Oregon State Archives

Oregon Bulletin

August 1, 2011

Department of Human Services,
Children, Adults and Families Division: Self-Sufficiency Programs
Chapter 461

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 14-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 6-29-2011

Certified to be Effective: 6-29-11 thru 12-12-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Suspended: 461-135-1250(T)

Subject: The temporary rule amendment to OAR 461-135-1250 adopted on June 15, 2011 is being suspended. Post-TANF program payments will continue after June 30, 2011.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 15-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 6-29-2011

Certified to be Effective: 6-29-11 thru 12-26-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Amended: 461-180-0130

Subject: OAR 461-180-0130 about the restoration of benefits is being amended to align the time period for clients in the TANF program to be eligible for restoration of administrative error underpayments with the time period for the SNAP program and with other public assistance programs covered by the rule. This amendment shortens the time period for the TANF program.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-180-0130

Effective Dates; Restored Benefits

(1) The effective date for restoring benefits that were underpaid (including erroneous collections of overpayments) or denied or closed in error is one of the following:

(a) In all programs except SNAP, for underpayments resulting from administrative error, the effective date is the date the error was made, except as provided in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) In all programs, benefits can be restored only for the preceding 12 months.

(c) In all programs except SNAP, for underpayments resulting from client error, the effective date is the earliest of the following:

(A) The month the benefit group notifies the branch office of the possible loss.

(B) The month the branch office discovers the loss.

(C) The date a hearing is requested.

(2) In the SNAP program, for underpayments resulting from administrative error, benefits are restored for not more than twelve months prior to whichever of the following occurs first:

(a) The date the benefit group notifies the branch office of the possible loss.

(b) The date the branch office discovers the loss.

(c) The date a hearing is requested.

(3) In the SNAP program, benefits are not restored for underpayments resulting from client error.

(4) The effective date for restoring benefits that have been suspended is:

(a) The first of the month after the suspension, if suspension was for only one month; or

(b) The date the benefit group again becomes eligible, if benefits have been suspended for more than 30 days. Treat the month in which benefits are restored as an initial month.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.404, 411.816, 412.014, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 411.060, 411.404, 411.816, 412.014, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; SSP 7-2005, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-05; SSP 19-2005, f. 12-30-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; SSP 15-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-29-11 thru 12-26-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 16-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 6-29-2011

Certified to be Effective: 6-29-11 thru 11-29-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Adopted: 461-190-0212

Rules Suspended: 461-190-0212(T)

Subject: OAR 461-190-0212 which ended various case plan activities and support services in the JOBS, Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, REF, SFPSS, Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS), and TANF programs as of June 30, 2011 is being amended to clarify that the Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors (TA-DVS) program is not ending but rather support services for that program are ending.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-190-0212

Case Plan Activities and Support Services; JOBS, Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, REF, SFPSS, TA-DVS, TANF

Notwithstanding any other administrative rule in Chapter 461, except as provided in section (4) of this rule, effective at the end of the day on June 30, 2011, in the JOBS, Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, REF, SFPSS, TA-DVS, and TANF programs:

(1) The following activities (see OAR 461-001-0025) and services specific to case plans (see OAR 461-001-0025) will end:

(a) Adult Basic Education (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(b) Community Service Program (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(c) Drug and alcohol services (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(d) English as a second language (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(e) Family Support and Connections.

(f) High school or GED Completion (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(g) Initial job search and Job Search (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(h) Job Skills Training (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(i) Life Skills (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(j) Medical services.

(k) Mental Health Services (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(l) Micro-enterprise (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(m) On-the-job training (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(n) Program Entry.

(o) Providing child care services to a Community Service Program participant (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(p) Rehabilitation activities (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(q) Retention Services.

(r) Services to families served by Child Welfare.

(s) Sheltered or supported work (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(t) Social Security Application process.

(u) Stabilization, intervention and other activities (see OAR 461-001-0025). These are:

(A) Child health and development (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(B) Crisis intervention (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(C) Domestic violence services (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(D) Family stability activity (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(v) Vocational training (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(w) Work experience (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(x) Work supplementation (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(2) Payments made on behalf of an individual participating in one or more activities or services in section (1) of this rule end. These payments are:

(a) Support Services (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(b) Specific Requirements; Pre-TANF Program (see OAR 461-135-0475(5)(b)).

(c) Support services for Temporary Assistance for Domestic Violence Survivors Program (see OAR 461-135-1205(4)).

(3) Transition Services (see OAR 461-190-0241). Eligibility for, and payments made on behalf of, an individual who is ineligible for the Pre-TANF or TANF programs because of an increase in earned income, ends.

(4) This rule does not apply to an individual in the JOBS Plus program (JOBS Plus) (see OAR 461-001-0025 and 461-101-0010) or the Parents as Scholars (PAS) (see OAR 461-001-0025) activity.

(5) Support services ended under this rule are not continued after June 30, 2011 regardless of whether a hearing request is submitted or pending.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.070, 412.014, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 411.060, 411.070, 412.014, 412.049, 2009 OL 827

Hist.: SSP 12-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-2-11 thru 11-29-11; SSP 16-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-29-11 thru 11-29-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 17-2011

Filed with Sec. of State: 7-1-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-1-11

Notice Publication Date: 5-1-2011

Rules Adopted: 461-155-0575

Rules Amended: 461-115-0530, 461-120-0315, 461-135-0400, 461-135-1120, 461-145-0140, 461-145-0220, 461-145-0530, 461-155-0150, 461-155-0180, 461-155-0290, 461-155-0291, 461-155-0295, 461-155-0528, 461-155-0693, 461-160-0800, 461-165-0160, 461-165-0171, 461-175-0200, 461-190-0416, 461-195-0521

Rules Repealed: 461-115-0530(T), 461-135-0400(T), 461-135-1120(T), 461-145-0143(T), 461-145-0530(T), 461-155-0180(T), 461-155-0290(T), 461-155-0291(T), 461-155-0295(T), 461-155-0528(T), 461-190-0416(T)

Subject: OAR 461-115-0530 about Oregon Health Plan (OHP) program certification periods is being amended to lengthen the Oregon Health Plan — Adults (OHP-OPU) program certification period (the period for which a client is certified eligible for a program). This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted March 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-120-0315 about the assignment of the right to reimbursement for health care costs for clients in the Department medical programs is being amended to state that a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) client in a nursing facility who is receiving long-term care insurance payments may meet the requirement to assign rights for medical care reimbursements to the Department by assigning them to the long-term care facility or immediately turning them over to the long-term care facility if received directly.

      OAR 461-135-0400 about the specific eligibility requirements for child care payments and the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC) program is being amended to remove the requirement that new applicants (and any ERDC program client with a break in ERDC benefits of more than 30 days) must have received benefits in the Refugee Assistance (REF), State Family Pre-SSI/SSDI (SFPSS), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) programs within at least one of the prior three months. In addition, this rule is being amended to remove provisions related to the Child Care Reservation List. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted March 22, 2011.

      OAR 461-135-1120 about when an Oregon Health Plan — Adult (OHP-OPU) program benefit group (the individuals who receive benefits) must pay a monthly premium to receive program benefits is being amended to restate how the Department determines when a premium payment is paid on time or past due, and to state when a premium payment is in arrears. This rule also is being amended to cross-reference other administrative rules for the definitions of terms used in this rule and to italicize the defined terms throughout the rule. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted March 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-145-0140 about how the Department treats tax credits received by a client when making eligibility and benefit level determinations is being amended to restate how the Making Work Pay (MWP) tax credit under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. Law 11-5) is received by a client. This rule also is being amended to remove the earned income exclusion for General Assistance (GA), General Assistance Medical (GAM), Healthy KidsConnect (HKC), Medical Assistance Assumed (MAA), Medical Assistance to Families (MAF), Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM), or Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) program clients who received an MWP tax credit as the option to receive an MWP tax credit on a monthly basis expired December 31, 2010. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted
January 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-145-0143 about how the Department treats Making Work Pay and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub. Law 111-5) economic recovery payments when determining a client’s eligibility for Department program benefits is being repealed as the federal provisions authorizing these payments expired December 31, 2010. This rule also is being repealed to make permanent the temporary suspension adopted January 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-145-0220 about the treatment of a client’s home when the Department is determining a client’s assets for individuals receiving long-term care services is being amended to revise the policy about when the equity value of the home is excluded from the client’s assets. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted January 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-145-0530 about how the Department treats tax refunds when determining a client’s assets (income and resources) is being amended to restate how the Department treats federal income tax refunds in compliance with recent federal legislation Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (Pub. Law 111-312). This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted February 4, 2011.

      OAR 461-155-0150 about the eligibility standards, payment rates, and copayments that apply to child care benefits under the Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS), JOBS Plus, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs is being amended in response to an Oregon Legislature Emergency Board directive (September 23, 2010) to restate which child care providers the Department may pay at a part-time monthly rate. This rule also is being amended to state when the Department may pay more than one child care provider at a part-time monthly rate for the same child for the same month.

      OAR 461-155-0180 about poverty-related income standards is being amended to reflect the annual increase in the federal poverty guidelines. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted January 20, 2011.

      OAR 461-155-0290 about the income standards in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries — Basic (QMB-BAS) program, OAR 461-155-0291 about the income standards in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries — Disabled Worker (QMB-DW) program, and OAR 461-155-0295 about the income standards in the Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries — Specified Limited Medicare Beneficiary (QMB-SMB), and Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries — Qualified Individuals (QMB-SMF) programs are being amended to reflect the annual changes in the income standards based on changes to the federal poverty level. OAR 461-155-0295 also is being amended to clarify the income standards being applied. These rules also are being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted March 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-155-0528 about emergency assistance in the Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) program is being amended to restate which OSIPM program clients receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are eligible for emergency assistance payments. This rule also is being amended to increase the amount of the authorized maximum emergency assistance payment. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted February 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-155-0575 is being adopted to set out the policy for providing special need in-home supplementary payments to certain Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) clients who receive specified in-home services. This rule also is being adopted to make permanent the temporary rule adopted April 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-155-0693 about transportation services payments in the Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) program is being amended to increase the amount of the authorized maximum monthly payment. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted February 1, 2011.

      OAR 461-160-0800 about how the Department calculates the participant fee for Oregon Supplemental Income Program — Employed Persons with Disabilities (OSIP-EPD) and Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical - Employed Persons with Disabilities (OSIPM-EPD) program clients is being amended to restate the cross-referenced Oregon Administrative Rule used to determine the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) used in calculating the participant fees.

      OAR 461-165-0160 about how the Department makes payments to child care providers is being amended in response to an Oregon Legislature Emergency Board directive (September 23, 2010) to indicate that in the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS), JOBS Plus, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs (in addition to ERDC which the rule already covers) the Department will not authorize a child care provider payment unless the client has designated a primary provider.

      OAR 461-165-0171 about the methods Employment Related Day Care (ERDC), Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program child care providers are required to follow to receive payments from the Department is being amended in response to an Oregon Legislature Emergency Board directive (September 23, 2010) to state the requirements the providers using the Department’s Child Care Billing and Attendance Tracking system must meet to receive payments from the Department.

      OAR 461-175-0200 which provides general information about the decision notices (written notices of decisions by the Department regarding an individual’s eligibility for benefits in a program) the Department sends to clients is being amended to restate which type of decision notice is sent to a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) client.

      OAR 461-190-0416 about how the Department determines eligibility for and calculates the amount of a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program supplemental payment made to a client when the client’s Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) Plus income reduces the client’s TANF or SNAP program benefits is being amended to restate how the Department determines a client’s full benefit equivalency income and minimum benefit equivalency income (the income amounts used to determine eligibility for and the amount of the supplemental payment under this rule). This rule also is being amended in response to recently enacted federal legislation (The Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act of 2010 (Pub. Law 111-226)) to state how, effective January 1, 2011, the Department determines eligibility for and calculates the amount of a supplemental payment under this rule. This rule also is being amended to make permanent the temporary changes adopted February 14, 2011.

      OAR 461-195-0521 about how the Department calculates the amount of a client or provider’s overpayment liability is being amended to restate how the Department calculates the amount of Oregon Supplemental Income Program (OSIP), Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM), Oregon Supplemental Income Program — Employed Persons with Disabilities (OSIP-EPD), and Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical - Employed Persons with Disabilities (OSIPM-EPD) program overpayments.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-115-0530

Certification Period; HKC, OHP

(1) For an HKC, OHP-CHP, OHP-OPC, OHP-OPU, or OHP-OP6 program applicant not currently receiving BCCM, EXT, HKC, MAA, MAF, OHP, OSIPM, REFM, SAC, or child welfare medical program benefits, the initial certification period (see OAR 461-001-0000) begins on the effective date for starting medical benefits (described in OAR 461-180-0090) and includes the following twelve calendar months. Any other HKC, OHP-CHP, OHP-OPC, OHP-OPU, or OHP-OP6 program certification period is for twelve months.

(2) A client’s HKC or OHP program benefits end before the end of the certification period if the client no longer meets the program eligibility requirements or the program ends.

(3) To establish a new certification period, an HKC or OHP program benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750) must complete a redetermination of eligibility and be found eligible.

(4) When an individual wishes to be added to an OHP program benefit group already certified for OHP program, the entire group must establish a new certification period. If, as a result of the new redetermination process, the new filing group (see OAR 461-110-0400) is ineligible, the original benefit group remains eligible for the remainder of its certification period.

(5) When an HKC program certification period is established, the HKC program subsidy may not be reduced or eliminated during the certification period.

(6) When an individual wishes to be added to an HKC program benefit group already certified for HKC program benefits, the entire benefit group must be redetermined.

(a) If as a result of the new redetermination process, the new HKC program countable (see OAR 461-001-0000) income of the filing group increases from less than 251 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and is equal to or greater than 251 percent of the FPL, the original HKC program certification period and subsidy is not affected. The individual is added to the existing benefit group. The new benefit group remains eligible at the same subsidy level for the remainder of the original certification period.

(b) If as a result of the new redetermination process, the new HKC program countable income of the filing group decreases to less than 251 percent of the FPL, a new certification period is established for the new benefit group.

(7) If a member leaves an HKC or OHP program benefit group, that individual and other members of the benefit group remain eligible for the remainder of the certification period.

(8) If a current OHP program client moves into another current OHP program filing group, that client and the members of that filing group who are OHP program eligible are combined into one benefit group if the client is required to be in the current household’s OHP program filing group. The certification period for the new benefit group ends the later of the date the current client’s certification period or the filing group’s period was set to end.

(9) If a current HKC program client moves into another current HKC program filing group, that client and the members of that filing group who are HKC program eligible are combined into one benefit group if the client is required to be in the current household’s HKC program filing group. The certification period for the new benefit group ends the later of the date the current client’s certification period or the filing group’s period was set to end.

(10) A pregnant woman found eligible for the OHP OPP program is not assigned a certification period — she is eligible for the period described in OAR 461 135 0010.

Stat. Auth: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.404 & 414.231

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 411.060, 411.404, 414.065 & 414.231

Hist.: AFS 2-1994, f. & cert. ef. 2-1-94; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS 22-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 1-2000, f. 1-13-00, cert. ef. 2-1-00; AFS 22-2001, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-01; SSP 1-2003, f. 1-31-03, cert. ef. 2-1-03; SSP 5-2003, f. 2-26-03, cert. ef. 3-1-03; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 24-2004, f. 12-30-04, cert. ef. 1-1-05; SSP 6-2006, f. 3-31-06, cert. ef. 4-1-06; SSP 9-2006(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 6-1-06 thru 9-30-06; SSP 14-2006, f. 9-29-06, cert. ef. 10-1-06; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 26-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09; SSP 20-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 8-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 thru 8-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-120-0315

Medical Assignment

(1) In the CEC, CEM, EXT, GAM, MAA, MAF, OHP, OSIPM, QMB, REFM, and SAC programs, by signing the application for assistance, clients agree to turn over their rights to reimbursement for medical care costs to the Department.

(a) If a client or the client’s authorized representative (see OAR 461-115-0090) refuses to assign the rights to reimbursement for medical care costs to the Department, the filing group is ineligible until the client complies with this requirement. This includes a client eligible for long term care (see OAR 461-001-0000) insurance payments who fails to comply as described in subsection (b) of this section.

(b) When a client has long term care insurance, the client complies with the requirements of this rule by reducing the Department’s share of the long term care service costs by taking the following actions for the entire period of time that the client is eligible for Department-covered long term care services:

(A) For a client in a nursing facility:

(i) Submitting the necessary paperwork to receive the long term care insurance payments and designating the long term care facility as the payee for the long term care insurance benefits; or

(ii) When the insurance company will not pay the long term care insurance benefits directly to the long term care facility, submitting the necessary paperwork to receive insurance payments and then promptly turning over the long term care insurance payments to the long term care facility upon receipt.

