CAMTL 129 (Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program Changes (CCMEP))
Cash Assistance Manual Transmittal Letter No. 129
September 27, 2017
TO: Cash Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Cynthia C. Dungey, Director
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program Changes (CCMEP)

Under current rules, an OWF work eligible individual (WEI) is required to undergo an appraisal and sign a self-sufficiency contract (SSC) prior to being referred to CCMEP, and once referred to CCMEP the WEI must complete a comprehensive assessment and sign an individual opportunity plan (IOP).  This duplication is not optimal or efficient but was a necessary result of the limited rule-making authority in the CCMEP temporary law.  CCMEP is now in permanent law, which provides the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) with enhanced rule-making authority to remove the unnecessary duplication.  The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) is proposing rule changes to streamline the process by only requiring a comprehensive assessment and a signed IOP in order to authorize OWF benefits for WEI’s between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four. OFA has taken the actions described below.

The rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).  The rules will become effective on 10/01/2017.

Chapter 1000

5101:1-2-01 “The Application Process for Ohio Works First, Disability Financial Assistance, and Refugee Cash Assistance.”

This rule describes the application process for Ohio Works First, Disability Financial Assistance and Refugee Cash Assistance. OFA has amended this rule.  Language was added to paragraph (B)(2)(a) to require the county agency to complete the following before authorizing OWF:

 

  • Refer work eligible individuals between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four to the CCMEP lead agency for a comprehensive assessment within seven days of the date of application for OWF, and ensure the individual has signed an individual opportunity plan developed in accordance with rule 5101:14-1-04 of the Administrative Code that includes an assignment to at least one CCMEP activity, and
  • For all other work eligible individuals, minor heads of household, and adult members of the assistance group who are not between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four, assess, appraise and enter into a written self-sufficiency contract.

Chapter 2000

5101:1-1-01 “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Definitions.”

This rule describes the definitions related to the temporary assistance for needy families (TANF) program. OFA has amended this rule. Changes to the rule include:

 

  • Added paragraph (GG)(1) to require the terms “appraisal” and “assessment” to be read to include a comprehensive assessment conducted in accordance with division 5101:14 of the Administrative Code for work eligible individuals between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four.
  • Added paragraph (GG)(2) to require the terms “self-sufficiency contract” and “self-sufficiency contract and plan” to be read to include an individual opportunity plan developed in accordance with division 5101:14 of the Administrative Code for work eligible individuals between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four.

5101:1-3-11 “Ohio Works First (OWF): Appraisals, Assessments, and Self Sufficiency Contract.”

This rule describes the appraisal, assessment and self-sufficiency contract process for the Ohio Works First program.  OFA has amended this rule.  Changes include:

 

  • Added paragraph (A)(4) to clarify the terms “appraisal” and “assessment” to be read to include a comprehensive assessment in accordance with division 5101:14 of the Administrative Code for work eligible individuals (WEIs) between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four;
  • Clarified the terms “self-sufficiency contract” and “self-sufficiency contract and plan” to be read to include an individual opportunity plan in accordance with division 5101:14 of the Administrative Code for WEIs between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four years of age.
  • Paragraph (J) was rewritten for clarity and to make the following changes:
  • Removed the requirement that each WEI between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four undergo an appraisal and sign a self-sufficiency contract, then be referred to CCMEP. New language requires each WEI between the ages of fourteen and twenty-four to have a comprehensive assessment and IOP completed by the lead agency prior to the authorization of OWF.
  • Clarified that the IOP meets the requirements of a self-sufficiency contract and plan, and that a failure to comply with the IOP without good cause results in a sanction;
  • Made the lead agency responsible for determining: whether an individual failed to comply with the IOP; good cause for a failure or refusal to comply with the IOP; the compliance activity when an OWF sanction is imposed:
  • Clarified the referral to the lead agency shall include the number of hours expected to be assigned in accordance with rule 5101:1-3-12 of the Administrative Code, and the number of months a WEI has participated in OWF subject to the time limit.