FATL 443 (Food Assistance: Initial Application Process, Determining Eligibility of Supplemental Security Income Assistance Groups, and Recertification)
Food Assistance Transmittal Letter No. 443
September 22, 2023
TO: All Food Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Matt Damschroder, Director
SUBJECT: Food assistance: initial application process, determining eligibility of supplemental security income assistance groups, and recertification.
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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 Food 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.

The JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information” has been redesigned through human centered design (HCD) with a cross-agency review including the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) and the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) for all programs to provide pertinent information about each program.  The JFS 07501 was compared with other forms and notices such as approval, denial, benefit change notices, employability plans, and information given verbally during interviews.  Duplicative information was removed from the JFS 07501, and the redesigned version is now an informational pamphlet that can be available at the county agency or community partners, and/or given to individuals if they would like additional program information.  As a result, Ohio Administrative Code rules 5101:4-2-01, 5101:4-6-19, and 5101:4-7-07 have been amended to remove the requirement for county agencies to send the JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information” at application and upon request at recertification. 

Ohio Administrative Code rule 5101:4-7-01 requires the JFS 04196 “Food Assistance Change Reporting” to be sent to the assistance group at application, recertification upon request, and whenever the assistance group returns a change report form. The JFS 04196 was included with the JFS 07501 but was removed through the redesign process. The requirement to provide the JFS 04196 will be met with an upcoming Ohio Benefits (OB) Integrated Eligibility System update to be bundled with approval notices. 

The Office of Family Assistance (OFA) has taken the actions described below. These rules have been subject to a review by the Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR). The changes will become effective on 10/01/2023.

Chapter 2000

5101:4-2-01 "Food assistance: initial application process.”

This rule describes the process of initial applications for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).  Paragraph (A)(1)(c) was removed to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information”.

Chapter 6000

5101:4-6-19 "Food assistance: determining eligibility of supplemental security income assistance groups.”

This rule describes the process for determining eligibility of supplemental security income assistance groups. Changes to the rule include: 

  • Language was added to reference the definition of social security income (SSI);
  • Paragraph (A) was amended to align with federal regulations regarding eligibility criteria for SSI assistance groups as it pertains to categorical eligibility;
  • Paragraph (B)(1) was amended to update the title of the JFS 07200;
  • Paragraph (B)(2) was amended to reflect that the JFS 01846 is completed during a telephone interview;
  • Paragraph (B)(3) was removed to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information”;
  • Paragraph (C) was broken out into sub paragraphs for clarity;
  • Language was moved from paragraphs (F)(1), (F)(2), and (F)(3) to new paragraph (C)(2) for clarity;
  • Language was moved from paragraph (D)(4) to new paragraph (D)(1) for clarity;
  • Language was added to paragraph (D)(4) to include the responsibility of the social security administration to send information to SSI assistance groups;
  • Duplicative language was removed from paragraph (E)(2); and
  • Other minor changes for clarity.

Chapter 7000

5101:4-7-07 "Food assistance: recertification.”

This rule describes the process for recertification of SNAP. Paragraph (D)(4) was amended to eliminate the requirement to send the JFS 07501 “Program Enrollment and Benefit Information”.