(B) For a client in community based care (see OAR 461-001-0000):

(i) Submitting the necessary paperwork to receive the long term care insurance payments and designating the Department as the payee for the long term care insurance benefits; or

(ii) When the insurance company will not pay the long term care insurance benefits directly to the Department, submitting the necessary paperwork to receive the insurance payments and then promptly turning over the long term care insurance payments to the Department upon receipt.

(2) The Department may refuse to pay medical expenses for anyone in the benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750) when another party or resource should pay first.

(3) The amount the Department may collect in reimbursement is limited to the amount of medical services paid by the Department on the client’s behalf.

(4) The Department establishes an overpayment if it is discovered after-the-fact that during any period of time a client or another individual submitting a long term care insurance claim on the client’s behalf received a long term care insurance payment that was not turned over to the long term care facility or Department as required by subsection (1)(b) of this rule.

Stat. Auth: ORS 411.060, 414.042

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 414.042

Hist.: AFS 28-1992, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-92; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 2-1994, f. & cert. ef. 2-1-94; AFS 1-2000, f. 1-13-00, cert. ef. 2-1-00; SSP 29-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09 thru 3-30-10; SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-135-0400

Specific Requirements; ERDC

(1) The Department makes payments for child care, including care covered by the ERDC program, subject to the provisions of division 165 of this chapter of rules.

(2) To be eligible for ERDC, a filing group (see OAR 461-110-0350) must meet the requirements of all of the following subsections:

(a) At least one caretaker (see OAR 461-001-0000) must receive income from employment (other than self-employment, see OAR 461-145-0910), including employment through a work study program.

(b) The filing group must include a child who needs child care.

(c) The filing group must have an allowable child care need as described in OAR 461 160 0040. If there are two adults required to be in the filing group, and one of the adults is unemployed or self-employed, the unemployed or self-employed adult is considered available to provide child care, making the filing group ineligible, except in the following situations:

(A) The unemployed adult is physically or mentally unable to provide adequate child care.

(B) The unemployed adult is unavailable to provide child care while participating in the requirements of a case plan (see OAR 461-001-0025) other than requirements associated with post-secondary education.

(d) The filing group must use a child care provider who meets the requirements in OAR 461-165-0160 and 461-165-0180.

(e) The child needing child care must meet the citizenship or alien status requirements of OAR 461-120-0110.

(3) A filing group is not eligible for a child care payment for more than six calendar months if the filing group is unwilling to obtain a Certificate of Immunization Status for the child.

(4) The child care must be necessary to enable the caretaker to remain employed (other than self-employed).

(5) A filing group is not eligible for child care when the caretaker or parent in the filing group receives a grant for child care from the Oregon Student Assistance Commission for any month the grant is intended to cover, regardless of when the grant is received.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.070

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 409.050, 409.610, 411.010, 411.060, 411.070, 411.122, 411.141, 418.485, 2009 OL. ch. 827

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 2-1992, f. 1-30-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; AFS 20-1992, f. 7-31-92, cert. ef. 8-1-92; AFS 12-1993, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-93; AFS 13-1994, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-94; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 19-1997, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-97; AFS 17-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-98; AFS 9-1999, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-99; AFS 15-1999, f. 11-30-99, cert. ef. 12-1-99; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 27-2001, f. 12-21-01, cert. ef. 1-1-02; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 35-2003(Temp), f. 12-31-03 cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 3-31-04; SSP 8-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 24-2004, f. 12-30-04, cert. ef. 1-1-05; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 7-2005, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-05; SSP 6-2006, f. 3-31-06, cert. ef. 4-1-06; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 4-2009(Temp), f. 3-11-09, cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 27-2009, f. & cert. ef. 9-29-09; SSP 18-2010, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10; SSP 34-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10 thru 3-30-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 7-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-16-11 thru 8-15-11; SSP 9-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-22-11 thru 8-15-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-135-1120

Premium Requirement; OHP-OPU

In the OHP-OPU program, a monthly premium must be paid when the benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750) includes at least one non-exempt (HPN) client (see OAR 461-135-1100) as follows:

(1) The following HPN clients are exempt from the premium requirement:

(a) A member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, band, or group.

(b) An Eskimo, Aleut, or other Alaska native enrolled by the Secretary of the Interior pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

(c) An individual eligible for benefits through an Indian Health Program.

(d) An individual eligible for the CAWEM program (see OAR 461-135-1070).

(e) An individual in a need group (see OAR 461-110-0630) with countable (see OAR 461-001-0000) income that is 10 percent or less of the federal poverty level in at least one of the following situations:

(A) Using income assigned to the budget month (see OAR 461-001-0000) at certification or recertification;

(B) Using income assigned to the budget month from the current certification for the need group formed when an HPN client leaves the filing group (see OAR 461-110-0310 and 461-110-0400); or

(C) Using income assigned to the budget month from the current certification when multiple OHP program cases are combined into one case.

(2) The amount of the premium is determined in accordance with OAR 461-155-0235.

(3) Each non exempt client in the benefit group is responsible for payment of premiums.

(4) Once the amount of the premium is established, the amount will not change during the certification period (see OAR 461-001-0000) unless the conditions under at least one of the following subsections apply:

(a) An HPN client becomes pregnant.

(b) An HPN client becomes eligible for another program (for example, MAA or OSIPM).

(c) An HPN client leaves the filing group.

(d) OHP program cases are combined during their certification periods.

(e) An HPN client’s exemption status changes.

(f) An HPN client is no longer a member of the benefit group.

(5) A premium is considered paid on time when the payment is received by the Oregon Health Plan billing office on or before the due date which is the 20th of the month for which the premium was billed. The day the payment arrives in the billing office’s post office box when sent via mail or the day it is submitted via telephone or electronically to the billing office is the date it is received. A premium not paid on time is in arrears. A premium is past due when it has not been paid within six months of the due date. A client will not be disenrolled during his or her certification period for premiums in arrears or past due premiums. All premiums in arrears and past due premiums for a filing group must be paid before a client can establish a new certification period.

(6) For any billed premium, the Department cancels the arrearage if the applicant is otherwise eligible for the OHP program and one of the following subsections applies:

(a) The arrearage was incurred while the client was exempt from the requirement to pay a premium; or

(b) The applicant is exempt from the requirement to pay premiums under subsection (1)(e) of this rule.

(7) The Department cancels any premium arrearage over three years old.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.404, 411.431 & 411.432

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.404, 411.431, 411.432 & 414.025

Hist.: AFS 19-1997, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-97; AFS 17-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-98; AFS 25-1998, f. 12-28-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; Administrative correction 2-23-99; AFS 15-1999, f. 11-30-99, cert. ef. 12-1-99; AFS 17-2000, f. 6-28-00, cert. ef. 7-1-00; AFS 19-2001, f. 8-31-01, cert. ef. 9-1-01; SSP 1-2003, f. 1-31-03, cert. ef. 2-1-03; SSP 16-2003, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-03; SSP 19-2003(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-03 thru 9-30-03; SSP 23-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; SSP 3-2004(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-19-04 thru 6-30-04; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 22-2004, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 8-2006, f. & cert. ef. 6-1-06; SSP 8-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 thru 8-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-145-0140

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Making Work Pay (MWP) Tax Credit

(1) There are federal and state earned income tax credit (EITC) programs for low-income families.

(a) An EITC may be received in one of two ways:

(A) As one annual payment received at the time of the normal income tax returns.

(B) As an advance in the employee’s paycheck.

(b) The EITC is excluded from assets (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(2) The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 created the Making Work Pay (MWP) tax credit. This credit applies to tax years 2009 and 2010. An MWP tax credit is received as one annual payment at the time of the normal income tax returns. An MWP tax credit received as a portion of an individual’s federal tax return is excluded from assets.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.404, 411.706, 411.816, 412.049, 414.231

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.083, 411.404, 411.706, 411.816, 412.049, 414.231

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 6-1991(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-8-91; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 29-1994, f. 12-29-94, cert. ef. 1-1-95; AFS 10-1998, f. 6-29-98, cert. ef. 7-1-98; AFS 25-1998, f. 12-28-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99; AFS 10-2002, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-02; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 11-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-22-10 thru 10-19-10; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 42-2010(Temp), f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11 thru 6-30-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-145-0220

Home

(1) Home defined: A home is the place where the filing group lives. A home may be a house, boat, trailer, mobile home, or other habitation. A home also includes the following:

(a) Land on which the home is built and contiguous property.

(A) In all programs except the GA, GAM, OSIP, OSIPM, QMB, and SNAP programs property must meet all the following criteria to be considered contiguous property:

(i) It must not be separated from the land on which the home is built by land owned by people outside the financial group (see OAR 461-110-0530).

(ii) It must not be separated by a public right-of-way, such as a road.

(iii) It must be property that cannot be sold separately from the home.

(B) In the GA, GAM, OSIP, OSIPM, QMB, and SNAP programs, contiguous property is property not separated from the land on which the home is built by land owned by people outside the financial group.

(b) Other dwellings on the land surrounding the home that cannot be sold separately from the home.

(2) Exclusion of home and other property:

(a) For a client who has an initial month (see OAR 461-001-0000) of long-term care on or after January 1, 2006:

(A) For purposes of this subsection:

(i) The definition of “child” in OAR 461-001-0000 does not apply.

(ii) “Child” means a biological or adoptive child who is:

(I) Under age 21; or

(II) Any age and meets the Social Security Administration criteria for blindness or disability.

(B) The equity value of a home is excluded if the requirements of at least one of the following subparagraphs are met:

(i) The child of the client occupies the home.

(ii) The spouse of the client occupies the home.

(iii) The equity in the home is $506,000 or less, and the requirements of at least one of the following sub-subparagraphs are met:

(I) The client occupies the home.

(II) The home equity is excluded under OAR 461-145-0250.

(III) The home is listed for sale per OAR 461-145-0420.

(iv) Notwithstanding OAR 461-120-0330, the equity in the home is more than $506,000 and the client is unable legally to convert the equity value in the home to cash.

(b) For all other filing groups, the value of a home is excluded when the home is occupied by any member of the filing group.

(c) In the SNAP program, the value of land is excluded while the group is building or planning to build their home on it, except that if the group owns (or is buying) the home they live in and has separate land they intend to build on, only the home in which they live is excluded, and the land they intend to build on is treated as real property in accordance with OAR 461 145 0420.

(3) Exclusion during temporary absence: If the value of a home is excluded under section (2) of this rule, the value of this home remains excluded in each of the following situations:

(a) In all programs except the GA, GAM, OSIP, OSIPM, and QMB programs, during the temporary absence of all members of the filing group from the property, if the absence is due to illness or uninhabitability (from casualty or natural disaster), and the filing group intends to return home.

(b) In the SNAP program, when the financial group is absent because of employment or training for future employment.

(c) In the GA, GAM, OSIP, OSIPM, and QMB programs, when the client is absent to receive care in a medical institution, if one of the following is true:

(A) The absent client has provided evidence that he or she will return to the home. The evidence must reflect the subjective intent of the client, regardless of the client’s medical condition. A written statement from a competent client is sufficient to prove the intent.

(B) The home remains occupied by the client’s spouse, child, or a relative dependent on the client for support. The child must be less than 21 years of age or, if over the age of 21, blind or an individual with a disability as defined by SSA criteria.

(d) In the MAA, MAF, REF, REFM, SAC, and TANF programs, when all members of the filing group are absent because:

(A) The members are employed in seasonal employment and intend to return to the home when the employment ends; or

(B) The members are searching for employment, and the search requires the members to relocate away from their home. If all members of the filing group are absent for this reason, the home may be excluded for up to six months from the date the last member of the filing group leaves the home to search for employment. After the six months, if a member of the filing group does not return, the home is no longer excluded.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.816, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.816, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 2-1992, f. 1-30-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 5-2002, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-02; SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07;SSP 14-2007, f. 12-31-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 42-2010(Temp), f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11 thru 6-30-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-145-0530

Tax Refund

(1) Effective December 17, 2010, a federal income tax refund received after December 31, 2009 and before January 1, 2013 is excluded as a resource for the 12 calendar months following receipt of the refund.

(2) Any income tax refund not excluded under section (1) of this rule is counted as a resource.

(3) Property tax refunds, including Elderly Rental Assistance (ERA), are counted as a resource.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.816, 414.042, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.816, 414.042, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 8-1992, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-92; SSP 29-2003(Temp), f. 10-31-03, cert. ef. 11-1-03 thru 3-31-04; SSP 6-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 9-2008(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08 thru 9-26-08; Administrative correction 10-21-08; SSP 4-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-4-11 thru 8-3-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0150

Child Care Eligibility Standard, Payment Rates, and Copayments

The following provisions apply to child care in the ERDC, JOBS, JOBS Plus, and TANF programs:

(1) The following definitions apply to the rules governing child care rates:

(a) Infant: A child aged newborn to 1 year.

(b) Toddler: A child aged 1 year to 3 years.

(c) Preschool: A child aged 3 years to 6 years.

(d) School: A child aged 6 years or older.

(e) Special Needs: A child who meets the age requirement of the program (ERDC or TANF) and who requires a level of care over and above the norm for his or her age due to a physical, behavioral or mental disability. The need for a higher level of care must be determined by the provider and the disability must be verified by one of the following:

(A) A physician, nurse practitioner, licensed or certified psychologist or clinical social worker.

(B) Eligibility for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education Programs, or school-age Special Education Programs.

(C) Eligibility for SSI.

(2) The following definitions apply to the types of care specified in the child care rate charts in subsections (4)(a) through (4)(c) of this rule:

(a) The Standard Family Rate applies to child care provided in the provider’s own home or in the home of the child when the provider does not qualify for the enhanced rate allowed by subsection (b) of this section.

(b) The Enhanced Family Rate applies to child care provided in the provider’s own home or in the home of the child when the provider meets the training requirements of the Oregon Registry, established by the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education.

(c) The Registered Family Rate applies to child care provided in the provider’s own home when the provider meets criteria established by the Child Care Division.

(d) The Certified Family Rate applies to child care provided in a residential dwelling that is certified by the Child Care Division as a Certified Family Home. To earn this designation, the facility must be inspected, and both provider and facility are required to meet certain standards not required of a registered family provider.

(e) The Standard Center Rate applies to child care provided in a facility that is not located in a residential dwelling and is exempt from Child Care Division Certification rules (see OAR 414-300-0000).

(f) The Enhanced Center Rate applies to child care provided in an exempt center whose staff meet the training requirements of the Oregon Registry established by the Oregon Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education. Eligibility to receive the enhanced center rate for care provided in an exempt center is subject to the following requirements:

(A) A minimum of one staff member for every 20 children in care must meet the Oregon Registry training requirements noted in paragraph (2)(b) of this rule.

(B) New staff must meet the Oregon Registry training requirements within 90 days of hire, if necessary to maintain the trained staff-to-children ratio described in paragraph (A) of this subsection.

(C) There must be at least one person present where care is provided who has a current certificate in infant and child CPR and a current American Red Cross First Aid card or an equivalent.

(g) An enhanced rate will become effective not later than the second month following the month in which the Department receives verification that the provider has met the requirements of subsection (2)(b), (f), or (g) of this rule.

(h) The Certified Center Rate applies to child care provided in a center that is certified by the Child Care Division.

(3) The following provisions apply to child care payments:

(a) Providers not eligible for the enhanced or licensed rate will be paid at an hourly rate for children in care less than 158 hours per month subject to the maximum full-time monthly rate.

(b) Providers eligible for the enhanced or licensed rate will be paid at an hourly rate for children in care less than 136 hours a month, unless the provider customarily bills all families at a part-time monthly rate (subject to the maximum full-time monthly rate) and is designated as the primary provider for the case.

(c) At their request, providers eligible for the enhanced or licensed rate may be paid at the part-time monthly rate if they provide 63 or more hours of care in the month, customarily bill all families at a part-time monthly rate, and are designated as the primary provider for the case.

(d) Unless required by the circumstances of the client or child, the Department will not pay for care at a part-time monthly or a monthly rate to more than one provider for the same child for the same month.

(e) The Department will pay at the hourly rate for less than 63 hours of care in the month subject to the maximum full-time monthly rate.

(f) The Department will pay for up to five days each month the child is absent if:

(A) The child was scheduled to be in care and the provider bills for the amount of time the child was scheduled to be in care;

(B) The absent child’s place is not filled by another child; and

(C) It is the provider’s policy to bill all families for absent days.

