FATL 400 (Food Assistance: Initial Interview Process, Assistance Group Definitions and Determining Eligibility of Assistance Groups with Ineligible Members)
Food Assistance Transmittal Letter No. 400
March 17, 2020
TO: Food Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Kimberly Hall, Director
SUBJECT: Food assistance: initial interview process, assistance group definitions and determining eligibility of assistance groups with ineligible members.

Ohio Administrative Code rules 5101:4-2-03, 5101:4-6-13 and 5101:4-2-07 are amended to implement the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 “Farm Bill”) final regulations issued by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

These rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 04/01/2020.

Chapter 2000

5101:4-2-03: “Food Assistance: assistance group definitions.”

This rule describes the process determining an assistance group and who should be included in the assistance group. Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (D)(7) was added outlining that an individual is ineligible to be included in the assistance group if he/she declares to be convicted of and is out of compliance with the terms of their sentences for certain crimes occurring on or after February 7, 2014.

5101:4-2-07 "Food assistance: initial interview process”

This rule describes the process of initial interviews for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (A)(1) was amended to remove reference to the JFS 7200 form since an application can also be telephonic or electronic;
  • Paragraph (D)(10) was added to clarify an existing federal requirement;
  • Paragraph (D)(11) was added to outline that a county agency must confirm if an individual in an assistance group has been convicted of and is out of compliance with the terms of their sentence for crimes described in rule 5101:4-2-03 of the Administrative Code; and
  • Minor language changes for clarity.

Chapter 6000

5101:4-6-13 "Food assistance: determining eligibility of assistance groups with ineligible members."

This rule describes the process of how to determine income and resources of an assistance group containing an ineligible member. Changes to the rule include paragraph (A) was updated to include individuals convicted of and out of compliance with the terms of their sentence for crimes described in rule 5101:4-2-03 of the Administrative Code.