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3 Benefit Levels The maximum OWF benefit levels available to assistance groups are based on the assistance group size. Current state law requires that effective January 1, 2009, OWF payment standards be increased annually each January based upon the cost-of-living-adjustment by the Social Security Administration in the previous year. The current OWF payment standards can be accessed at the following URL: http://jfs.ohio.gov/ofam/OWFPaymentStandards.stm. Temporary Absence A temporarily absent individual is considered to be in the home for eligibility purposes under OWF. The absence of a member of the assistance group is temporary if all the following conditions are met: • The location of the absent individual is known; • There is a definite plan for the return of the absent individual to the home; and • The absent individual shared the home with the assistance group prior to the onset of the absence. A minor child or parent/specified relative who, without good cause, has been, or is expected to be, absent from the home for a period of forty-five consecutive days or longer does not meet the temporary absence requirement for OWF. Exceptions to this requirement are limited to the following good cause reasons: • Hospitalization (includes inpatient drug and alcohol treatment); • Detention in a juvenile home until a court commitment; • Attendance at school; • Vacationing; • Trip made in connection with current or prospective employment; • Shared parenting situations; • Service in the military when it is the sole reason for absence; and • Removal of a child(ren) by the Public Children Services Agency (PCSA) if a reunification plan is in place and the parents are cooperating with it. Cash assistance for a child(ren) removed can continue to be provided for up to six payment months after the removal date. State and Federal Time Limits An assistance group in receipt of OWF that includes an adult or minor head-of-household is subject to state and federal time limits. In Ohio, the state time limit is 36-months; this time limit applies regardless of whether the thirty-six months are consecutive. The 36-months count toward the federal 60-month time limit. After 36-months, the assistance group is ineligible for further payments unless the county department of job and family services (CDJFS) approves an extension of benefits.