Work First 114 – INCOME AND BUDGETING

II. APPLYING FOR OTHER BENEFITS.

Based on a family's situation or information gathered from the on-line matches, the caseworker might find that a family is potentially eligible for other benefits or income sources. WFFA applicants and recipients must apply for all assistance for which they may be eligible.

A. A family unit member is required to apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) when the On-line ESC Inquiry reveals that he is "Monetarily Eligible," and there is no "Last File" date, or the "Last File" date is earlier than 12 months prior to the date of application for Work First Family Assistance. A family unit member who is employed and earning 20% or less of the amount of benefit for which he is monetarily eligible must apply for UIB within 10 days of filing an application. (For example, if a person is receiving $100 per week in UIB, they can earn up to $20 and still receive the UIB.)

EXCEPTIONS: A family member is not required to apply for UIB if he is:

• Employed full-time as defined by the employer;
• Registered for and attending school or on vacation during or between successive quarters;
• Receiving or applying for benefits under any state or federal law based on temporary or permanent total disability;
• Receiving a government or other pension, retirement, annuity, or other similar periodic payment that is more than the potential monthly Unemployment Insurance Benefit payment; or
• Placed on disciplinary suspension by his employer. (If the family member is on a single disciplinary suspension that lasts more than 10 consecutive calendar days, he is considered dismissed from the employment and must apply for UIB.)
• Unavailable for work due to a medical condition, including childbirth, as verified by a physician’s statement, or a medical condition that is obvious to the worker.

B. If a family unit member is potentially eligible for other benefits, such as Social Security Benefits, Veterans Benefits, or Supplemental Security Income, he is required to apply for these benefits.

C. Procedures for Applications

When the caseworker determines a family member is required to apply for UIB or other benefits, take the following actions.

1. Use the DSS-8146A to notify the family member he is required to apply for UIB or other benefits. Give him at least 12 days to apply for the benefits.

2. Inform the family that if the parent or a family member has a disability that makes it difficult to apply for UIB or other benefits, the agency will assist the individual in applying for those benefits as a reasonable accommodation.

3. Verify the family member's application for unemployment benefits by completing an ESC/UIB On-line Inquiry. Verify application for other benefits by contacting the source. If unable to obtain verification, accept the family’s statement.

4. If the family member has not applied for UIB or other benefits by the deadline set, determine the reason for the failure to do so. If the parent or a family member has been unable to complete the application for reasons related to a disability (such as having a disability that makes it difficult for the individual to travel to the other agency to complete an application, or caring for a family member with a disability, or having a cognitive or learning disability that makes it difficult to read and complete the application, give the parent additional time to complete the application and provide assistance in doing so as a reasonable accommodation.) If the family member has not applied for UIB or other benefits by the deadline set and the caseworker has ruled out the possibility that there is a disability-related reason for the failure, deny the application. Always evaluate the family for Medicaid eligibility.

5. If the family member has applied for UIB or other benefits but has not received any benefits yet, process the application. Do not count the income. Flag the case to review for receipt of benefits.

6. If the family member has applied for and has already begun receiving benefits, process the application. Follow the procedures in V. below to calculate the amount of benefits to count.

D. Procedures for Ongoing Cases

When the caseworker determines a family member is required to apply for UIB or other benefits, take the following steps.

1. Notify the family member that he is required to apply for UIB or other benefits. Give him at least 12 days to apply.

2. Verify the family member's application for UIB by completing an ESC/UIB On-line Inquiry. Verify application for other benefits by contacting the source. If unable to obtain verification, accept the family’s statement.

3. If the family member fails to apply for UIB or other benefits by the deadline set, send an automated timely notice to terminate assistance.

4. If the family member applies for UIB or other benefits by the deadline set, but has not begun receiving benefits, flag the case to review for receipt of benefits. Do not count as income any benefits unless the family member actually receives the benefits.

5. If the family member applies for and begins receiving benefits by the deadline set, follow procedures in V. below to determine the amount.