FATL 438 (Food Assistance: Availability of Information, Program Administration, Office Operations, and Income Eligibility Verification System Information.)
Food Assistance Transmittal Letter No. 438
February 10, 2023
TO: All Food Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Matt Damschroder, Director
SUBJECT: Food Assistance: Availability of Information, Program Administration, Office Operations, and Income Eligibility Verification System Information.

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.

This rule has been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 03/01/2023.

Chapter 1000

5101:4-1-13 " Food Assistance: Availability of Information, Program Administration, Office Operations, and Income Eligibility Verification System Information.”

This rule describes the requirements regarding the availability of information, program administration, office operations, and income eligibility verification system information. Changes to the rule include: 

  • Paragraph (A) was amended for clarity;
  • Old paragraph (A)(1)(b) to (A)(1)(b)(iv) was moved to new paragraph (A)(2) to (A)(2)(d), respectively;
  • Old paragraph (A)(2) was moved to new paragraph (A)(3) and was amended for clarity;
  • Paragraph (C)(1)(a) was amended to remove reference to Disability Financial Assistance (DFA);
  • New paragraph (C)(1)(f) was added to indicate certain local educational agencies may be provided case file information without a written request;
  • Paragraph (D) was amended with updated revision dates;
  • Paragraph (E) was amended with updated revision dates; and
  • Other minor changes for clarity.