In accordance with section 106.03 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), each state agency is required to review each of its rules in the Ohio Administrative Code a minimum of once every five years.  The intent of the review is to ensure that Administrative Code rules are clearly written and that program requirements are accurate, up-to-date and clearly expressed.  To the extent possible, unnecessary paperwork will be eliminated, local agencies will be given increased flexibility, and any adverse impact on businesses will be eliminated or reduced.  As a result of the review, the agency may amend the rule; rescind the rule; or continue the rule without amendment.

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has completed a review of the following rules and the rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).  The rules will become effective on 08/01/22.

Chapter 2000

5101:1-23-10 "Ohio Works First: Assistance Group Determination."

This rule describes the process for determining assistance group composition for Ohio Works First (OWF).  OFA amended this rule.  Changes to the rule include:

• The title to paragraph (A) has been amended to “Which section of the Revised Code applies to the assistance group determination?”;
• Language in paragraph (A)(1) was removed and replaced with “Section 5107.05 of the Revised Code authorizes the director of job and family services to adopt rules as necessary to comply with Title IV-A, Title IV-D, federal regulations, state law, and the state plan”;
• Paragraph (A)(3) was stricken as language under paragraph (A)(2) references that the county agencies will follow requirements contained in this rule and not in accordance with section 5107.36 of the Revised Code; and
• Minor language changes were made to improve clarity.

5101:1-23-20 "Ohio Works First: Income and Eligibility."

The rule describes the policy for determining the gross earned income, gross unearned income, income availability and eligibility calculation process for the Ohio Works First program.  OFA amended this rule.  Changes to the rule include:

• Minor language changes were made to improve clarity.

5101:1-23-75 "Ohio Works First and Prevention, Retention and Contingency: Assistance Group Ineligibility Due to Receipt of Fraudulent Assistance."

The rule describes the definitions of “fraudulent assistance” and intentional violations,” explains how violations are handled in situations of assistance group movement and explains how repayments are made.  OFA amended this rule. Changes to the rule include:

• Removing form revision dates in paragraph (C) as a result of Senate Bill 221 of the 132nd General Assembly that amended incorporation by reference requirements contained in section 121.71 to 121.75 of the Ohio Revised Code.