FATL 411 (Five-Year Review: Income Standards, Determining Monthly Food Assistance Benefits; and Anticipating Income)
Food Assistance Transmittal Letter No. 411
January 21, 2021
TO: All Food Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Kimberly Henderson, Director
SUBJECT: Five-Year Review: Income Standards, Determining Monthly Food Assistance Benefits; and Anticipating Income

In accordance with section 106.03 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), each state agency is required to review each of its rules in the Ohio Administrative Code a minimum of once every five years. The intent of the review is to ensure that Administrative Code rules are clearly written and that program requirements are accurate, up-to-date based on regulations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Federal and Nutrition Services (FNS) and clearly expressed. To the extent possible, unnecessary paperwork will be eliminated, local agencies will be given increased flexibility, and any adverse impact on businesses will be eliminated or reduced. As a result of the review, the agency may amend the rule; rescind the rule; or continue the rule without amendment.

These rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 2/1/2021.

Chapter 4000

5101:4-4-11 "Food assistance: income standard."

This rule describes how the income eligibility standards are issued for supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Minor language changes were made for clarity.

5101:4-4-27 " Food assistance: determining monthly food assistance benefits."

The rule describes how to determine monthly supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) benefits.  Minor language changes were made for clarity.

5101:4-4-31 "Food assistance: anticipating income."

The rule describes how the county agency anticipates income and expenses for the purpose of determining supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) eligibility and monthly benefit amount. Changes to the rule include: 

  • All references of food assistance have been updated to supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP);
  • Paragraph (L) was reorganized to list the expenses that are not allowed as deductions;
  • Paragraphs (L)(1) to (L)(4) were updated to reference that expenses covered by excluded income or reimbursements listed in rule 5101:4-4-13 of the Administrative Code are not allowable deductions;
  • Paragraph (P)(2) was rewritten for clarity;
  • Paragraph (P)(3)(c) and (P)(3)(d) were added to align with federal regulations; and
  • Minor language changes were made for clarity.