(g) The Department will not pay for more than five consecutive days of scheduled care for which the child is absent.

(4) The following are the child care rates, the rates are based on the type of provider, the location of the provider (shown by zip code), the age of the child, and the type of billing used (hourly or monthly): [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(5) This section establishes the ERDC eligibility standard and the client’s copayment (copay).

(a) The ERDC eligibility standard is met for need groups (see OAR 461-110-0630) of eight or less if monthly countable income (see OAR 461-001-0000) for the need group is less than 185 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), as described in OAR 461-155-0180(6). The eligibility standard for a need group size of eight applies to any need group larger than eight.

(b) The minimum monthly ERDC copay is $25.

(c) For filing groups (see OAR 461-110-0310) whose countable income is at or below 50 percent of the 2007 FPL, the copay is $25 or 1.5 percent of the filing group’s monthly countable income, whichever is greater.

(d) For filing groups whose countable income is over 50 percent of the 2007 FPL, the copay amount is determined with the following percentage of monthly income:

(A) Determine filing group’s countable income as a percent of FPL (rounding to the nearest whole number percentage), subtract 50, and multiply this difference by 0.12.

(B) Add 1.5 to the amount in paragraph (A) of this subsection. This sum is the percentage of monthly income to determine the copay amount.

(e) The 2007 federal poverty level used to determine copay amounts under subsections (c) and (d) of this section is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(6) Subject to the provisions in section (9) of this rule, the monthly limit for each child’s child care payments is the lesser of the amount charged by the provider or providers and the following amounts:

(a) The monthly rate provided in section (4) of this rule.

(b) The product of the hours of care, limited by section (8) of this rule, multiplied by the hourly rate provided in section (4) of this rule.

(7) The limit in any month for child care payments on behalf of a child whose caretaker is away from the child’s home for more than 30 days because the caretaker is a member of a reserve or National Guard unit that is called up for active duty is the lesser of the following:

(a) The amount billed by the provider or providers.

(b) The monthly rate established in this rule for 215 hours of care.

(8) The number of payable billed hours of care for a child is limited as follows:

(a) In the ERDC and TANF programs, the total payable hours of care in a month may not exceed:

(A) 125 percent of the number of hours necessary for the client to perform the duties of his or her job, or to participate in activities included in a case plan (see OAR 461-001-0025) including, for clients in the JOBS Plus program, the time the client searches for unsubsidized employment and for which the employer pays the client; or

(B) The monthly rate established in section (4) of this rule multiplied by a factor of not more than 1.5, determined by dividing the number of hours billed by 215, when the client meets the criteria for extra hours under section (10) of this rule.

(b) In the ERDC program, for a client who earns less than the Oregon minimum wage, the total may not exceed 125 percent of the anticipated earnings divided by the state minimum wage not to exceed 172 hours (which is full time). The limitation of this subsection is waived for the first three months of the client’s employment.

(c) In the TANF program, for a client who earns less than the Oregon minimum wage or is self-employed, the total may not exceed 125 percent of the anticipated earnings divided by the state minimum wage not to exceed 172 hours (which is full time). The limitation of this subsection is waived for the first three months of the client’s employment.

(9) The limit in any month for child care payments on behalf of a child whose caretaker has special circumstances, defined in section (10) of this rule, is the lesser of one of the following:

(a) The amount billed by the provider or providers; or

(b) The monthly rate established in section (4) of this rule multiplied by a factor, of not more than 1.5, determined by dividing the number of hours billed by 215.

(10) The limit allowed by section (9) of this rule is authorized once the Department has determined the client has special circumstances. For the purposes of this section, a client has special circumstances when it is necessary for the client to obtain child care in excess of 215 hours in a month to perform the requirements of his or her employment or training. This is limited to the following situations:

(a) The commute time to and from work exceeds two hours per day.

(b) The caretaker works an overnight shift and care is necessary for both work hours and sleep hours.

(c) The caretaker works a split shift and it is not feasible to care for the child between shifts.

(d) The caretaker consistently works more than 40 hours per week.

(e) Weekend work or other nonstandard work hours require care by more than one provider, and the total allowable hours billed by both providers exceeds the maximum limit.

(f) The caretaker needs child care for both full-time work and participation in Department assigned activities.

(11) The payment available for care of a child who meets the special needs criteria described in subsection (1)(e) of this rule is increased in accordance with OAR 461-155-0151 if the requirements of both of the following subsections are met:

(a) The child requires significantly more direct supervision by the child care provider than normal for a child of the same age; and

(b) The child is enrolled in a local school district Early Intervention or Early Childhood Special Education program or school-age Special Education Program. The enrollment required by this subsection is waived if determined inappropriate by a physician, nurse practitioner, licensed or certified psychologist, clinical social worker, or school district official.

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070 & 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070 & 412.049

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 16-1990, f. 6-29-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 19-1991(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-91; AFS 4-1992, f. 2-28-92, cert. ef. 3-1-92; AFS 14-1992, f. & cert. ef. 6-1-92; AFS 20-1992, f. 7-31-92, cert. ef. 8-1-92; AFS 10-1993, f. & cert. ef. 6-1-93; AFS 2-1994, f. & cert. ef. 2-1-94; AFS 9-1994, f. 4-29-94, cert. ef. 5-1-94; AFS 13-1994, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-94; AFS 19-1994, f. & cert. ef. 9-1-94; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS 23-1995, f. 4-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 41-1995, f. 12-26-95, cert. ef. 1-1-96; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 19-1997, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-97; AFS 10-1998, f. 6-29-98, cert. ef. 7-1-98; AFS 14-1999, f. & cert. ef. 11-1-99; AFS 16-1999, f. 12-29-99, cert. ef. 1-1-00; AFS 4-2000(Temp), f. 2-29-00, cert. ef. 3-1-00 thru 8-25-00; AFS 10-2000, f. 3-31-00, cert. ef. 4-1-00; AFS 17-2000, f. 6-28-00, cert. ef. 7-1-00; AFS 34-2000, f. 12-22-00, cert. ef. 1-1-01; AFS 22-2001, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-01; AFS 27-2001, f. 12-21-01, cert. ef. 1-1-02; AFS 10-2002, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-02; AFS 13-2002, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-02; AFS 23-2002(Temp), f. 12-31-02, cert. ef. 1-1-03 thru 6-30-03; SSP 2-2003(Temp); f. & cert. ef. 2-7-03 thru 6-30-03; SSP 16-2003, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-03; SSP 23-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03; SSP 24-2003(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03 thru 12-31-03; SSP 35-2003(Temp), f. 12-31-03 cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 3-31-04; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; SSP 35-2003(Temp), f. 12-31-03 cert. ef. 1-1-04 thru 3-31-04; SSP 8-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 14-2005, f. 9-30-05, cert. ef. 10-1-05; SSP 19-2005, f. 12-30-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; SSP 7-2006(Temp), f. 3-31-06, cert. ef. 4-1-06 thru 9-28-06; SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 4-2009(Temp), f. 3-11-09, cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 27-2009, f. & cert. ef. 9-29-09; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0180

Poverty Related Income Standards; Not OSIP, OSIPM, QMB, TANF

(1) A Department program may cite this rule if the program uses a monthly income standard based on the federal poverty level.

(2) A monthly income standard set at 100 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(3) A monthly income standard set at 133 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(4) A monthly income standard set at 150 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(5) A monthly income standard set at 163 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts:

(6) A monthly income standard set at 185 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(7) A monthly income standard set at 200 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(8) A monthly income standard set at 201 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level is set at the following amounts: [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.816, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.816, 412.049

Hist.: SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 1-2007, f. & cert. ef. 1-24-07; SSP 1-2008(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 1-24-08 thru 6-30-08; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 1-2009, f. & cert. ef. 1-27-09; SSP 29-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09 thru 3-30-10; SSP 4-2010, f. & cert. ef. 3-31-10; SSP 25-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-16-10 thru 2-12-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 1-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 1-20-11 thru 7-19-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0290

Income Standard; QMB-BAS

The adjusted income standard for the QMB-BAS program is 100 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 16-1990, f. 6-29-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; AFS 20-1990, f. 8-17-90, cert. ef. 9-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 8-1992, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-92; AFS 5-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-93; AFS 6-1994, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-94; AFS 10-1995, f. 3-30-95, cert. ef. 4-1-95; AFS 16-1996, f. 4-29-96, cert. ef. 5-1-96; AFS 5-1997, f. 4-30-97, cert. ef. 5-1-97; AFS 6-1998(Temp), f. 3-30-98, cert. ef. 4-1-98 thru 5-31-98; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 3-1999, f. 3-31-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 10-2000, f. 3-31-00, cert. ef. 4-1-00; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 5-2002, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-02; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 8-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 4-2006, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-06; SSP 2-2007(Temp), f.& cert. ef. 3-1-07 thru 3-31-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 6-2008(Temp), f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08 thru 8-28-08; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 8-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 thru 8-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0291

Income Standard; QMB-DW

The adjusted income standard for the QMB-DW program is 200 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level (see OAR 461-155-0290). [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Hist.: AFS 20-1990, f. 8-17-90, cert. ef. 9-1-90; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 8-1992, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-92; AFS 5-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-93; AFS 6-1994, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-94; AFS 10-1995, f. 3-30-95, cert. ef. 4-1-95; AFS 16-1996, f. 4-29-96, cert. ef. 5-1-96; AFS 5-1997, f. 4-30-97, cert. ef. 5-1-97; AFS 6-1998(Temp), f. 3-30-98, cert. ef. 4-1-98 thru 5-31-98; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 3-1999, f. 3-31-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 10-2000, f. 3-31-00, cert. ef. 4-1-00; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 5-2002, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-02; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 8-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 4-2006, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-06; SSP 2-2007(Temp), f.& cert. ef. 3-1-07 thru 3-31-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 6-2008(Temp), f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08 thru 8-28-08; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 8-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 thru 8-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0295

Income Standard; QMB-SMB, QMB-SMF

(1) Eligibility for QMB-SMB requires income greater than 100 percent (see OAR 461-155-0290) but less than 120 percent of the federal poverty level. The adjusted income standard for QMB-SMB is 120 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

(2) Eligibility for QMB-SMF requires income equal to or greater than 120 percent (see section (1) of this rule) but less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level. The adjusted income standard for QMB-SMF is 135 percent of the 2011 federal poverty level. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE.]

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Hist.: AFS 35-1992, f. 12-31-92, cert. ef. 1-1-93; AFS 5-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-93; AFS 6-1994, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-94; AFS 29-1994, f. 12-29-94, cert. ef. 1-1-95; AFS 10-1995, f. 3-30-95, cert. ef. 4-1-95; AFS 16-1996, f. 4-29-96, cert. ef. 5-1-96; AFS 5-1997, f. 4-30-97, cert. ef. 5-1-97; AFS 24-1997, f. 12-31-97, cert. ef. 1-1-98; AFS 6-1998(Temp), f. 3-30-98, cert. ef. 4-1-98 thru 5-31-98; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 3-1999, f. 3-31-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 10-2000, f. 3-31-00, cert. ef. 4-1-00; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 5-2002, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-02; AFS 19-2002(Temp), f. 12-10-02, cert. ef. 1-1-03 thru 5-31-03; AFS 22-2002, f. 12-31-02, cert. ef. 1-1-03; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 8-2004, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 4-2006, f. & cert. ef. 3-1-06; SSP 2-2007(Temp), f.& cert. ef. 3-1-07 thru 3-31-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 6-2008(Temp), f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08 thru 8-28-08; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 26-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 8-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 3-1-11 thru 8-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0528

Special Need; Emergency Assistance; OSIPM

(1) The Department provides an emergency assistance payment for a client if the client meets the requirements of all of the following subsections:

(a) The client must:

(A) Receive SSI; or

(B) Have an adjusted income (see OAR 461-001-0000) less than the SSI standard, and the Department has determined the client meets the eligibility requirements under OAR 461-125-0370(1)(c).

(b) The client does not reside in a community-based care facility (see OAR 461-155-0630(1)) or nursing facility;

(c) The client experiences an unexpected cost or loss of income or resources (not including garnishments or other withholdings authorized by Section 207 of the Social Security Act) resulting from circumstances beyond the client’s control; and

(d) The client lacks sufficient income for basic needs such as food, housing, and shelter.

(2) The Department makes emergency assistance payments in accordance with the following subsections:

(a) The Department may authorize an emergency assistance payment for a client only once in any 12-month period;

(b) An emergency assistance payment is limited to the lesser of the following amounts:

(A) The unexpected cost or loss of income or resources; or

(B) $250.

(c) The Department must pay the total emergency assistance payment to the client over a two-month period.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.706

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.704, 411.706

Hist.: SSP 36-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-13-10 thru 4-11-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-1-11 thru 7-31-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0575

Special Need; In-home Supplement; OSIPM

In the OSIPM program:

(1) The Department may provide a monthly supplementary payment for a client who meets the requirements of all of the following subsections:

(a) The client must receive SSI as his or her only source of income.

(b) The client must receive in-home services authorized by:

(A) The Independent Choices Program (covered under the State Medicaid Plan);

(B) A 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Service Waiver; or

(C) State Plan Personal Care Services authorized under chapter 411, division 034 of Oregon Administrative Rules.

(2) The amount and duration of payments authorized under this rule are subject to availability of funding as determined by the Department and are considered reimbursement for uncovered assistance needs.

(3) All eligible clients will receive the same monthly payment amount.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.706

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.704, 411.706

Hist.: SSP 11-2011(Temp), f. 3-31-11, cert. ef. 4-1-11 thru 9-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-155-0693

Special Need; Transportation Services Payment; OSIPM

In the OSIPM program:

(1) The following individuals may be eligible for a transportation services payment:

(a) A client who receives SSI; or

(b) A client who the Department determines meets the requirements of OAR 461-125-0370(1)(c) and has adjusted income less than the SSI standard.

(2) Services eligible for payment under this rule are for transportation to non-medical and non-waivered activities and resources approved by the Department. Examples of such transportation services include, but are not limited to: reimbursement for non-commercial transportation not available through natural supports (limited to mileage only at the full United States General Services Administration mileage reimbursement rate); transportation provided by common carriers, taxicab, or bus; and assistance with purchase of a pass for public transportation.

(3) The following items are not eligible for payment under this rule: purchase of a vehicle; vehicle maintenance or repair; compensation for non-commercial transportation providers (payment to non-commercial transportation providers is limited to mileage only); and transportation services that may be obtained through other means, such as the State Medicaid Plan, waiver, or other public or private resources available to the individual, including natural supports.

(4) Payment for services authorized by this rule may not exceed $50 per month.

(5) Service costs must be verified annually or when questionable.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.706

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.704, 411.706

Hist.: SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 18-2010, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10; SSP 22-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 33-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10 thru 3-30-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-1-11 thru 7-31-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-160-0800

Determining Participant Fee; OSIP-EPD, OSIPM-EPD (Including In-Home Services)

(1) Individuals who receive OSIP-EPD and OSIPM-EPD program benefits will have a participant fee (see section (2) of this rule) but do not have a client liability as discussed in OAR 461-160-0620.

(2) In the OSIP-EPD and OSIPM-EPD programs, the participant fee is calculated using the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) (see OAR 461-155-0290) and the individual’s total countable (see OAR 461-001-0000) income as follows:

(a) For clients with countable income less than 75 percent of the FPL, the participant fee is $0.

(b) For clients with countable income equal to or greater than 75 percent but less than 100 percent of the FPL, the participant fee is $50 per month.

(c) For clients with countable income equal to or greater than 100 percent but less than 250 percent of the FPL, the participant fee is $100 per month.

(d) For clients with countable income equal to or greater than 250 percent of the FPL, the participant fee is $150 per month.

(3) The participant fee under section (2) of this rule must be paid each month as a condition of eligibility for as long as the individual is an OSIP-EPD or OSIPM-EPD client.

(4) OSIP-EPD and OSIPM-EPD clients in a licensed community-based care facility must pay room and board costs in addition to their participant fees.

(5) The local office may waive unpaid participant fees if the individual provides verification (OAR 461-115-0610) of significant economic difficulty, such as, but not limited to, homelessness, divorce, domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000), or illness.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 414.042

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 414.042

Hist.: AFS 1-1999(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-1-99 thru 7-31-99; AFS 7-1999, f. 4-27-99, cert. ef. 5-1-99; AFS 17-2000, f. 6-28-00, cert. ef. 7-1-00; SSP 6-2008(Temp), f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08 thru 8-28-08; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-165-0160

Direct Provider Payments; General Information

(1) The Department makes payments on behalf of eligible clients to the providers they select to care for their children. The payments are made directly to the provider unless made directly to the client in accordance with OAR 461-165-0190. To be eligible for payment, a provider must:

(a) Charge Department clients at a rate no higher than the rate charged other customers;

(b) Provide the Department his or her social security number (SSN) or IRS identification number; and

(c) Meet the requirements of OAR 461-165-0180.

