I.Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to notify the local workforce development areas of the annually updated Poverty Income Guidelines and the Lower Living Standard Income Level tables as mandated by rule 5101:9-30-03 of the Administrative Code.

II.Effective Date

Immediately

III.Background

The poverty income guidelines and lower living standard income level are used to determine eligibility and low income for programs operated under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Low income is used to determine eligibility for youth services and to prioritize individuals for receipt of adult career and training services.

Rule 5101:9-30-03 of the Administrative Code describes the use and the enforcement of the poverty income guidelines and the lower living standard income level by programs under WIOA.

IV.Requirements

The poverty income guidelines and lower living standard income level are issued at separate time frames and by different federal agencies. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for the federal poverty income guidelines and historically releases new guidelines during the first quarter of the calendar year. The Secretary of Labor determines and releases the lower living standard income level for Title I of WIOA during the second quarter of the calendar year. The poverty income guidelines and the lower living standard income level are revised annually by the Office of Workforce Development, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

When both income tables have been revised at the federal level, the tables, poverty income guidelines, and lower living standard income level will be updated in the Ohio Workforce Case Management System (OWCMS) for income-based eligibility determinations. When the income tables in OWCMS have been updated, notification will be sent via e-mail to the local workforce development boards and OhioMeansJobs center operators.

V.Technical Assistance

For additional information on this policy, you may send your questions to the Office of Workforce Development: OWDPOLICY@jfs.ohio.gov.

For technical assistance, you may send your request to the Office of Workforce Development: WIAQNA@jfs.ohio.gov.

VI.Reference

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, § 3(36)(A)(B), Public Law 113-128.

Ohio Admin. Code 5101:9-30-03.

Rescission

ODJFS, Workforce Investment Act Policy Letter No. 10-04, Poverty Income Guidelines and Lower Living Standard Income Level, (September 3, 2010).