income standards. The appendices of two rules have been revised to update income and copayment amounts according to the new federal figures and to provide the reimbursement reporting calendar for state fiscal year 2009. The JFS 01155 "Application for Early Learning Initiative (ELI) Benefits" has also been revised.

Counties must use the new income eligibility standards and the revised JFS 01155 beginning July 1, 2008 for all determinations of initial eligibility and for all twelve-month redeterminations.

Rule 5101:2-23-05 entitled "Eligibility Requirements for Early Learning Initiative (ELI) Benefits" has been amended to clarify language and to update the income chart appendix and the copayment chart appendix with figures based on the 2008 federal poverty guidelines. The copayment calendar has been revised for state fiscal year 2009.

Rule 5101:2-23-07 entitled "Income Eligibility Requirements for Early Learning Initiative (ELI) benefits" has been amended to change the revision date of a form.

Rule 5101:2-23-09 entitled "Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Responsibilities for Reimbursement to Early Learning Initiative (ELI) Contracted Agencies" has been amended to update the pay cycle calendar in the appendix.

JFS 01155 "Application for Early Learning Initiative (ELI) Benefits" has been revised to show that the social security number for the caretaker is an optional field.

The electronic version of the Child Care Manual is located at: http://emanuals.jfs.ohio.gov. The manual contains all rules, forms, transmittal letters and procedure letters that the department has issued to county departments of Job and Family Services (CDJFS) and to child care providers. A current version of this manual should be utilized by all child care staff.

Please contact the Office for Children and Families Help Desk at 1-866-886-3537, option 4 if you have questions.

INSTRUCTIONS: The following chart identifies the material that needs to be removed from and inserted into the Child Care Manual (CCM).