The rules describe the federal work participation requirements for work eligible participants and the work activity guidelines. Established federal guidance states the conversion rate for work activities is 4.33 weeks in a month. The amendments align the rules with the federal conversion rate.

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has completed a review of the following rule(s) and the rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The rules will become effective on 9/1/2018.

Chapter 2000

5101:1-3-01 "Ohio Works First: Federal Work Participation Rates."

The rule describes the federal work participation requirements and activities for work eligible individuals.  OFA amended paragraph (F) of this rule to align with federal guidance for converting weekly-to-monthly hours. Although the required number of weekly hours has not changed, converting weekly hours to monthly hours using a factor of 4.33 instead of 4.3 increases the monthly hours.

5101:1-3-12 "Ohio Works First: Work Activities."

The rule describes the work activity guidelines for Ohio Works First. The rule details work eligibility, hour requirements for work participation, work activity assignments, penalties for failure to complete a work assignment, verification of paid work activities and other Ohio Works First work activity requirements.  OFA amended paragraph (I) of this rule to align with federal guidance pursuant to the 2008 TANF Data Report for converting weekly-to-monthly hours. Although the required number of weekly hours has not changed, converting weekly hours to monthly hours using a factor of 4.33 instead of 4.3 increases the monthly hours. In addition, paragraph (I) has been amended to change an Ohio Administrative Code rule reference from rule 5101:1-2-20 to rule 5101:4-7-01.