(2) Payments to a client’s provider are subject to each of the following limitations:

(a) A payment is made only for child care already provided.

(b) Payment is made for the amount charged to the client but may not exceed the rate authorized in OAR 461-155-0150.

(c) No payment will be authorized unless the client has designated a primary provider.

(d) No payment will be made for less than one dollar.

(3) In the ERDC and TANF programs, the Department may issue a payment to an eligible provider during a month for which child care is being provided to meet an unexpected need of the provider related to the care of a covered child. The payment may be made if, without the payment, continued care by the same provider would be jeopardized and the client could not immediately obtain child care from another provider

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.122

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.122

Hist.: AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 20-1992, f. 7-31-92, cert. ef. 8-1-92; AFS 12-1993, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-93; AFS 2-1994, f. & cert. ef. 2-1-94; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS 13-1995, f. 6-29-95, cert. ef. 7-1-95; AFS 23-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 42-1996, f. 12-31-96, cert. ef. 1-1-97; AFS 2-1997, f. 2-27-97, cert. ef. 3-1-97; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 12-1997, f. & cert. ef. 8-25-97; AFS 11-1999, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-99; AFS 22-2000(Temp) f. 9-27-00, cert. ef. 9-27-00 thru 12-31-00; AFS 34-2000, f. 12-22-00, cert. ef. 1-1-01; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-165-0171

Direct Provider Payments; Payment Forms

In the ERDC, JOBS, OFSET, and TANF programs:

(1) Child care providers must submit claims for child care on the appropriate form or through the Child Care Billing and Attendance Tracking system.

(a) The provider is responsible to obtain the appropriate payment form from the Department and to return the completed form to the Direct Pay Unit of the Department; or

(b) If using the Department tracking system, the provider is responsible to ensure children are checked in and out appropriately and payment requests are submitted through the system.

(2) No payment will be made for:

(a) A paper claim not received by the Department by the last day of the third month after the form was issued unless the Department determines the provider had good cause for not returning the form timely.

(b) An electronic claim if the request is not submitted by the 10th of the month following the month care is provided unless the Department determines the provider has good cause for not submitting the electronic claim timely.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060

Hist.: SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-175-0200

Notice Situations; General Information

(1) In the EA program, a basic decision notice (see OAR 461-001-0000) is sent for all situations.

(2) In the SNAP program, a basic decision notice is sent for all actions on applications for assistance.

(3) In the JOBS program:

(a) A basic decision notice is sent whenever a request for a support service payment is denied.

(b) No decision notice is required if request for a support service is approved.

(4) In the TANF program, a notice approving benefits informs the client, within one month following eligibility determination, of the opportunity to volunteer for JOBS participation and of the procedure for JOBS program entry.

(5) In the Pre-TANF program, a basic decision notice is sent when payment for basic living expenses is denied or when payment for other support services in the JOBS program is denied. No other notices are required for this program.

(6) In the TA-DVS program, a basic decision notice (see OAR 461-001-0000) is sent to a safe mailing address or hand delivered for all situations. This includes when the program is approved, denied, or closed (prior to the end of the 90 day eligibility period) and when a payment under the program is denied.

(7) In all programs except the Pre-TANF program, unless stated differently in this rule or another rule, the Department mails or otherwise provides the client with (sends) a decision notice (see OAR 461-001-0000) as follows:

(a) A basic decision notice is sent whenever an application for assistance, including retroactive medical assistance, is approved or denied or a request for a support service payment in the JOBS program is denied.

(b) A timely continuing benefit decision notice (see OAR 461-001-0000) is sent whenever benefits or support service payments authorized by OAR 461-190-0211 are reduced or closed, or the method of payment changes to protective, vendor, or two-party.

(8) In all programs:

(a) Notwithstanding any rule in Chapter 461, to the extent permitted by OAR 137-003-0530, the Department may take any of the following actions:

(A) Amend a decision notice with another decision notice or a contested case notice.

(B) Amend a contested case notice.

(C) Delay a reduction or closure of benefits as a result of a client’s request for hearing.

(D) Extend the effective date on a decision notice or contested case notice.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (a) of this section or when a delay results from the client’s request for a hearing, a notice to reduce or close benefits becomes void if the reduction or closure is not initiated on the date stated on the notice. If the notice is void, a new notice is sent to inform the financial group (see OAR 461-110-0530) of a new date on which their benefits will be reduced or closed.

(c) No decision notice is required in each of the following situations:

(A) Benefits are ended because there is no living person in the benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750).

(B) A notice was sent, the client requested a hearing, and either the hearing request is dismissed or a final order is issued.

(C) The client has signed a voluntary agreement that qualifies as a final order under ORS 183.417(3)(b) (see OAR 461-175-0340(2)).

(D) A decision notice that included the eligibility begin and end dates was given for TA-DVS program benefits and the 90 day eligibility period ends.

(d) When the Department amends a decision notice with another decision notice under subsection (a) of this section, the date of the amended notice restarts the client’s deadlines to request a hearing or continuing benefits, or both.

(e) When a contested case notice extends an effective date or delays a reduction or closure, the date of the amended notice restarts a client’s timeline to request continuing benefits.

(f) When a client has a pending hearing request or is receiving continuing benefits, and the Department amends a notice under this section, the client need not re-file the hearing request or renew the request for continuing benefits.

(9) When a child is found eligible for HKC program benefits based on an ELA determination, the Department sends a basic decision notice which includes a statement about how the child may qualify for HKC or OHP program benefits with a lower or no premium payment.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.706, 411.816, 412.014, 412.049, 414.231

Stats. Implemented: ORS 183.415, 183.417, 411.060, 411.070, 411.117, 411.404, 411.706, 411.816, 412.014, 412.049, 414.231, 414.826

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 23-1990, f. 9-28-90, cert. ef. 10-1-90; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 28-1992, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-92; AFS 29-1993, f. 12-30-93, cert. ef. 1-1-94; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS 13-1995, f. 6-29-95, cert. ef. 7-1-95; AFS 23-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 42-1996, f. 12-31-96, cert. ef. 1-1-97; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 9-1999, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-99; AFS 25-2000, f. 9-29-00, cert. ef. 10-1-00; AFS 34-2000, f. 12-22-00, cert. ef. 1-1-01; AFS 27-2001, f. 12-21-01, cert. ef. 1-1-02; SSP 23-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 21-2004, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 7-2007, f. 6-29-07, cert. ef. 7-1-07; SSP 10-2007, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07; SSP 16-2007(Temp), f. 12-31-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08 thru 6-27-08; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 11-2008(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-7-08 thru 9-30-08; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 28-2009, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09; SSP 3-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-23-10 thru 8-22-10; SSP 18-2010, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10; SSP 25-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 8-16-10 thru 2-12-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-190-0416

Supplemental Payments; JOBS

In the JOBS Plus program (see OAR 461-001-0025):

(1) If the net monthly full-time wage paid to a participant is less than the amount of the TANF program and the SNAP program benefits the participant would otherwise receive, the Department will determine and pay to the participant a supplemental payment as provided in section (3) or (6) of this rule.

(2) Income Calculations prior to January 1, 2011:

(a) JOBS Plus income for sections (2) and (3) of this rule is calculated retrospectively as follows:

(A) For the full benefit equivalency income test, the applicable hourly wage is multiplied by the hours that were available for work, specifically the hours for which the participant was paid, including sick leave used and hours the participant was engaged in job search (see OAR 461-001-0025), and hours the participant missed work without being excused by the employer. From that product, a $90 standard deduction and the amount of garnishments withheld are subtracted. To the remainder is added any child support received by the participant and $102 to account for the participant’s potential earned income credit. If the participant missed work referred to in this paragraph due to good cause (see OAR 461-130-0327), the hours are excluded from the calculation.

(B) For the minimum benefit equivalency income test, the applicable hourly wage is multiplied by the hours for which the participant was paid. From that product, a $90 standard deduction and the amount of garnishments withheld are subtracted. To the remainder is added any child support received by the participant and $102 to account for the participant’s potential earned income credit.

(b) Full benefit equivalency income is the total of the TANF program and SNAP program benefits as determined for the need group (see OAR 461-110-0630).

(c) Minimum benefit equivalency income is determined by deducting from the full benefit equivalency income the difference between the TANF program payment standard under OAR 461-155-0030 for the need group with the participant included and the TANF program payment standard for the need group without the participant included.

(3) Wage supplements prior to January 1, 2011: A participant is entitled to a wage supplement payment for any month in which JOBS Plus income is exceeded by either the full benefit equivalency income or the minimum benefit equivalency income. The supplement payment amount is determined by subtracting the JOBS Plus income calculated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a)(A) of this rule from the full benefit equivalency income and by subtracting the JOBS Plus income calculated in accordance with paragraph (2)(a)(B) of this rule from the minimum benefit equivalency income. The larger remainder, if greater than zero, is the wage supplement payment amount.

(4) SNAP program supplemental payment prior to January 1, 2011:

(a) To ensure that a SNAP program client does not incur a net loss of income because of her or his participation in the JOBS Plus program, the Department provides a supplemental payment equal to the amount by which the participant’s JOBS Plus income is less than the Thrifty Food Stamp Plan benefit standard for the participant’s need group.

(b) The JOBS Plus income for this section is calculated prospectively by subtracting $90 from the sum of the gross JOBS Plus wages the participant already has received for the month and any that the participant reasonably can expect to receive during the month, and adding the remainder to any EIC payment the participant received or anticipates receiving during the month and any other prospective income, and then subtracting the amount scheduled to be garnished during the month.

(5) Effective January 1, 2011:

(a) JOBS Plus income for this section and section (6) of this rule is calculated retrospectively as follows:

(A) For the full benefit equivalency income test, the applicable hourly wage is multiplied by the hours that were available for work, specifically the hours for which the participant was paid, including hours of sick leave used, hours the participant was engaged in job search (see OAR 461-001-0025), and hours the participant missed work without being excused by the employer. From that product, a $90 standard deduction and the amount of any garnishments withheld are subtracted. To the remainder is added any child support received by the participant. If the participant missed work referred to in this paragraph due to good cause (see OAR 461-130-0327), the hours are excluded from the calculation.

(B) For the minimum benefit equivalency income test, the applicable hourly wage is multiplied by the hours for which the participant was paid. From that product, a $90 standard deduction and the amount of garnishments withheld are subtracted. To the remainder is added any child support received by the participant.

(b) Full benefit equivalency income is the total of the TANF program benefits and SNAP program benefits as determined for the participant’s need group (see OAR 461-110-0630).

(c) Minimum benefit equivalency income is determined by deducting from the full benefit equivalency income the difference between the TANF payment standard under OAR 461-155-0030 for the need group with the participant included and the TANF payment standard for the need group without the participant included.

(6) Wage supplements effective January 1, 2011: A participant is entitled to a wage supplement payment for any month in which JOBS Plus income is exceeded by either the full benefit equivalency income or the minimum benefit equivalency income. The wage supplement payment amount is determined by subtracting the JOBS Plus income calculated in accordance with paragraph (5)(a)(A) of this rule from the full benefit equivalency income and by subtracting the JOBS Plus income calculated in accordance with paragraph (5)(a)(B) of this rule from the minimum benefit equivalency income. The larger remainder, if greater than zero, is the wage supplement payment amount.

(7) SNAP program supplemental payment effective January 1, 2011:

(a) To ensure that a SNAP program client does not incur a net loss of income because of their participation in the JOBS Plus program, the Department provides a supplemental payment equal to the amount by which the JOBS Plus income of the participant is less than the Thrifty Food Stamp Plan benefit standard for the need group of the participant.

(b) The JOBS Plus income for this section is calculated prospectively by subtracting $90 from the sum of the gross JOBS Plus wages the participant has already received for the month and any the participant can reasonably expect to receive during the month plus any other prospective income, and then subtracting the amount scheduled to be garnished during the month.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.408, 411.816, 411.877, 411.892, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049, 412.124

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 409.050, 411.060, 411.070, 411.400, 411.404, 411.408, 411.816, 411.877, 411.892, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049, 412.124

Hist.: AFS 18-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-2-98; SSP 6-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-14-11 thru 8-13-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

461-195-0521

Calculation of Overpayments

This rule specifies how the Department calculates an overpayment (see OAR 461-195-0501).

(1) The Department calculates an overpayment by determining the amount the client received or the payment made by the Department on behalf of the client that exceeds the amount for which the client was eligible.

(2) When a filing group, ineligible student, or authorized representative (see OAR 461-115-0090) fails to report income, the Department calculates and determines the overpayment by assigning unreported income to the applicable budget month without averaging the unreported income, except a client’s earned income reported quarterly from the Employment Department is considered received by the client in equal amounts during the months identified in the report.

(3) When using prospective budgeting (see OAR Division 461-150) and the actual income differs from the amount determined under OAR 461-150-0020(2), there may be a client error overpayment only when the filing group, ineligible student, or authorized representative withheld information, failed to report a change, or provided inaccurate information. In such a case, the Department uses the actual income to determine the amount of an overpayment.

(4) When a filing group, ineligible student, or authorized representative fails to report all earned income within the reporting time frame, the earned income deduction (see OAR 461-145-0930, 461-160-0160, 461-160-0190, 461-160-0430, 461-160-0550, and 461-160-0552) is applied as follows:

(a) In the ERDC, OSIP, OSIPM, QMB, and REFM programs, the Department allows the earned income deduction.

(b) In the MAA, MAF, REF, and TANF programs, the Department allows the earned income deduction when good cause (see section (5) of this rule) exists.

(c) In the SNAP program, no deduction is applied to earned income not timely reported.

(5) For the purposes of OAR 461-195-0501 to 461-195-0561, “good cause” means circumstances beyond the client’s reasonable control that caused the client to be unable to report income timely and accurately.

(6) When the Department retains support:

(a) In the TANF program, the amount of support (other than cash medical support) the Department retains as a current reimbursement each month is added to other income to determine eligibility. When a client is not eligible for TANF program benefits, the overpayment is offset by the support the Department retains as a current reimbursement.

(b) In the medical programs, the amount of the cash medical support the Department retains each month is excluded income and not used to determine eligibility for medical program benefits. When a client has incurred a medical program overpayment, the overpayment is offset by the amount of the cash medical support the Department retains during each month of the overpayment.

(7) In the REF and TANF programs, when a client directly receives support used to determine eligibility or calculate benefits, the overpayment is:

(a) If still eligible for REF or TANF program benefits, the amount of support the client received directly; or

(b) If no longer eligible for REF or TANF program benefits, the amount of program benefits the client received.

(8) When an overpayment occurs due to the failure of an individual to reimburse the Department, when required by law to do so, for benefits or services (including cash medical support) provided for a need for which that individual is compensated by another source, the overpayment is limited to the lesser of the following:

(a) The amount of the payment from the Department;

(b) Cash medical support; or

(c) The amount by which the total of all payments exceeds the amount payable for such a need under the Department’s rules.

(9) Benefits paid during a required notice period (see OAR 461-175-0050) are included in the calculation of the overpayment when:

(a) The filing group, ineligible student, or authorized representative failed to report a change within the reporting time frame under OAR 461-170-0011; and

(b) Sufficient time existed for the Department to adjust the benefits to prevent the overpayment if the filing group, ineligible student, or authorized representative had reported the change at any time within the reporting time frame.

(10) In the SNAP program:

(a) If the benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750) was categorically eligible, there is no overpayment based on resources.

(b) For a filing group (see OAR 461-110-0370) found eligible for SNAP program benefits under OAR 461-135-0505(1)(a) to (c), and the actual income made the group ineligible for the related program, the group remains categorically eligible for SNAP program benefits as long as the eligibility requirement under OAR 413-135-0505(1)(d) is met. A benefit group of one or two individuals would be entitled to at least the minimum SNAP program benefit allotment under OAR 461-165-0060.

(c) For a filing group found eligible for SNAP program benefits only under OAR 461-135-0505(1)(d), and the actual income equals or exceeds 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, the filing group is no longer categorically eligible. The overpayment is the amount of SNAP program benefits incorrectly received.

