This letter is to inform you that a five-year review has been conducted on the rules listed below, in accordance with Section 119.032 of the Ohio Revised Code. As a result, all three rules have been revised to incorporate "plain language." This is clear, simply stated language, written with the reader in mind. These revisions will allow for further clarity and more efficient administration of the Food Assistance Program.

If no revisions are made to the proposed rules prior to their finalization by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, they will become effective on August 1, 2010. If changes are necessary, a copy of the revised rules will be forwarded to you at that time.

Rules reviewed include the following: 5101:4-2-07, 5101:4-2-09 and 5101:4-7-07

Implementation

No changes were made affecting the eligibility of applicants or recipients, or to the way county agencies administer programs. The following is a brief description of the changes made to the above-mentioned rules.

All references to "stamps" were changed to "assistance," and abbreviations were spelled out the first time they were used in each rule. Specific substantive changes include:

5101:4-2-07 - Food assistance: initial application processing.

This rule has been rescinded and filed as new. The rule has been written to clarify the procedure for processing initial applications. Previously this rule dealt with the processing of initial applications and reapplications.

5101:4-2-09 - Food assistance: verification procedure.

This rule has been rescinded and filed as new. This rule has been rewritten to explain the proper verification process and to include client statement as an acceptable verification when no other verification is available. A statement was also added to clearly explain that unchanged data that was previously verified does not have to be re-verified at recertification.

5101:4-7-07 - Food assistance: recertification

This rule has been rescinded and filed as new. The word "reapplication" has been replaced with "recertification," and the rule has been rewritten in plain language.

Instructions: