Implementation

This rule is proposed to be effective 11/01/2008. If no revisions are made to the proposed rules prior to the finalization by JCARR, they will become effective on a permanent basis on 11/01/2008. If changes are necessary, a copy of the revised rule will be forwarded to you at that time.

The proposed changes to this rule will apply to applications and reapplications that occur on or after October 1, 2008. The following is a brief description of the changes to this rule.

5101:4-2-02 - Food stamps: categorically eligible assistance groups (AGs)

Categorical eligibility has expanded to include all AGs who are authorized to receive Ohio Benefit Bank services. The Ohio Benefit Bank is a TANF-funded service that offers application assistance and outreach for low and moderate income Ohioans for existing benefits and services, including cash assistance, food stamp benefits, Medicaid, child care, income tax credits, student financial aid and fatherhood programs.

All AGs who are authorized to receive Ohio Benefit Bank services are not subject to the resource limits defined in OAC Rule 5101:4-4-01. All applicants and recipients are authorized to receive and notified of the Ohio Benefit Bank services at application and reapplication through receiving the Printed Copy of Information and through notification of approval for benefits. Both of these forms include a statement that the AG is authorized to receive Ohio Benefit Bank services and how they can access those services.

AGs that do not contain an elderly or disabled member must have gross income at or below one hundred thirty per cent of the federal poverty level to be authorized to receive Ohio Benefit Bank services. The gross income of AGs with an elderly or disabled member must be at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level according to their AG size to be authorized to receive Ohio Benefit Bank services.

Exceptions to categorical eligibility for Ohio Benefit Bank AGs include:

• AGs in which any member is disqualified for an intentional program violation in accordance with division 5101:6 of the Administrative Code.
• AGs in which any member is ineligible because of failure to comply with a work requirement of rules 5101:4-3-11 and 5101:4-3-19 of the Administrative Code and the requirements of rule 5101:4-3-09 of the Administrative Code.

Persons applying for food stamp benefits at the county department of job and family services do not have to access the Ohio Benefit Bank services to be categorically eligible, nor do county departments have to track whether they used it or not. Caseworkers do not have to provide any information to food stamp applicants about the Ohio Benefit Bank because it will be provided via the CRIS-E generated Printed Copy of Information and on CRIS-E notices.

Other changes to the rule include:

• Reference to the use of the JFS 07401, "Action Taken on Your Food Stamp Case," has been stricken. This manual form shall no longer be used as notification of approval or denial of food stamp benefits.
• Acronyms have been spelled out the first time used within the rule and language has been changed to reflect current terminology.

Procedure #1 - Procedures for Application Processing

• The "Proof of Assets" section on page five has been updated to reflect the expansion of categorical eligibility to include Ohio Benefit Bank AGs.
• This procedure has been updated to reflect current processes and terminology.

Form JFS 07104 - Application/Reapplication Verification Request

• The "Proof of Assets" section on page three has been updated to reflect the expansion of categorical eligibility to include Ohio Benefit Bank AGs.

Instructions: This transmittal letter obsoletes FACT No. 32. The FACT was implemented with an effective date of October 1, 2008. Remove it and file as obsolete.