(11) In the OSIP and OSIPM programs, when a client does not pay his or her share of the cost of services (see OAR 461-160-0610) or the OSIP-EPD or OSIPM-EPD program participant fee (see OAR 461-160-0800) in the month in which it is due, an overpayment is calculated as follows:

(a) All payments made by the Department on behalf of the client during the month in question are totaled, including but not limited to any payment for:

(A) Capitation;

(B) Long term care services;

(C) Medical expenses for the month in question;

(D) Medicare buy-in (when not concurrently eligible for an MSP);

(E) Medicare Part D;

(F) Mileage reimbursement;

(G) Special needs under OAR 461-155-0500 to 416-155-0710; and

(H) Waivered services, including home delivered meals and non-medical transportation.

(b) Any partial or late liability payment made by a client receiving in-home waivered services (see OAR 461-001-0030) or participant fee paid by an OSIP-EPD or OSIPM-EPD program client is subtracted from the total calculated under subsection (a) of this section. The remainder, if any, is the amount of the overpayment.

(12) When a client’s liability is unreduced pending the outcome of a contested case hearing about that liability the overpayment is the difference between the liability amount determined in the final order and the amount, if any, the client has repaid.

(13) When a client was not eligible for benefits under his or her medical program during the period in question, but during the period in question was eligible for another medical program with a lesser benefit level, the overpayment is the amount of medical program benefit payments made on behalf of the client exceeding the amount for which the client was eligible.

(14) When an overpayment is caused by administrative error (see OAR 461-195-0501), any overpayment of GA, OSIP, REF, SFPSS, or TANF program benefits is not counted as income when determining eligibility for the EXT, GAM, MAA, MAF, OSIPM, REFM, and SAC programs.

(15) Credit against an overpayment is allowed as follows:

(a) In the GA, REF, and TANF programs, a credit is allowed for a client’s payment for medical services made during the period covered by the overpayment, in an amount not to exceed the Department fee schedule for the service, but credit is not allowed for an elective procedure unless the Department authorized the procedure prior to its completion.

(b) In the SNAP program, if the overpayment was caused by unreported earned income, verified child care costs are allowed as a credit to the extent the costs would have been deductible under OAR 461-160-0040 and 461-160-0430.

(c) In the SFPSS and TANF programs, if the overpayment is caused by reported earned income, a credit is allowed for the Post-TANF grant if the client meets eligibility under OAR 461-135-1250 and the client has received less than 12 months of Post-TANF program benefits.

(d) In all programs, for an underpayment of benefits.

(16) In the SNAP program, in compliance with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, effective April 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009, the amount between the normal Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) benefit amount under this section and the increased TFP benefit amount under OAR 461-155-0190 is not counted in the overpayment amount unless the filing group was ineligible for SNAP program benefits. [Table not included. See ED. NOTE]

[ED. NOTE: Tables referenced are available from the agency.]

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.660, 411.816, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.620, 411.630, 411.635, 411.640, 411.660, 411.690, 411.816, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 3-2000, f. 1-31-00, cert. ef. 2-1-00; AFS 25-2000, f. 9-29-00, cert. ef. 10-1-00; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 27-2001, f. 12-21-01, cert. ef. 1-1-02; AFS 22-2002, f. 12-31-02, cert ef. 1-1-03; SSP 23-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 20-2003, f. & cert. ef. 8-15-03; SSP 7-2007, f. 6-29-07, cert. ef. 7-1-07; SSP 14-2007, f. 12-31-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; SSP 8-2008, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-08; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 28-2009, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09; SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 18-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 7-1-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Amended: 461-001-0025, 461-125-0170, 461-130-0310, 461-130-0327, 461-135-0070, 461-135-1110, 461-160-0620, 461-190-0199

Subject: OAR 461-001-0025 about the definitions of terms, components, and activities in the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS), Post-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Post-TANF), Pre-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Pre-TANF), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs is being amended in response to recent legislation (House Bill 2049 (2011)) to add and revise the definitions of certain terms used throughout the chapter 461 administrative rules.

      OAR 461-125-0170 about when deprivation exists based on the unemployment or underemployment of a primary wage earner in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medical Assistance Assumed programs, in response to recent legislation (House Bill 2049, 2011), is being amended to revise the criteria for determining deprivation for a primary wage earner separated from his or her most recent employment.

      OAR 461-130-0310 about how the Department assigns clients to one or more participation classifications in the Post-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Post-TANF), Pre-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Pre-TANF), Refugee (REF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs is being amended to expand the list of which Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, or TANF program clients are exempt from employment program participation and potential disqualification from program benefits.

      OAR 461-130-0327 about what the Department considers to be good cause for non-participation in the employment programs is being amended to include good cause for non-participation if there are no appropriate activities available or support services to support an activity.

      OAR 461-135-0070 about the specific eligibility requirements in the Medical Assistance Assumed (MAA), Medical Assistance to Families (MAF) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs is being amended in response to recent legislation (House Bill 2049 (2011)) to revise the definition of “most recent employment”. This rule also is being amended to restate when a need group (the individuals whose basic and special needs are used in determining eligibility and benefit level) is not eligible for TANF program benefits due to a caretaker relative in the need group being separated from his or her most recent employment.

      OAR 461-135-1110 about when a student enrolled in higher education is eligible or ineligible for the Oregon Health Plan - Adults program (OHP-OPU, which provides coverage for adults who qualify under the 100 percent income standard) is being amended in response to a recent change in federal guidelines to revise the definition for the term “meets the requirements for a Pell grant”.

      OAR 461-160-0620 about the income deductions allowed in and the calculation of an Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) client’s liability when the client is receiving long-term care or waivered services is being amended to reflect the federal changes effective July 1, 2011 in the amounts used when calculating the maintenance needs allowance and the dependent income allowance deducted from the income of an institutionalized spouse.

      OAR 461-190-0199 about the operation of and the eligibility, selection, and participation requirements for the Parents as Scholars (PAS) component of the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills (JOBS) program, in response to recent legislation (House Bill 2049, 2011), is being amended to state which clients, effective July 1, 2011, may participate in PAS and how the Department manages applications for PAS received after June 30, 2011.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-001-0025

Definitions of Terms, Components, and Activities; JOBS, Pre-TANF, Post-TANF, TANF

In the JOBS, Pre-TANF, Post-TANF, and TANF programs, the following definitions apply to rules in Chapter 461 unless the context indicates otherwise.

(1) Activity: An action or set of actions to be taken by the client, as specified in the case plan. An activity is intended to reduce barriers and:

(a) Increase the likelihood of self sufficiency, employment, job retention, wage enhancement, and financial independence; or

(b) Promote family stability (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(2) Adult Basic Education (ABE): An activity in the basic education component that involves remedial education coursework intended to ensure functional literacy.

(3) Assessment: An activity of the program entry component that involves gathering information to identify the strengths, interests, family circumstances, status in the JOBS program, and vocational aptitudes and preferences of the client and to mutually determine an employment goal, the level of participation of the client in the JOBS program, and which support services are needed. This activity includes providing screenings and evaluations (if appropriate) to determine the level of participation, accommodation, and modification for the client in the JOBS program. The screenings include but are not limited to physical and mental health needs, substance abuse, domestic violence, and learning needs.

(4) Barrier: A personal condition or circumstance that reduces the likelihood the client will become employed or the client’s ability to participate in an activity listed in the case plan.

(5) Basic education: A component of non-core activities intended to ensure functional literacy for all JOBS clients. Basic education activities are high school attendance, English as a second language (ESL) instruction, job skills training, adult basic education (ABE) instruction, and services that result in obtaining a general equivalency diploma (GED). The component is discussed in OAR 461-190-0171 and 461-190-0181.

(6) Case plan (formerly also known as an employment development plan (EDP), a personal plan, or personal development plan): A written outline, developed in partnership by the client and case manager, with input from partners as appropriate, listing activities and goals for the client. The case plan also identifies the support service payments, accommodations, and modifications to help the client complete the plan. The DHS 1543 - Domestic Violence Assistance Agreement - is the case plan for clients with safety concerns about domestic violence.

(7) Community Service Program: An activity in the unpaid employment component in which the client works without pay at a job site to enhance the likelihood the client will become employed and perform work for the direct benefit of the community. This activity is available through nonprofit organizations or public agencies.

(8) Component: A set of one or more activities of the JOBS program. Components of the JOBS program are paid unsubsidized employment, paid subsidized employment, unpaid employment, vocational training, job search and readiness, and basic education activities.

(9) Core activities: Federally-defined countable work activities that include: paid unsubsidized employment; paid subsidized employment; work experience; on-the-job training; job search and readiness; community service programs; vocational training; and providing child care assistance to a community service program participant.

(10) Degree Completion Initiative (DCI): An activity in which a limited number of TANF recipients may participate for up to 12 months to complete an educational degree at a two- or four-year educational institution.

(11) Drug and alcohol services: An activity in the job search and readiness component that provides substance abuse screenings and evaluations, outpatient or resident treatment, and support groups such as AA or NA.

(12) Employer contact: A client communication with an employer or employer’s representative through a visit, phone call, or mail to request consideration for employment.

(13) English as a second language (ESL): An activity in the basic education component. ESL classes are designed to give clients with limited English proficiency better working skills in the language.

(14) Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Applies to subject employers with clients working in the unpaid employment component. FLSA requires that clients engaged in unpaid employment, in effect, cannot “work off” their SNAP and TANF benefits at an hourly rate less than the state minimum wage.

(15) Federally required participation rates: The participation rates required by section 407 of the Social Security Act (42 USC 607).

(16) High School or GED Completion Attendance: An activity in the basic education component that involves attendance at a secondary school or in a course of study that leads to the completion of the GED.

(17) Job search: An activity in the job search and readiness component that focuses on clients looking for and obtaining employment. It is designed to improve skills in locating and competing for employment in the local labor market and may include writing resumes, receiving instruction in interviewing skills, and participating in group and individual job search. There are two categories of job search: initial job search and regular job search. Initial job search may occur during the Pre-TANF program. Regular job search begins not later than the day after the Department finds the client eligible for TANF benefits.

(18) Job search and readiness: A component designed to prepare clients to compete in the local labor market. Job search, life skills, drug and alcohol services, mental health services, and rehabilitation activities are the activities of the job search and readiness component.

(19) Job skills training: An activity in the basic education component designed to provide classroom training in vocational and technical skills or equivalent knowledge and abilities in a specific job area.

(20) JOBS Plus program (JOBS Plus): An activity in the paid subsidized employment component that provides TANF clients with on the job training and pays their benefits as wages (see the rules at OAR 461-190-0401 to 461-190-0426).

(21) Life skills: An activity of the job search and readiness component. The activity develops employment-preparation skills and skills and attitudes that are commonly found in the workplace.

(22) Mental health services: An activity in the job search and readiness component that provides mental health screenings and assessments, counseling, medication management, and support groups.

(23) Microenterprise: An activity in the paid unsubsidized employment component in which the client is self-employed in a sole proprietorship, partnership, or family business that has fewer than five employees and has capital needs no greater than $35,000.

(24) Non-core activities: Federally-defined countable work activities that include: job skills training directly related to employment; education directly related to employment; and satisfactory school attendance at a secondary level or leading to a GED.

(25) On-the-job training (OJT): An activity in the paid subsidized employment component in which a client works for an employer for a contracted period. The employer trains the client and is reimbursed by the Department, usually at 50 percent of the wages of the participant, for those training costs.

(26) Paid subsidized employment: A component in which clients are employed in a subsidized public or private sector job. JOBS Plus, work supplementation, and on-the-job training are the activities in the paid subsidized employment component.

(27) Paid unsubsidized employment: A component in which clients are employed full- or part-time in an unsubsidized job and receiving TANF benefits. Unsubsidized employment is a job that is not subsidized by TANF or any other public program. The UN work program and microenterprise are the activities in the paid unsubsidized employment component.

(28) Parents as Scholars (PAS): A JOBS program component that assists TANF parents who are or will be undergraduates to begin or continue their education at a two- or four-year educational institution (see OAR 461-190-0199).

(29) Program entry: An activity that includes all the activities that prepare a client to actively participate in the JOBS program. Program entry activities include assessment and writing the initial case plan.

(30) Progress (good or satisfactory): For federal reporting purposes, a client participating in an education or training activity makes good progress or satisfactory progress by receiving a passing grade or progressing toward completion of high school or GED completion at no less than the normal rate of a half-time student.

(31) Providing child care services to a Community Service Program participant: An activity in the unpaid employment component.

(32) Rehabilitation activities: An activity in the job search and readiness component that provides medical or therapeutic screenings, assessments, and treatment. This activity also includes medical management and support groups.

(33) Self Initiated Training (SI): A JOBS program component that allows a participant to continue an ongoing two-year or four-year degree program or Vocational Training education opportunities for up to 12 months. Each SI participant is limited to 12 months of participation, and a participant must meet the requirements of one of the following subsections:

(a) Be a client on the PAS wait list as of June 30, 2011 who has contacted his or her case manager on or before July 15, 2011; or

(b) Be a client who is transitioned from Vocational Training to SI by his or her local DHS office.

(34) Sheltered or supported work: An activity in the unpaid employment component that gives clients intensive staff support, skill training, intervention and counseling that will enable them to function independently at work.

(35) Stabilization, intervention, and other activities: A group of activities that are non-countable for federal participation purposes. These activities include child health and development, crisis intervention, domestic violence services, family stability activities (see OAR 461-001-0000), medical services, retention services, services to child welfare families, social security application, and stabilized living services.

(36) Support services: Services that case-managed clients need to participate successfully in activities outlined in their case plan, seek and maintain employment, or remove barriers.

(37) Teen parent: A parent (see OAR 461-001-0000) under 20 years of age who has not completed a high school diploma or GED.

(38) Transition services: Services included in a client’s case plan when the client becomes employed or becomes ineligible for cash benefits because of an increase in income or resources.

(39) Unpaid employment: A component in which a client is placed in an unpaid job to develop good work habits, training and knowledge to obtain employment. Employment may be in the private or public sector or through a work simulation program. Work experience, Community Service Program, providing child care services to a Community Service Program participant, and sheltered or supported work are the activities of the unpaid employment component.

(40) UN work program: An activity in the paid unsubsidized employment component in which TANF clients work in unsubsidized employment and may also participate in another JOBS work site training activity.

(41) Vocational Training: An activity and component of the JOBS program that provides JOBS participants with access to specific vocational training that will lead to a career with an appropriate wage level and opportunity for employment.

(42) Work experience: An activity in the unpaid employment component in which the client works without pay at a job site to develop good work habits and basic vocational skills that enhance the likelihood the client will become employed. Work experience is available through private for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, or public agencies.

(43) Work supplementation: An activity in the unpaid employment component. Up to six months of work-site training provided by an employer. The component and activity are both called work supplementation. In work supplementation, the Department subsidizes the wages of the participant by providing up to $200 per month to the employer.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 412.006, 412.009, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 412.001, 412.006, 412.009, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 23-1990, f. 9-28-90, cert. ef. 10-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 10-1991, f. & cert. ef. 4-19-91; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 2-1992, f. 1-30-92, cert. ef. 2-1-92; AFS 17-1992, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-92; AFS 5-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-93; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 13-1994, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-94; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS13-1995, f. 6-29-95, cert. ef. 7-1-95; AFS 22-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 40-1995, f. 12-26-95, cert. ef. 1-1-96; AFS 27-1996, f. 6-27-96, cert. ef. 7-1-96; AFS 18-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-2-98; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; Renumbered from 461-190-0110, SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 26-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-125-0170

Deprivation Based on Unemployment or Underemployment of the Primary Wage Earner (PWE); MAA, TANF

(1) In the MAA and TANF programs, deprivation based on the unemployment or underemployment of the primary wage earner (PWE) exists if all the following are true:

(a) A child lives with two parents.

(b) The PWE is unemployed or underemployed.

(c) The PWE is not participating in a labor dispute.

(d) Except as provided otherwise under section (2) of this rule, the PWE is not separated from his or her most recent employment (see OAR 461-135-0070), for any of the following reasons:

(A) Discharged or fired without good cause (see OAR 461-135-0070) for:

(i) Misconduct (see OAR 461-135-0070); or

(ii) Felony or theft.

(B) Voluntary quit:

(i) In anticipation of discharge; or

(ii) Without good cause.

