OCA's ARPA Operational Update (Week of March 28th):
Step 1 - Identifying Assistance Eligible Individuals (AEI)
Update: Completed on 3/24/21
OCA has completed its list of potentially eligible individuals for the subsidy. As we previously communicated, this was the first challenge we faced. Historically, the industry did not track voluntary vs. involuntary terminations. OCA's goal is to be proactive by taking a two prong approach. First, by confirming with employers/brokers the AEI list and then reaffirming eligibility when we issue the special election notice to the AEI. Click here to see the definition of an AEI.
Step 2 - Communicating List to Employers/Brokers
Expected Start/End Date: 4/5/21 through 4/15/21
OCA plans to begin emailing each employer and/or broker the list of their potentially eligible AEIs. This will begin the week of April 5th. Thousands of clients will need to be notified, so we expect the communication to be completed no later than April 15th. The email will include an excel attachment listing each employers potentially eligible AEIs. Clients will be asked to update the file by validating the AEIs "termination type." To view a sample of the excel file, please click here.
If OCA does not hear from the employer/broker prior to OCA mailing the special election notice (TBD), OCA will assume the termed employee was involuntary terminated, resulting in the AEI receiving the special election notice.
When Will Notices Be Sent to AEI?
OCA will be mailing out a special election notice to eligible individuals with the understanding that: