(A)Which section of the Revised Code applies to alternative activities?Conflict with Revised Code

Section (5) of Amended Substitute Senate Bill 238 of the 126th General Assembly (9/2006) sets forth the following provision: Not later than September 30, 2006, the director of job and family services shall adopt rules as necessary for the state to comply with 42 U.S.C. 607(i)(2)(8/1996). If necessary to bring the state into compliance with 42 U.S.C. 607(i)(2)(8/1996), the rules may deviate from Chapter 5107. of the Revised Code. Rules adopted under this section that govern financial and other administrative requirements applicable to the department of job and family services and county agencies shall be adopted in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code as if they were internal management rules. All other rules adopted under this section shall be adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code.

(1)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.

(B)(2)The county agency shall administer the work activity programs in accordance with the requirements contained in this rule and not in accordance with sections 5107.40, 5107.42, 5107.43 and 5107.64 of the Revised Code. All applicable requirements contained in the Revised Code sections referenced have been incorporated into this rule.

(C)(B)What are alternative activities?

(1)Alternative activities are activities designed to promote self sufficiency and personal responsibility that are intended to address temporary and permanent barriers to participating in work activities.

(2)The county agency shall establish and administer alternative activities for work eligible individuals participating in Ohio works first (OWF). In establishing alternative activities, the county agency is not limited by the restrictions imposed by Title IV-A.

(3)Acceptable types of alternative activities include, but are not limited to:

(a)Parenting classes and life-skills training;

(b)Participation in an alcohol or drug addiction program certified by the department of mental health and addiction services under section 5119.36 of the Revised Code;

(c)Finding a home in the case of a homeless assistance group;

(d)Residing in a domestic violence shelter, receiving counseling or treatment related to the domestic violence or participating in criminal justice activities against the domestic violence offender; and

(e)Attending English as a second language course.

(4)What hours may count toward work participation?

(a)Hours of participation that individuals complete in alternative activities do not count toward the federal work participation rate.

(b)There is no minimum number of hours required for participation in alternative activities.

(c)There are no limitations as to the number of work eligible individuals who may be assigned to alternative activities.

Effective: 11/1/2022

Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 7/21/2022 and 11/01/2027

Certification: CERTIFIED ELECTRONICALLY

Date: 10/03/2022

Promulgated Under: 119.03

Statutory Authority: 5107.05

Rule Amplifies: 5107.05

Prior Effective Dates: 09/29/2006 (Emer.), 12/29/2006, 10/01/2008, 02/01/2012, 06/01/2017