(2) A need group (see OAR 461-110-0630) may not be denied TANF program benefits based on subsections (1)(c) and (d) of this rule if the PWE is one of the following:

(a) A Parents as Scholars (PAS) participant who temporarily becomes ineligible for TANF program benefits for four months or less due to income from a paid work experience (see OAR 461-190-0199);

(b) A teen parent returning to high school or equivalent;

(c) An individual fleeing from or at risk of domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000);

(d) An individual in the ninth month of pregnancy or experiencing a medical complication due to the pregnancy which is documented by a qualified and appropriate professional;

(e) An individual unable to work due to a disability or medical condition documented by a qualified and appropriate professional, and which is expected to last for 30 days or more from the date of request (see OAR 461-115-0030) for TANF program benefits;

(f) An individual who is separated from his or her most recent employment for a reason the Department determines is good cause.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 412.006, 412.016, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 412.006, 412.016, 412.049, 2009 OL Ch. 827

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 12-1990, f. 3-30-90, cert. ef. 4-1-90; AFS 28-1992, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-92; AFS 23-1994, f. 9-29-94, cert. ef. 10-1-94; AFS 13-1995, f. 6-29-95, cert. ef. 7-1-95; AFS 27-1996, f. 6-27-96, cert. ef. 7-1-96; AFS 3-1997, f. 3-31-97, cert. ef. 4-1-97; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; SSP 18-2009(Temp), f. 7-29-09, cert. ef. 8-1-09 thru 1-28-10; SSP 32-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-29-09 thru 1-28-10; SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-130-0310

Participation Classifications: Exempt, Mandatory, and Volunteer

(1) In the Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, REF, SNAP, and TANF programs:

(a) The Department assigns a client to one or more employment program participation classifications--exempt, mandatory, and volunteer (see OAR 461-130-0305 for definitions of all three terms).

(b) In the Post-TANF program, a client is classified as a volunteer.

(2) In the Pre-TANF, REF, and TANF programs:

(a) A client is exempt from employment program participation and disqualification if the client meets the requirements of at least one of the following paragraphs. The client is:

(A) Pregnant and in the month before the month in which the due date of the pregnancy falls.

(B) A parent (see OAR 461-001-0000) during the first six months after the birth of the parent’s dependent child (see OAR 461-001-0000) except that the Department may require the parent to participate in parenting classes or a family stability activity (see OAR 461-001-0000). An exemption allowed under this paragraph may apply only to one mandatory participant in each filing group.

(C) Under 20 years of age during the first 16 weeks after giving birth except that the client may be required to participate in suitable activities with a preference for educational activities, parenting classes, and family stability activity.

(D) A parent providing care for a family member who is an individual with a disability (see OAR 461-001-0000) and is in the household group (see OAR 461-110-0210) with the parent.

(E) An REF client 65 years of age or older.

(F) A TANF client 60 years of age or older.

(G) A noncitizen who is not authorized to work in the United States.

(H) An individual who is eligible for and receives supplemental security income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration.

(I) A caretaker relative (see OAR 461-001-0000) who is non-needy.

(J) A client whose participation is likely to cause undue hardship or is contrary to the best interests of the dependent child or needy caretaker relative.

(K) A pregnant client who participates more than 10 hours per week during the two months before the month in which the pregnancy due date falls.

(L) A VISTA volunteer.

(M) In a one-parent household with a dependent child (see OAR 461-001-0000) under two years of age, and the client is not a teen parent (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(b) A parent of a dependent child who receives REF or TANF program benefits is mandatory if the parent is in the same filing group (see OAR 461-110-0330) with the dependent child (even if the parent is not in the REF or TANF program benefit group under OAR 461-110-0750), unless the parent is otherwise exempt from participation under subsection (a) of this section.

(3) In the SNAP program:

(a) A client is exempt from employment program participation and disqualification if the client meets the requirements of one of the following paragraphs. The client is --

(A) Working a minimum of 30 hours a week or earning money equal to at least the federal minimum wage multiplied by 30 hours per week multiplied by 4.3 weeks. A self-employed client with allowable costs must meet the earnings threshold after allowing the 50 percent deduction. This includes migrant and seasonal farm workers (see OAR 461-001-0015) who are under contract or similar agreement with an employer or crew chief to begin employment within 30 days.

(B) An individual with a physical or mental condition that prevents performance of any work.

(C) Responsible for the care of a child in the household under 6 years of age or an individual in the household with a disability (see OAR 461-001-0015) that substantially reduces or eliminates the individual’s ability to care for himself or herself.

(D) Providing care for at least 30 hours a week for an individual in another household with a disability (see OAR 461-001-0015) that substantially reduces or eliminates the individual’s ability to care for himself or herself.

(E) Enrolled at least half-time, as defined by the school, in any high school or equivalent program recognized by a school district or enrolled at least half-time in any school, training program, or institution of higher education. Clients remain exempt during normal periods of class attendance, vacation and recess but no longer qualify for the student exemption when a break in enrollment occurs due to graduation, suspension or expulsion or when the student drops out of school or does not enroll in classes for the next regular school term (excluding summer term).

(F) Receiving REF or TANF program benefits, while a mandatory participant in the JOBS or NAES programs.

(G) In receipt of unemployment insurance benefits or has completed an application for unemployment insurance benefits and is waiting for an initial decision on the claim.

(H) Participating in a drug or alcohol treatment and rehabilitation program.

(I) Pregnant.

(J) Lacking adequate dependent care.

(K) Without adequate transportation available.

(L) Experiencing a barrier to employment, such as being homeless or having a short-term physical or mental limitation or a serious family problem.

(b) A mandatory client is an individual in the need group (see OAR 461-110-0630); who is 16 or 17 years of age and a primary person (see OAR 461-001-0015), or 18 years of age and older and 59 years of age and younger; and who is not exempt under subsection (a) of this section.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 409.050, 411.060, 411.070, 411.660, 411.710, 411.816, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 409.010, 411.060, 411.070, 411.660, 411.710, 411.816, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 17-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-98; AFS 9-1999, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-99; AFS 12-2000(Temp), f. 5-1-00, cert. ef. 5-1-00 thru 9-30-00; AFS 25-2000, f. 9-29-00, cert. ef. 10-1-00; AFS 34-2000, f. 12-22-00, cert. ef. 1-1-01; SSP 14-2005, f. 9-30-05, cert. ef. 10-1-05; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 28-2009, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-130-0327

Good Cause; Employment Programs

In a Department employment program administered under these rules (OAR 461-130-0305 to 461-130-0335):

(1) The Department does not require a client to provide verification of good cause if providing the verification would expose the client to increased risk of domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(2) If in making a determination under this rule a client’s physical or mental impairment is in question, the Department may require the client to provide documentation from a qualified and appropriate medical professional.

(3) A client is excused for good cause from a failure to comply with a requirement of an employment program, including an activity in a case plan (both terms defined in OAR 461-001-0025) in the following circumstances:

(a) Participation in a required activity in a case plan would have an adverse effect on or risk to the client’s physical or mental health or would expose the client to increased risk of domestic violence (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(b) Except in the SNAP program, participation is likely to cause undue hardship for the dependent child (see OAR 461-001-0000) or the client.

(c) Appropriate child care, or day care for an individual in the household who has a disability (see OAR 461-001-0000 and 461-001-0015 as applicable) that substantially reduces or eliminates the individual’s ability to care for himself or herself, cannot be obtained. “Appropriate child care” means that—

(A) Both the provider and the place where care is provided meet health, safety, and provider requirements as required in OAR 461-165-0180;

(B) The care accommodates the parent’s work schedule; and

(C) The care meets the specific needs of the dependent child, such as age and special-needs requirements.

(d) The work attachment position or employment offered is vacant due to a strike, lockout, or other labor dispute.

(e) The work attachment position or employment requires the client to join a union, and the client has religious objections to unions.

(f) The client belongs to a union and the employment violates the conditions of the client’s membership in the union.

(g) The wage for the client’s current or potential job is:

(A) Less than applicable minimum wage; or

(B) If minimum wage laws do not apply, the wage (rate for piece work) is less than that normally paid for similar work.

(h) The client’s prospective employer engages in employment practices that are illegally discriminatory on the basis of age, sex, race, religious or political belief, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin.

(i) The client’s participation in a required activity in a case plan would prevent or interfere with the client’s participation in an activity of the Grande Ronde Tribe’s NEW program.

(j) The client’s failure to participate is due to a circumstance beyond his or her reasonable control.

(k) When the failure to comply is caused by an aspect of the client’s disability, including the Department’s failure to provide a reasonable accommodation.

(l) The client quits a job to accept another job with a monthly income at least equal to the monthly income of the first job.

(m) The Department determines there are no appropriate activities or necessary support services (see OAR 461-001-0025) to support an activity (see OAR 461-001-0025) in order for the client to participate.

(4) In the SNAP program, a client is excused from not accepting employment or for leaving a job under the following circumstances:

(a) The hours or nature of the job interferes with the client’s religious observances, convictions, or beliefs.

(b) The client accepts employment or enrolls at least half-time in any recognized school, training program, or institution of higher education that requires the client to quit a job.

(c) A client accepts employment or enrolls in school in another county, requiring the benefit group to move and the client to quit a job.

(d) A client less than 60 years of age resigns, and the employer recognizes the resignation as retirement.

(e) The client leaves a job to follow a type of employment that moves from one area to another, such as migrant labor or construction.

(f) The client accepts a job that, for reasons beyond the control of the client, does not materialize or results in fewer work hours or a lower wage than the client’s previous job.

(g) Work demands or conditions, such as not being paid for work or not being paid on schedule, make employment unreasonable.

(h) The wage for the client’s current or potential job is less than applicable minimum wage or, if minimum wage laws do not apply, the wage (rate for piece work) is less than that normally paid for similar work.

(i) The work schedule for the job in question does not conform to hours customary to the occupation or the hours worked each week are more than those customary to the occupation.

(j) The client is not obligated to accept a job during the first 30 days of registration for employment if the job is not in the client’s field of experience.

(k) The client has no means of transportation and would have to walk an unreasonable distance to meet the participation requirement. An “unreasonable distance” is a distance that requires a commute of more than two hours each day. The client must make a good-faith effort to secure the needed transportation.

(l) Lack of adequate child care for a child who is six years of age or older and less than 12 years of age.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.816, 412.006, 412.009, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.117, 411.816, 412.006, 412.009, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 17-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-98; AFS 9-1999, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-99; AFS 11-1999, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-99; AFS 25-2000, f. 9-29-00, cert. ef. 10-1-00; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-135-0070

Specific Requirements; MAA, MAF, and TANF

(1) To be eligible for MAA, MAF, or TANF program benefits, a client must be one of the following:

(a) A dependent child (see OAR 461-001-0000). However, a dependent child for whom foster care payments are made for more than 30 days is not eligible while the payments are being made for the dependent child.

(b) A caretaker relative (see OAR 461-001-0000) of an eligible dependent child. However, a caretaker relative to whom foster care payments are made for more than 30 days is not eligible while the payments are being made to the caretaker relative.

(c) A caretaker relative of a dependent child, when the dependent child is ineligible for MAA, MAF, or TANF program benefits because of one of the following reasons:

(A) The child is receiving SSI.

(B) The child is in foster care, but is expected to return home within 30 days.

(C) The child is ineligible for MAA or MAF program benefits because citizenship has not been documented (see OAR 461-115-0705).

(d) An essential person. An essential person is a member of the household group (see OAR 461-110-0210) who ---

(A) Is not required to be in the filing group;

(B) Provides a service necessary to the health or protection of a member of the benefit group (see OAR 461-110-0750) who has a mental or physical disability; and

(C) Is less expensive to include in the benefit group than the cost of purchasing this service from another source.

(e) A parent of an unborn, as follows:

(A) For the TANF and MAA programs, any parent whose only child is an unborn child once the mother’s pregnancy has reached the calendar month before the month in which the due date falls.

(B) For the TANF and MAA programs, the father of an unborn child, if there is another dependent child in the filing group.

(C) For the MAF program, a mother whose only child is an unborn once the mother’s pregnancy has reached the calendar month immediately before the month in which the due date falls.

(2) A client is eligible for MAA or MAF program benefits if the client is:

(a) Eligible for MAA or MAF program benefits under OAR 461-135-0010; or

(b) A minor parent (see OAR 461-001-0000) ineligible for TANF program benefits only because:

(A) The minor refuses to live with a parent or legal guardian as required by OAR 461-135-0080; or

(B) The income of the minor exceeds the income standards because the Department required the minor to return to live with a parent, if the minor parent meets the conditions in OAR 461 135 0080(2).

(3) As used in this rule and OAR 461-125-0170:

(a) “Good cause” means a reasonable person of normal sensitivity, exercising ordinary common sense, would leave work. For an individual with a physical or mental impairment (as defined at 29 CFR 1630.2(h)), “good cause” for voluntarily leaving work is such that a reasonable person with the characteristics and qualities of such individual would leave work.

(b) “Misconduct” means willful or wantonly negligent violation of the standards of behavior which an employer has the right to expect of an employee, including an act or series of actions that amount to a willful or wantonly negligent disregard of an employer’s interest.

(c) “Most recent employment” means the last job held within the previous 60 days from the date of request (see OAR 461-115-0030) for TANF program benefits and for which the individual was hired to work 100 or more hours per month or worked or was scheduled to work 100 or more hours in the last full calendar month of employment.

(4) Except as provided under section (5) of this rule, a need group (see OAR 461-110-0630) is not eligible for TANF program benefits if a caretaker relative in the need group was separated from his or her most recent employment for any of the following reasons:

(a) Discharged or fired, without good cause for:

(A) Misconduct; or

(B) Felony or theft.

(b) Labor dispute; or

(c) Voluntary quit:

(A) In anticipation of discharge; or

(B) Without good cause.

(5) A need group (see OAR 461-110-0630) may not be denied TANF program benefits based on section (4) of this rule if the caretaker relative is one of the following:

(a) A Parents as Scholars (PAS) participant who temporarily becomes ineligible for TANF program benefits for four months or less due to income from a paid work experience (see OAR 461-190-0199).

(b) A teen parent returning to high school or equivalent.

(c) An individual fleeing from or at risk of domestic violence.

(d) An individual in the ninth month of pregnancy or experiencing a medical complication due to the pregnancy which is documented by a qualified and appropriate professional.

(e) An individual unable to work due to a disability or medical condition documented by a qualified and appropriate professional, and which is expected to last for 30 days or more from the date of request for TANF program benefits.

(f) An individual who is separated from his or her most recent employment for a reason the Department determines is good cause.

(6) If the need group is not eligible for TANF program benefits solely under section (4) of this rule, the need group is eligible for MAA or MAF program benefits as long as the need group meets all other eligibility (see OAR 461-001-0000) requirements.

(7) A client is eligible for MAF program benefits even while ineligible for TANF program benefits if the client is ineligible for TANF program benefits only because the client is:

(a) A family who would be eligible for the TANF program benefits if allowed the following deductions from income:

(A) The earned income deductions authorized by OAR 461 160 0190.

(B) The unearned income support deduction authorized by OAR 461 160 0200.

(b) A self-employed family who would be eligible for TANF program benefits if the cost of producing the self employment income was subtracted from the gross sales or receipts under OAR 461 145 0920.

(c) A family that includes an ineligible non citizen or the father of an unborn who would be eligible for TANF program benefits if the ineligible non citizen’s or father’s income is counted under OAR 461-160-0120.

(d) An individual who would be eligible for TANF program benefits if the assets of the following household members were not counted:

(A) An unmarried parent of a dependent child or unborn in the eligibility group.

(B) A child in common of parents in the eligibility group.

(C) The spouse and each child of a caretaker relative in the need group.

(e) The spouse of a caretaker relative, but only if the spouse is the parent of a dependent child.

(8) A family is ineligible for TANF program benefits if the family meets the requirements of all of the following subsections:

(a) The family lives in Klamath County.

(b) The family meets any of the following conditions:

(A) The family has a single custodial parent who is a member of the Klamath Tribes, or the single custodial parent is not a Klamath Tribes member and at least 50 percent of the dependent children are Klamath Tribes members;

(B) The family has two custodial parents (see OAR 461-001-0000) who are members of the Klamath Tribes, or only one of the two custodial parents is a Klamath Tribes member and at least 50 percent of the dependent children are Klamath Tribes members; or

(C) The family has a caretaker relative who is not the custodial parent and at least 50 percent of the dependent children are Klamath Tribes members.

(c) The family is eligible for the Klamath Tribes TANF program or would be eligible for the Klamath Tribes TANF program if not for the failure of the family to cooperate with program requirements.

(9) A family is ineligible for TANF program benefits if all of the following subsections apply to the family:

(a) A parent, caretaker relative, or child is a member of the Siletz Tribe (Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon) and lives in one of the eleven service area counties: Benton, Clackamas, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Tillamook, Washington, or Yamhill counties.

(b) The family includes members who are living in the same household and at least one of the following paragraphs applies:

(A) A two-parent family with one enrolled Siletz tribal member with a shared dependent.

