Page 106

106 (07/2026) Chapter 2:Eligibility • Section 1: Application • The caretaker reports they are on temporary medical leave (AML) and does not report they have returned to work When a caretaker does not report they have returned to work, ERDC will remain open. The copay will revert to the previous copay amount, prior to going on AML. • The families starts receiving TANF and is determined eligible for Categorical ERDC The certification period can be longer in situations where an ongoing ERDC case is coded with authorized work search (AWS), authorized medical leave (AML) or authorized military transition (AMT), and the certification is extended past the end date. The certification can also be longer than 12 months in situations where a family moved from standard ERDC to Categorical ERDC and their ERDC certification was extended to align with their TANF certification. A filing group that is determined to be homeless or requires child care for a current foster child may receive priority processing. For those families eligible for priority processing, the benefits can be opened for up to 3 months while the case is pending for verification of certain eligibility requirements. Click here for Expedited service and priority processing. Click here for Authorized work search. Click here for Authorized medical leave. Click here for Authorized military transition. REF A REF or REFM case is opened when the individual completes the application process and provides the necessary verification within the processing time frames. If all eligibility is cleared, then the REF benefits will start from the filing date. REFM benefits begin from the date of request.

If ODHS denies an application in the initial month, a new filing date must be established for an application for the next month. If the family chooses to apply in the following month, all DHR and IEVS screens must be reviewed, an interview must be completed, and any changes must be narrated when eligibility is re- determined.

The maximum length of time an individual can receive REF and REFM depends on the date they received their eligible immigration status. For individuals granted an eligible immigration status before May 5, 2025, the period of eligibility is up to 12 months. For individuals that have received an eligible immigration status on or after May 5, 2025, the period of eligibility is a maximum of four months. There is no redetermination of eligibility for REF and REFM after the initial eligibility period is reached. Because of this, it is important that workers have a conversation with the refugee to discuss their options going forward. Workers should meet with refugees regularly to inform them of their limited eligibility, emphasizing the need to move forward and become self-sufficient. MSP Certification periods do not apply to MSP. Benefits must be renewed at least every 12 months. OSIPM Certification periods do not apply to OSIPM. Benefits must be renewed at least every 12 months.