FATL 446 (Food assistance: Resource Standards, Exempt Resources, and Special Resource Situations)
Food Assistance Transmittal Letter No. 446
November 7, 2023
TO: All Food Assistance Manual Holders
FROM: Matt Damschroder, Director
SUBJECT: Food assistance: Resource Standards, Exempt Resources, and Special Resource Situations
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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 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 12/01/2023.

Chapter 4000

5101:4-4-01 "Food assistance: Resource Standards.”

This rule describes the resource standards for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Changes to the rule include: 

  • Language was added to paragraph (B)(2) to align with federal regulations; and
  • Minor language changes for clarity. 

5101:4-4-03 "Food assistance: Exempt Resources.”

This rule describes the resources that are exempt from the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Changes to the rule include: 

  • Former paragraphs (A)(7)(a)(ii) and (A)(7)(a)(iii) were combined to clarify that property, such as farmland and work-related equipment are both exempt for one year from the date the assistance group member terminates employment from farming;
  • Language was added to paragraph (A)(8) to align with federal regulations;
  • Paragraph (A)(10(f) was amended to update the section number of the Revised Code;
  • Paragraph (A)(11) was amended to align with federal regulations;
  • Language was added to paragraph (B)(2) to align with federal regulations; and
  • Minor language changes for clarity.

5101:4-4-07 "Food assistance: Special Resource Situations.”

This rule describes the policies regarding resource situations for the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Minor language changes were made for clarity; however, no substantive changes were made.