(B) A single-parent family with one enrolled Siletz tribal member.

(C) A non-needy caretaker relative or essential person with one enrolled Siletz tribal member who is a minor.

(D) A pregnant enrolled Siletz tribal member in her eighth month of pregnancy.

(c) The family is eligible for the Siletz Tribes TANF program or would be eligible for the Siletz Tribes TANF program if not for the failure of the family to cooperate with Siletz TANF program requirements.

(10) If a parent or caretaker relative covered by section (8) or (9) of this rule fails to follow through with a Department referral to the Klamath or Siletz Tribal TANF program, the entire filing group is ineligible for TANF program benefits.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.816, 412.006, 412.049, 412.064, 412.124 & 414.042

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 414.047, 412.049 & 2009 OR Laws Ch. 827

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 13-1991, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 26-1996, f. 6-27-96, cert. ef. 7-1-96; AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 19-1997, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-97; AFS 25-1997(Temp), f. 12-31-97, cert. ef. 1-1-98 thru 4-30-98; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 17-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-98; AFS 26-1998(Temp), f. 12-30-98, cert. ef. 1-1-99 thru 3-31-99; AFS 2-1999, f. 3-26-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 15-1999, f. 11-30-99, cert. ef. 12-1-99; AFS 34-2000, f. 12-22-00, cert. ef. 1-1-01; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 8-2009(Temp), f. 4-20-09, cert. ef. 5-1-09 thru 10-28-09; SSP 19-2009(Temp), f. 7-29-09, cert. ef. 8-1-09 thru 10-28-09; SSP 33-2009, f. & cert. ef. 10-29-09; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-135-1110

Eligible and Ineligible Students; OHP-OPU

(1) In the OHP-OPU program, an individual enrolled full time in higher education is ineligible to receive benefits, unless the requirements of one of the following subsections are met:

(a) The student:

(A) Meets the income requirements for a Pell grant;

(B) Is not currently covered by private major medical health insurance (see OAR 461-135-1100) or an HMO; and

(C) Has not been covered by private major medical health insurance or by an HMO for the six months immediately preceding the date of application.

(b) The student is in a program serving displaced workers under Section 236 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 USC 2296).

(2) For the purposes of this rule:

(a) Higher education includes the following:

(A) Any public or private university, college or community college.

(B) Any post-secondary vocational or technical school that is eligible to accept Pell grants.

(b) Full time is defined by the school.

(c) Meets the income requirements for a Pell grant means:

(A) The student’s Student Aid Report shows an “expected family contribution” less than $5,274 for the 2010-2011 or 2011-2012 school year; or

(B) The student is eligible for a Pell grant and provides documentation of eligibility from the school’s financial aid office.

(3) A student’s enrollment status continues during school vacation and breaks. A student’s higher education status ends when the student graduates, drops out (as verified by their disenrolling), reduces the student’s credit or attendance hours below full-time status, is suspended or expelled, or does not intend to register for the next school term (excluding summer term).

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.081, 411.083, 411.085, 411.087, 411.402, 411.404, 414.025

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.081, 411.083, 411.085, 411.087, 411.402, 411.404, 414.025

Hist.: AFS 22-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 24-1997, f. 12-31-97, cert. ef. 1-1-98; AFS 10-1998, f. 6-29-98, cert. ef. 7-1-98; AFS 15-1999, f. 11-30-99, cert. ef. 12-1-99; AFS 13-2000, f. & cert. ef. 5-1-00; AFS 12-2001, f. 6-29-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01; AFS 10-2002, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-02; AFS 14-2002(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-30-02 thru 4-28-03; SSP 1-2003, f. 1-31-03, cert. ef. 2-1-03; SSP 7-2003, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-03; SSP 16-2003, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-03; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 4-2005, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-05; SSP 7-2005, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-05; SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 7-2007, f. 6-29-07, cert. ef. 7-1-07; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 20-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-160-0620

Income Deductions and Client Liability; Long-Term Care Services or Waivered Services; OSIPM

In the OSIPM program:

(1) Deductions from income are made for a client residing in or entering a long-term care facility or receiving Title XIX waivered services as explained in subsections (3)(a) to (3)(h) of this rule.

(2) Except as provided otherwise in OAR 461-160-0610, the liability of the client is determined according to subsection (3)(i) of this rule.

(3) Deductions are made in the following order:

(a) One standard earned income deduction of $65 is made from the earned income in the OSIPM-AD and OSIPM-OAA programs. The deduction is $85 in the OSIPM-AB program.

(b) The deductions under the plan for self-support as allowed by OAR 461-145-0405.

(c) One of the following need standards:

(A) A $30 personal needs allowance for a client receiving long-term care services.

(B) A $90 personal needs allowance for a client receiving long-term care services who is eligible for VA benefits based on unreimbursed medical expenses. The $90 allowance is allowed only when the VA benefit has been reduced to $90.

(C) The OSIPM maintenance standard for a client who receives waivered services.

(d) A community spouse monthly income allowance is deducted from the income of the institutionalized spouse to the extent that the income is made available to or for the benefit of the community spouse, using the following calculation.

(A) Step 1--Determine the maintenance needs allowance. $1,839 is added to the amount over $552 that is needed to pay monthly shelter expenses for the principal residence of the couple. This sum or $2,739 whichever is less, is the maintenance needs allowance. For the purpose of this calculation, shelter expenses are the rent or home mortgage payment (principal and interest), taxes, insurance, required maintenance charges for a condominium or cooperative, and the full standard utility allowance for the SNAP program (see OAR 461-160-0420).

(B) Step 2--Compare maintenance needs allowance with community spouse’s countable income. The countable income of the community spouse is subtracted from the maintenance needs allowance determined in step 1. The difference is the income allowance unless the allowance described in step 3 is greater.

(C) Step 3--If a spousal support order or exceptional circumstances resulting in significant financial distress require a greater income allowance than that calculated in step 2, the greater amount is the allowance.

(e) A dependent income allowance as follows:

(A) For a case with a community spouse, a deduction is permitted only if the monthly income of the eligible dependent is below $1,839. To determine the income allowance of each eligible dependent:

(i) The monthly income of the eligible dependent is deducted from $1,839.

(ii) One-third of the amount remaining after the subtraction in paragraph (A) of this subsection is the income allowance of the eligible dependent.

(B) For a case with no community spouse:

(i) The allowance is the TANF adjusted income standard for the client and eligible dependents.

(ii) The TANF standard is not reduced by the income of the dependent.

(f) Costs for maintaining a home if the client meets the criteria in OAR 461-160-0630.

(g) Medical deductions allowed by OAR 461-160-0030 and 461-160-0055 are made for costs not covered under the state plan. This includes the public and private health insurance premiums of the community spouse and the client’s dependent.

(h) After taking all the deductions allowed by this rule, the remaining balance is the adjusted income.

(i) The client liability is determined as follows:

(A) For a client receiving waivered services (except a client identified in OAR 461-160-0610(4)), the liability is the actual cost of the waivered service or the adjusted income of the client, whichever is less. This amount must be paid to the Department each month as a condition of being eligible for waivered services. In OSIPM-IC, the liability is subtracted from the gross monthly benefit.

(B) For a client who resides in a nursing facility, a state psychiatric hospital, an Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded, or a non-waivered mental health facility, there is a liability as described at OAR 461-160-0610.

(4) The deduction used to determine adjusted income for a GA and GAM client receiving long-term care services or waivered services is as follows:

(a) One standard earned income deduction of $65 is made from the earned income for a client who is not blind; or

(b) One standard earned income deduction of $85 is made from the earned income for a client who is blind.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060 & 411.070

Hist.: AFS 80-1989, f. 12-21-89, cert. ef. 2-1-90; AFS 16-1990, f. 6-29-90, cert. ef. 7-1-90; AFS 13-1991. f. & cert. ef. 7-1-91; AFS 8-1992, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-92; AFS 17-1992, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-92; AFS 28-1992, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-92; AFS 5-1993, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-93; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 6-1994, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-94; AFS 29-1994, f. 12-29-94, cert. ef. 1-1-95; AFS 10-1995, f. 3-30-95, cert. ef. 4-1-95; AFS 23-1995, f. 9-20-95, cert. ef. 10-1-95; AFS 15-1996, f. 4-29-96, cert. ef. 5-1-96; AFS 5-1997, f. 4-30-97, cert. ef. 5-1-97; AFS 6-1998(Temp), f. 3-30-98, cert. ef. 4-1-98 thru 5-31-98; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 1-1999(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-1-99 thru 7-31-99; AFS 3-1999, f. 3-31-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 6-1999, f. & cert. ef. 4-22-99; AFS 3-2000, f. 1-31-00, cert. ef. 2-1-00; AFS 10-2000, f. 3-31-00, cert. ef. 4-1-00; AFS 17-2000, f. 6-28-00, cert. ef. 7-1-00; AFS 25-2000, f. 9-29-00, cert. ef. 10-1-00; AFS 6-2001, f. 3-30-01, cert. ef. 4-1-01; AFS 11-2001, f. 6-29-01, cert. ef. 7-1-01; AFS 5-2002, f. & cert. ef. 4-1-02; AFS 10-2002, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-02; AFS 22-2002, f. 12-31-02, cert. ef. 1-1-03; SSP 16-2003, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-03; SSP 23-2003, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-03; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; SSP 17-2004, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-04; SSP 24-2004, f. 12-30-04, cert. ef. 1-1-05; SSP 7-2005, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-05; SSP 8-2005(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-05 thru 10-1-05; SSP 9-2005(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-6-05 thru 10-1-05; SSP 14-2005, f. 9-30-05, cert. ef. 10-1-05; SSP 19-2005, f. 12-30-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; SSP 10-2006, f. 6-30-06, cert. ef. 7-1-06; SSP 14-2006, f. 9-29-06, cert. ef. 10-1-06; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 4-2007, f. 3-30-07, cert. ef. 4-1-07; SSP 7-2007, f. 6-29-07, cert. ef. 7-1-07; SSP 14-2007, f. 12-31-07, cert. ef. 1-1-08; SSP 17-2008, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-08; SSP 26-2008, f. 12-31-08, cert. ef. 1-1-09; SSP 13-2009, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

461-190-0199

Parents as Scholars

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision in Chapter 461 of the Oregon Administrative Rules, effective July 1, 2011, participation in Parents as Scholars (PAS) is limited to clients approved for PAS as of June 30, 2011. Any other PAS applicant is not eligible for enrollment in PAS, including a client on the PAS wait list after June 30, 2011. The Department does not process any application for PAS received after June 30, 2011.

(2) PAS is a JOBS program component that assists TANF parents who are or will be undergraduates to begin or continue their education at a two- or four-year educational institution.

(3) The following definitions apply to PAS:

(a) “Educational institution” means any post-secondary educational institution approved or accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, by its regional equivalent, or by the appropriate official, department, or agency of the state or nation in which the institution is located and that is:

(A) A four-year college or university;

(B) A junior college or community college; or

(C) A technical, professional or career school.

(b) “Participant” refers to a participant in the PAS component of the JOBS program.

(c) “PAS” means the Parents as Scholars component of the JOBS program.

(4) The number of participants in PAS in a calendar year is limited as follows:

(a) The number of participants in PAS in a calendar year may not exceed one percent of the number of households receiving TANF on January 1 of that calendar year.

(b) If one percent of the number of households receiving TANF on January 1 of the current calendar year is less than one percent of the number of households receiving TANF on January 1 of the previous calendar year, the Department will not fill PAS slots vacated on or after January 1 of the current calendar year until the total number of slots is equal to one percent of the households receiving TANF for the current calendar year.

(5) A PAS participant receives TANF cash assistance as well as necessary support services provided through the JOBS program. JOBS support services:

(a) May not be used to pay for the cost of tuition and fees associated with enrollment by a participant at an educational institution.

(b) Subject to the limitations of OAR 461-190-0211, may be used to pay for books and supplies associated with enrollment by a participant at an educational institution subject to the following provisions:

(A) The books and supplies are required for completion of the participant’s coursework at an educational institution;

(B) There is no other funding available to the PAS participant for books and supplies; and

(C) No more than $100 per academic term or semester may be paid per PAS participant for books and supplies.

(6) Applying for PAS. A parent who is applying for or receiving TANF may apply for PAS by completing and signing the PAS application and submitting it to the Department. The application and other documentation required by this rule must be submitted to Department of Human Services JOBS Unit (PAS), 2nd Floor, 500 Summer Street NE E48, Salem, Oregon 97301.

(7) PAS Selection Process; Wait List.

(a) PAS applications received from PAS applicants will be processed in the order in which the Department receives the applications.

(b) If the maximum number of PAS slots for a calendar year has not been filled, the Department will notify an applicant when he or she has been approved.

(c) When the maximum number of PAS slots for a calendar year has been filled and there is a wait list, the Department will notify an applicant when he or she has been added to the wait list.

(d) Once each year, the Department will contact PAS applicants on the wait list to determine if the PAS applicant’s name should be removed from the wait list.

(e) When the maximum number of PAS slots for a calendar year has been filled and there is a wait list and a PAS slot becomes available, the Department will notify the next applicant on the wait list that an opening has become available.

(f) The Department will inform an applicant for PAS who does not qualify or no longer qualifies for placement on the wait list because the applicant becomes ineligible for TANF or no longer meets the requirements of this rule.

(8) Selection Requirements.

(a) A PAS applicant must meet the financial and nonfinancial eligibility requirements for TANF.

(b) A PAS applicant who is not applying for or receiving TANF at the time of selection may not participate in PAS or remain on the wait list.

(c) A PAS applicant must include documentation that the PAS applicant is an undergraduate who has been accepted for full-time attendance into or is enrolled full-time at an educational institution.

(d) A PAS applicant must demonstrate as part of the PAS application that completion of the educational program is likely to result in employment that provides the wages and benefits necessary for the applicant to support the applicant’s family without TANF.

(9) Requirements of Participants; Limitations.

(a) A participant must provide documentation to the Department quarterly, or following completion of each academic term at the educational institution, that the participant is making satisfactory academic progress, as defined by the educational institution, toward a degree.

(b) A participant must provide documentation to the Department, prior to the start of each new academic term or semester, that the PAS applicant is an undergraduate who is enrolled full-time at an educational institution.

(c) A participant must attend classes full-time as defined by the educational institution, unless there is good cause (see OAR 461-130-0327) to limit attendance to less than full-time.

(d) Unless there is good cause for not attending year round, a participant must either:

(A) Attend classes year round, including during the summer if classes are offered by the educational institution; or

(B) If not attending classes year round, participate in work experience related to the field of study of the participant when not attending classes. If a work experience related to the participant’s field of study is not available, participate in another appropriate work experience.

(e) During the first twelve months of participation in PAS, a participant must record attendance and homework time weekly and must provide this information to the Department no less frequently than monthly.

(f) Except as provided in subsection (g) of this section, a participant must remain eligible for TANF.

(g) If a participant becomes temporarily ineligible for TANF during a period of four or fewer months due to income from a paid work experience, the applicant may retain their PAS slot when school resumes if:

(A) The participant regains TANF eligibility; and

(B) PAS is still an appropriate activity for the participant.

(10) Ending PAS. PAS is ended for a PAS participant when:

(a) The PAS participant completes his or her degree program;

(b) Except as provided in subsection (8)(g) of this rule, the PAS participant becomes ineligible for TANF; or

(c) All of the following are true:

(A) The PAS participant fails to meet one or more of the requirements of subsections (8)(a) through (8)(e) of this rule;

(B) Attempts to re-engage the PAS participant pursuant to OAR 461-190-0231 are unsuccessful; and

(C) There is a determination that the PAS participant does not have good cause (see OAR 461-130-0327) for failure to meet one or more requirements of subsections (8)(a) through (8)(e) of this rule.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 412.016, 412.049, 12.124

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 412.016, 412.017, 412.049 & 412.124

Hist.: SSP 20-2008(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 9-5-08 thru 3-4-09; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 28-2009, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-09; SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 18-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 19-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 7-1-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Amended: 461-190-0211

Subject: OAR 461-190-0211 about case plan activities and standards for support service payments in the JOBS, Post-TANF, Pre-TANF, REF, SFPSS, TA-DVS, and TANF programs is being amended to set limits to who can participate in a case plan activity, identify available activities and support services for those activities, describe how the Department determines employability in order to place participants into appropriate activities and support services, describe the activities that qualify for support services and the amount of support services available. This rule sets up a more limited JOBS program, consistent with budget constraints, following earlier Department actions that closed most activities and support services set up under earlier eligibility criteria.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-190-0211

Standards for Support Service Payments

(1) Notwithstanding any other administrative rule in Chapter 461, for the period beginning July 1, 2011 and subject to the limitations of state funding, the following special provisions apply:

(2) Participation in a case plan (see OAR 461-001-0025) activity (see OAR 461-001-0025) is limited to:

(a) An individual who is determined to be a work-eligible individual according to federal definition (45 CFR 261.2(n)(1)). No individual may volunteer to participate in an activity of a case plan if not otherwise determined to be a work-eligible individual.

