CAM Chapter: 2000

OAC Rule: 5101:1-23-20

Reason for Change:The TANF Educational Awards Program (TEAP) was established by Executive Order 2006-10T signed by Governor Taft on May 10, 2006. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) has entered into an interagency agreement with the Ohio Board of Regents to provide TANF funding for this program in SFY 2007. The program will provide educational incentive payments to eligible students attending a participating college and will be based on the student's progress in successfully completing college level course work. The award is available to both part-time and full-time students. The maximum award that can be granted to a single student in a school year is $1,200.00.

Effective immediately, TEAP payments are excluded as countable income in the OWF and DFA programs. Excluded income for OWF is set forth in rule 5101:1-23-20, and as set forth in rule 5101:1-5-40, income excluded under the OWF program is also excluded in the DFA program.

Prior Policy:None

New Policy:Effective immediately, TEAP payments received by applicants and recipients are excluded as countable income in the OWF and DFA programs.

Action Required: There is no desk review required; however, the CDJFS must correct any negative case action on any OWF or DFA case that was adversely affected (i.e., termination, reduction or denial of OWF or DFA cash assistance) as a result of not excluding these payments. Rule 5101:1-23-20 will be amended in the near future to reflect the policy addressed in this Action Change Transmittal.