In order to further align the Food Assistance and Ohio Works First programs, rule 5101:4-3-11, "Exemptions, Work Registrations and Requirements" has been reformatted into three new rules, which have been written in plain language and set forth some policy changes. This rule consisted of multiple components of the employment and training program, which did not allow for clarity and efficient administration of the Food Assistance Employment and Training Program.

New policy for Ohio Works First assistance groups regarding compliance after a sanction has been added as a result of the compliance requirements set forth in Amended Substitute House Bill 1 of the 128th General Assembly. Additionally, we have aligned the compliance policy for Food Assistance assistance groups with the Ohio Works First compliance policy to promote more efficient program administration and reduce confusion regarding the different program requirements.

Specific changes to these rules include:

5101:4-3-09Food Assistance: Ohio Works First Appraisal, Self Sufficiency Contract requirements, and sanctions

Rule 5101:4-3-09 has been amended. This rule applies to "Ohio Works First assistance groups," which are assistance groups where all members are eligible to receive Ohio Works First cash assistance. This rule has been amended to include the new compliance requirement set forth in House Bill 1 of the 128th General Assembly.

5101:4-3-11Food Assistance: Work Registration and Exemptions

Rule 5101:4-3-11 will be rescinded and filed as new. This rule defines the policies and procedures applicable for work registration and exemptions from work registration. The use of the JFS 07449 "Work Registration/Information Sharing" and JFS 07446 "Work Registration" forms are no longer required. These forms will be obsolete with the publishing of this transmittal. The county agency shall register all individuals via the Client Registry Information System-Enhanced (CRIS-E). Individuals required to be work registered do not have to be present during the interview in order for work registration to occur. Appendix 48 "Notice of Food Stamp Work Registration Responsibility" will be obsolete because it contains information that does not align with current work registration procedures.

5101:4-3-11.1Food Assistance: Employment and Training Program Requirements

Rule 5101:4-3-11.1 will be filed as new. The procedures and policies contained in this rule were previously in rule 5101:4-3-11. This rule defines the employment and training program requirements of work registered individuals.

5101:4-3-11.2Food Assistance: Employment and Training Program Sanctions and Compliance

Rule 5101:4-3-11.2 will be filed as new. The policies and procedures in this rule were previously included in rule 5101:4-3-11. This rule contains the policies and procedures for applying sanctions and for achieving compliance. Two changes were made to the policy regarding compliance. First, pursuant to Amended Substitute House Bill 1, individuals will be required to sign a compliance form prior to a sanction being lifted. The JFS 03804 "Ohio Works First/Food Assistance Compliance" form must be signed by the sanctioned individual and returned to the county agency for benefit reinstatement. Second, county agencies are no longer required to assign an individual for two weeks of employment and training hours prior to lifting a sanction. This change has occurred to promote efficiency in program administration, reduce confusion regarding compliance requirements, and to further align with Ohio Works First policy.

5101:4-3-34.1Food Assistance: Work Experience Program Overpayments

Rule 5101:4-3-34.1 is being filed as new. The policies and procedures in this rule were previously contained in rule 5101:4-3-11. This rule is being moved under rule 5101:4-3-34 since it pertains specifically to the Work Experience Program (WEP). This rule defines the policies and procedures for overpayments when the individual has participated in the WEP. This policy previously addressed offsetting an overpayment when an assistance group participated in an employment and training activity where minimum wage was used to determine the required hours. This rule has been changed to specifically identify WEP as the only activity in which an overpayment can be offset by the assistance group working additional hours because of an improper benefit. Procedure 13, which gives examples of how to process these claims, will be obsolete.

Instructions: