In accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section 119.032, each state agency is required to review its rules a minimum of once every five years. The intent of the law is to ensure that 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 and local agencies will be given increased flexibility. The purpose of a rule review is to determine whether a rule should be continued without amendment, be amended or be rescinded, taking into consideration each rule's scope and purpose.

If no revisions are made to these rules prior to finalization by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, they will become effective on a permanent basis on 06/01/2013. If changes are necessary, a copy of the revised rules will be forwarded to you at that time.

The following Ohio Administrative Code (OAC) rules were recently reviewed. No changes were made affecting the eligibility of applicants or recipients, or to the way county agencies administer the program.

5101:4-6-19, "Food Assistance: Determining Eligibility of Supplemental Security Income Assistance Groups."

This rule is being rescinded and filed as new. The rule was put into plain language and question-and-answer format to improve clarity. The policies pertaining to Supplemental Security Income assistance groups have not changed; however, language has been added to further clarify how county agencies are to process applications received from the Social Security Administration.

5101:4-6-29, "Food Assistance: Elderly and Disabled Individuals Living With Others."

This rule has been rescinded and filed as new. The rule was put into plain language and question-and-answer format to improve clarity, and the title has been updated. The list of disabilities considered permanent by the Social Security Administration has been removed from the rule, and a notes section will be added to include a link to a web page where a more complete and up-to-date listing can be found.

Instructions: The following chart identifies the material that should be removed from the Food Assistance Certification Handbook and the material that should be added.