CAMTL 188 (Five Year Rule Review: The Application Process for Ohio Works First, and Refugee Cash Assistance)
Cash Assistance Manual Transmittal Letter No. 188
October 18, 2022
TO: All Cash Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Matt Damschroder, Director
SUBJECT: Five Year Rule Review: The Application Process for Ohio Works First, and Refugee Cash Assistance
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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 rule has been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR).  The rule will become effective on 11/01/2022.

Chapter 1000

5101:1-2-01 " The Application Process for Ohio Works First, and Refugee Cash Assistance."

This rule describes the procedures for county agencies to follow regarding Ohio Works First, and Refugee Cash Assistance. OFA has rescinded and replaced this rule as a new rule as more than 50 percent of the language has been stricken. The rule has been reorganized to improve clarity. Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (A) was updated to described how an individual applies for Ohio works first (OWF) or refugee cash assistance (RCA) benefits. Added to this paragraph are what forms will be provided, a description of a complete application as well as the minimum requirements for a telephonic application.  Previously this paragraph described “application processing definitions” which was stricken from this rule;
  • Paragraph (B) was modified to described when an application packet is provided, which was previously contained in former paragraph (D).  Former (B)(1) was stricken as the format of the current rule establishes the application process for OWF and RCA programs. Previous (B)(2) was moved to new paragraph (E)(5). Former (B)(3) and (B)(4) were stricken from rule. Previous (B)(5) regarding a county’s administrative duties was moved under (E)(4). Former (B)(6) was moved to paragraph (O).  These changes to paragraph (B) were done to improve clarity; 
  • Paragraph (C) was updated to describe the methods for filing an application. (C)(1)(a) through (C)(1)(f) were added to describe the methods by which an assistance group can submit an application to a county agency; these methods were added to align with the supplemental assistance nutrition program (SNAP). Former paragraph (C) regarding what is included in an application packet was moved under new paragraph (A) to improve clarity;
  • Paragraph (D) was updated and describes who can sign the application and types of valid signatures. New language under (D)(3)(c) was added regarding telephonic signatures.  This paragraph was moved from the previous paragraph (E);
  • Paragraph (E) now describes the other responsibilities that both the county agency and assistance group must meet during the application process.  Paragraph (E)(5) was moved from former paragraph (B)(2) to improve clarity and flow of the rule;
  • Paragraph (F) was moved from former paragraph (H) and describes the application date and how an application is registered;
  • Paragraph (G) was moved from former paragraph (I) and describes what role the county has in completing the application process;
  • Paragraph (H) now describes the interview requirements, which was previously contained in paragraph (J).  (H)(3) was added in order to align with the SNAP requirement to provide a summary when an application is signed telephonically;
  • Paragraph (I) describes how the interview can be conducted. This was moved from former paragraph (K) to improve clarity and flow of the rule;
  • Paragraph (J) now describes county agencies interview responsibilities, which was previously contained in paragraph (L);
  • Paragraph (K) now describes what is covered in the application interview, which was formally contained in paragraph (O).  Paragraph (K)(15) regarding the requirement for the county agency to offer assistance in obtaining verifications was moved from paragraph (P) to improve clarity;
  • Paragraph (L) now describes the time frame to determine eligibility.  The determination of eligibility time frame was previously contained under paragraph (M);
  • Paragraph (M) now describes the requirements for authorized representatives.  The definition of “authorized representative” was moved here from the previous paragraph (A);
  • Paragraph (N) was replaced with what is considered a failure in the application process.  The contents of the previous paragraph (N) regarding the interview requirements were moved to new paragraph (H);
  • New paragraph (O) now describes what the difference between a request for public assistance and a request for information. This information was formally contained under (B)(6) but was moved to (O) to improve clarity and flow of the rule;
  • Paragraph (Q) was stricken and moved to paragraph (N); and
  • Minor language changes to improve clarity.