(b) An individual who is an applicant in the Pre-TANF program or a recipient of TANF program benefits.

(c) The minimum number of hours to meet federally required participation rates (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(3) For eligible individuals, subject to the requirements and limitations in sections (2), (6), (7), and (8) of this rule, the following activities will be available and include support service payments:

(a) Job search (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(b) JOBS Plus (see OAR 461-001-0025 and OAR 461-101-0010) is limited to six months per individual.

(c) Work experience (see OAR 461-001-0025) is limited to 60 days per individual.

(d) Sheltered or supported work (see OAR 461-001-0025) is limited to 60 days per individual.

(e) High School or GED (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(f) Parents as Scholars (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(4) The following activities will be available but will not include support services (see OAR 461-001-0025) payments:

(a) Domestic Violence Intervention.

(b) Family Stability (see OAR 461-001-0000).

(c) Family Support & Connection.

(d) Post-TANF.

(e) Program entry (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(f) Self Initiated Training (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(g) SSI Application Process.

(5) Participation in an activity is based on employability, based on whether an individual is Job Ready, Near Job Ready, or Not Job Ready.

(a) Job Ready means the individual has no barriers (see OAR 461-001-0025) or current barriers do not impact participation or employment. In addition, the individual has all of the following:

(A) Prior stable work history, either paid or unpaid.

(B) Had not voluntarily quit or been dismissed from their most recent employment (see OAR 461-135-0070), without good cause (see OAR 461-135-0070).

(C) Reliable or available transportation.

(D) No outstanding legal issues that would impact or prevent employment.

(E) Access to reliable child care within support service limits, or does not need help to pay for child care or does not need child care.

(b) Near Job Ready means the individual has minimal barriers to participation or employment and the individual is addressing the barriers. In addition, the individual has all of the following:

(A) Limited or no work history, either paid or unpaid.

(B) Reliable or available transportation.

(C) No outstanding legal issues that would impact or prevent employment or legal issues are identified and are being addressed.

(D) Access to reliable child care within support service limits, or does not need help to pay for child care or does not need child care.

(c) Not Job Ready means the individual has one or more barriers to participation or employment or is in crisis, and the individual is not addressing the barriers. For example, the individual has one or more of the following:

(A) Lack of stable housing that is preventing participation in an activity or employment.

(B) Domestic violence, mental health or alcohol and drug issues, and the individual is not addressing the issue.

(C) Medical issues that prevent participation in an activity or employment.

(D) Outstanding legal issues that would impact or prevent employment.

(E) Literacy issues that impact the ability for the individual to participate in an activity or obtain employment.

(6) In approving JOBS program support service payments, the Department must consider lower cost alternatives. It is not the intent of the Department or of this rule to supplant Department funding with other funding that is available in the community. It is the Department’s expectation that case managers and clients will work collaboratively to seek resources that are reasonably available to the client in order to participate in activities.

(7) Payments for support services are only provided when:

(a) Necessary to participate in activities in a signed case plan;

(b) They were authorized in advance; and

(c) All other provisions of this rule are met.

(8) Payments for support services are subject to the following limitations:

(a) Job Ready individuals may be eligible for child care, transportation, or other support services.

(b) Near Job Ready individuals may be eligible for child care, transportation, or other support services.

(c) Not Job Ready individuals are not eligible for support services.

(d) A teen parent (see OAR 461-001-0000) may be eligible for child care, transportation, or other support services, for participation in a basic education (see OAR 461-001-0025) component (see OAR 461-001-0025).

(e) $450 maximum per filing group, per month, for a filing group who resides in the District 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 15 or 16 service area.

(f) $375 maximum per filing group, per month, for a filing group who resides in the District 1, 3, 6, 7 or 8 service area.

(g) $300 maximum per filing group, per month, for a filing group who resides in the District 11, 12, 13 or 14 service area.

(h) Child Care. Payments for child care may be authorized, as limited by OAR 461-160-0040, if necessary to enable a single-parent Job Ready or Near Job Ready individual or single teen parent to participate in an approved JOBS program activity specified in the individual’s case plan. If authorized, payment for child care will be made for the lesser of:

(A) The maximum monthly support service amount based on District service area under this section of the rule.

(B) The lesser of the actual rate charged by the care provider and the rate established in OAR 461-155-0150. The Department rate for children in care less than 158 hours in a month is limited by OAR 461-155-0150, except that the cost of child care may be paid up to the monthly maximum when children are in care less than 158 hours per month and the individual is a teen parent using on-site care while attending education activities.

(C) The minimum hours necessary, including meal and commute time, for the individual to participate in an approved JOBS program activity.

(i) Transportation. The department may provide payments for a Job Ready or Near Job Ready individual or teen parent for transportation costs incurred in travel to and from an approved JOBS program activity. Payment is made only for the cost of public transportation or the cost of fuel for a vehicle personally owned by a member of the TANF filing group (see OAR 461-110-0330). Payments are subject to the following considerations:

(A) Payment for transportation may not exceed $50 per month, per family.

(B) Payment for public transportation is a priority over payment for a privately owned vehicle.

(C) Payment for a privately-owned vehicle is provided if the Job Ready or Near Job Ready individual or teen parent has a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance and either of the following is true:

(i) No public transportation is available or the Job Ready or Near Job Ready individual or teen parent is unable to use public transportation because of a verifiable medical condition or disability for which no accommodations is available.

(ii) Public transportation is available but is more costly that the cost of fuel.

(j) Housing and Utilities. Payments for housing and utilities are not allowed.

(k) Other Payments. The Department may provide payments for a Job Ready individual for costs necessary to obtain unsubsidized employment. Payments under this section may be authorized for items, such as:

(A) Clothing and grooming for job interviews and employment.

(B) Tools, bonding, and licensing required to accept employment.

(9) The Department may require an individual to provide verification of a need for, or costs associated with, the support service prior to approval and issuance of payment if verification is reasonably available.

(10) The Department may reduce, close, or deny in whole or in part an individual’s request for a support service payment in the following circumstances:

(a) The individual is disqualified for failing to comply with a case plan, unless the payment in question is necessary for the individual to comply with his or her case plan.

(b) The purpose for the payment is not related to the individual’s case plan.

(c) The individual disagrees with a support service payment offered or made by the Department as outlined in the individual’s case plan.

(d) The individual is not determined to be a Job Ready or Near Job Ready individual or teen parent.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 412.001, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049, 412.124

Stat. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 412.001, 412.006, 412.009, 412.014, 412.049, 412.124

Hist.: AFS 23-1990, f. 9-28-90, cert. ef. 10-1-90; AFS 30-1990, f. 12-31-90, cert. ef. 1-1-91; AFS 9-1991, f. 3-29-91, cert. ef. 4-1-91; AFS 20-1992, f. 7-31-92, cert. ef. 8-1-92; AFS 12-1993, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-93; AFS 19-1993, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-93; AFS 26-1996, f. 6-27-96, cert. ef. 7-1-96; AFS 36-1996, f. 10-31-96, cert. ef. 11-1-96; AFS 18-1998, f. & cert. ef. 10-2-98; AFS 2-1999, f. 3-26-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 3-2000, f. 1-31-00, cert. ef. 2-1-00; SSP 33-2003, f. 12-31-03, cert. ef. 1-4-04; SSP 21-2004, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-04; SSP 11-2005(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 9-1-05 thru 12-31-05; SSP 19-2005, f. 12-30-05, cert. ef. 1-1-06; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 23-2008, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-08; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 42-2010(Temp), f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11 thru 6-30-11; SSP 10-2011, f. 3-31-11, cert. ef. 4-1-11; SSP 19-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 20-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 7-1-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Amended: 461-135-0475

Subject: OAR 461-135-0475 about the Pre-Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Pre-TANF) program is being amended to indicate that the Department will no longer be providing basic living expenses payments for shelter, utility and household supplies in the Pre-TANF program. This rule is also being amended to change the basic living expenses payment from 200 percent of the TANF payment standard for the benefit group to 100 percent of the payment standard. This rule is also being amended to remove mandatory
language about the availability of support services payments for
Pre-TANF clients.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-135-0475

Specific Requirements; Pre-TANF Program

(1) This rule explains specific requirements for the Pre-TANF program. The eligibility criteria of the Pre-TANF program are the same as the TANF program. The purposes of the Pre-TANF program are:

(a) To help individuals find employment or other alternatives;

(b) To assess the employment potential of clients;

(c) To help clients determine the services needed to enhance their employability and their likelihood of becoming self sufficient;

(d) To determine if a needy caretaker relative (see OAR 461-001-0000) has or may have a barrier to employment or to family stability.

(e) To develop an individualized case plan (see OAR 461-001-0025) that establishes goals and identifies suitable activities (see OAR 461-001-0025) that promote family stability and financial independence.

(f) To provide basic living expenses immediately to families in need.

(2) Applicants for the TANF program whose unverified application indicates the client meets the TANF eligibility requirements participate in the Pre-TANF program. Their applications for the TANF program are also considered applications for the Pre-TANF program. The Pre-TANF program is open for not longer than 45 days following the date of request (see OAR 461-115-0030).

(3) Clients in the Pre-TANF program are subject to the requirements of the JOBS program, described in divisions 130 and 190 of this chapter of rules, and they are subject to the requirements of OAR 461-135-0085 pertaining to substance abuse and mental health.

(4) Once a client is found eligible for the Pre-TANF program, the client participates in initial screenings to determine the client’s employment strengths and to determine if the client has any barriers to employment or family stability. If the screening indicates that there is or may be a barrier, the needy caretaker relative is referred for an in-depth evaluation by a person with relevant expertise or specialized training. The client and the Department prepare a case plan that specifies the basic living expenses and support service payments the client will receive through the Pre-TANF program and lists the activities of the client. The case plan may be adjusted at any time while the client is in the Pre-TANF program to reflect changing needs.

(5) Clients in the Pre-TANF program receive assistance, listed in the case plan, for basic living expenses, and the Department makes support service payments listed in the case plan, as follows:

(a) The Department will provide the client with basic living expenses necessary to stabilize the household so the client can accomplish the activities in the case plan. Basic living expenses covered by this section are limited to the current need of the client for personal incidentals that the client cannot meet with other, immediately available resources. Payments under this subsection are limited to 100 percent of the payment standard for the benefit group (see OAR 461-155-0030(2)(b)). Payment for “past expenses” is made only when the need of the client cannot be adequately met by a less expensive alternative.

(b) Other support service payments may be available to clients in the Pre-TANF program through the JOBS program (see OAR 461-190-0211 and 461-190-0241) in the same manner they are available to a TANF client.

(6) The Pre-TANF program is closed in any of the following circumstances:

(a) The client is unlikely to become employed within 45 days following the date of request, whether due to the employability of the client, the circumstances affecting the family, or other causes.

(b) The client fails without good cause (see OAR 461-130-0327) to comply with a requirement of an employment program or the case plan.

(c) In any circumstance that would make a client ineligible for TANF.

(d) Upon starting a JOBS Plus assignment.

(e) Upon employment and enrollment in the Post-TANF program.

(7) If Pre-TANF benefits are closed pursuant to subsection (6)(a) or (b) of this rule, TANF benefits may be opened if all TANF eligibility requirements are met.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 418.040, 412.049

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 418.040, 412.049

Hist.: AFS 9-1997, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-97; AFS 8-1998, f. 4-28-98, cert. ef. 5-1-98; AFS 2-1999, f. 3-26-99, cert. ef. 4-1-99; AFS 9-1999, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-99; SSP 14-2005, f. 9-30-05, cert. ef. 10-1-05; SSP 15-2006, f. 12-29-06, cert. ef. 1-1-07; SSP 11-2007(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-07 thru 3-29-08; SSP 5-2008, f. 2-29-08, cert. ef. 3-1-08; SSP 6-2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 4-1-09 thru 9-28-09; SSP 16 2009(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-09 thru 9-28-09; Administrative correction 10-22-09; SSP 20-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-11 thru 12-28-11

Rule Caption: Changing OARs affecting public assistance, medical assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program clients.

Adm. Order No.: SSP 21-2011(Temp)

Filed with Sec. of State: 7-15-2011

Certified to be Effective: 7-15-11 thru 1-11-12

Notice Publication Date:

Rules Amended: 461-155-0575, 461-155-0693

Subject: OAR 461-155-0575 about in-home supplementation payments and OAR 461-155-0693 about transportation services payments, in the Oregon Supplemental Income Program Medical (OSIPM) are amended to suspend all payments August 1, 2011. All current payments will end July 31, and no payments will be approved after that date.

Rules Coordinator: Annette Tesch—(503) 945-6067

461-155-0575

Special Need; In-home Supplement; OSIPM

In the OSIPM program, payments authorized under this rule are suspended effective August 1, 2011; current payments end on July 31, 2011; and no payments will be authorized after July 31, 2011. Except as provided above:

(1) The Department may provide a monthly supplementary payment for a client who meets the requirements of all of the following subsections:

(a) The client must receive SSI as his or her only source of income.

(b) The client must receive in-home services authorized by:

(A) The Independent Choices Program (covered under the State Medicaid Plan);

(B) A 1915(c) Home and Community-Based Service Waiver; or

(C) State Plan Personal Care Services authorized under chapter 411, division 034 of Oregon Administrative Rules.

(2) The amount and duration of payments authorized under this rule are subject to availability of funding as determined by the Department and are considered reimbursement for uncovered assistance needs.

(3) All eligible clients will receive the same monthly payment amount.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.404, 411.706

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.704, 411.706

Hist.: SSP 11-2011(Temp), f. 3-31-11, cert. ef. 4-1-11 thru 9-28-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert .ef. 7-1-11; SSP 21-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-15-11 thru 1-11-12

461-155-0693

Special Need; Transportation Services Payment; OSIPM

In the OSIPM program, payments authorized under this rule are suspended effective August 1, 2011; current payments end on July 31, 2011; and no payments will be authorized after July 31, 2011. Except as provided above:

(1) The following individuals may be eligible for a transportation services payment:

(a) A client who receives SSI; or

(b) A client who the Department determines meets the requirements of OAR 461-125-0370(1)(c) and has adjusted income less than the SSI standard.

(2) Services eligible for payment under this rule are for transportation to non-medical and non-waivered activities and resources approved by the Department. Examples of such transportation services include, but are not limited to: reimbursement for non-commercial transportation not available through natural supports (limited to mileage only at the full United States General Services Administration mileage reimbursement rate); transportation provided by common carriers, taxicab, or bus; and assistance with purchase of a pass for public transportation.

(3) The following items are not eligible for payment under this rule: purchase of a vehicle; vehicle maintenance or repair; compensation for non-commercial transportation providers (payment to non-commercial transportation providers is limited to mileage only); and transportation services that may be obtained through other means, such as the State Medicaid Plan, waiver, or other public or private resources available to the individual, including natural supports.

(4) Payment for services authorized by this rule may not exceed $50 per month.

(5) Service costs must be verified annually or when questionable.

Stat. Auth.: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.706

Stats. Implemented: ORS 411.060, 411.070, 411.083, 411.404, 411.704, 411.706

Hist.: SSP 38-2009, f. 12-31-09, cert. ef. 1-1-10; SSP 18-2010, f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10; SSP 22-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-1-10 thru 12-28-10; SSP 32-2010, f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10; SSP 33-2010(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 10-1-10 thru 3-30-11; SSP 41-2010, f. 12-30-10, cert. ef. 1-1-11; SSP 3-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 2-1-11 thru 7-31-11; SSP 17-2011, f. & cert .ef. 7-1-11; SSP 21-2011(Temp), f. & cert. ef. 7-15-11 thru 1-11-12

Notes
1.) This online version of the OREGON BULLETIN is provided for convenience of reference and enhanced access. The official, record copy of this publication is contained in the original Administrative Orders and Rulemaking Notices filed with the Secretary of State, Archives Division. Discrepancies, if any, are satisfied in favor of the original versions. Use the OAR Revision Cumulative Index found in the Oregon Bulletin to access a numerical list of rulemaking actions after November 15, 2010.

2.) Copyright 2011 Oregon Secretary of State: Terms and Conditions of Use