Work First Table of Contents

001 - WORK FIRST PREFACE & PHILOSOPHY

THE MOVE TO WORK FIRST

THE EFFECT ON FAMILIES AND LOCAL SERVICE DELIVERY

PHILOSOPHY OF WORK FIRST

ROLE OF STAKEHOLDERS

THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WORK FIRST

003 – THE PLANNING PROCESS FOR WORK FIRST

I. THE STATE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) PLAN

II. ELECTING COUNTIES

III. THE PLANNING PROCESS

IV. REQUIRED PLAN ELEMENTS

V. OPTIONAL PLAN ELEMENTS

VI. REQUIRED FOR ELECTING COUNTIES

VII. LIMITATIONS ON ELECTING COUNTY POLICIES

VIII. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

IX. SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES (AT OR BELOW 200% OF POVERTY)

X. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

XI. EXEMPTION FROM THE WORK REQUIREMENT

XII. AMENDMENTS TO COUNTY PLANS

101 – INITIAL SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

I. INTAKE

II. RECEPTION

III. PURPOSE OF THE INITIAL SCREENING

IV. CONDUCTING THE SCREENING/ASSESSMENT INTERVIEW

V. REFERRAL POSSIBILITIES

VI. OUTCOMES OF THE SCREENING INTERVIEW

VII. DOCUMENTING THE INITIAL SCREENING AND ASSESSMENT

102 - SHORT-TERM SERVICES AND BENEFITS

I. BENEFIT DIVERSION

II. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

III. WORK FIRST SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME FAMILIES (BELOW 200% OF POVERTY)

IV. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES FOR NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

103 - PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

I. WHAT IS PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY?

II. WHAT IS THE MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT?

III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CARETAKERS DO NOT SIGN THEIR MRA?

IV. WHAT ARE THE WORK REQUIREMENTS?

V. THE CHILD SUPPORT REQUIREMENT

VI. THE IMMUNIZATION AND MEDICAL EXAM REQUIREMENT

VII. THE SCHOOL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

VIII. MINOR PARENT REQUIREMENTS

**IX. WHAT ARE THE WORK FIRST REPORTING REQUIREMENTS?**

104 – THE APPLICATION INTERVIEW

I. WHO MAY APPLY?

II. WHAT IS THE FAMILY UNIT AND WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE INCLUDED?

III. WHAT IS THE BUDGET UNIT, AND WHO IS INCLUDED?

IV. RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

V. SUMMARY OF VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

VI. EXPLAINING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

VII. SERVICES YOU MUST EXPLAIN TO ALL APPLICANTS

VIII. DOCUMENTING THE CASE RECORD

IX. COMPLETING AND SIGNING THE APPLICATION (DSS-8124)

104A - INDIVIDUAL CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

I. AN INDIVIDUAL’S NEEDS CAN NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE NEED STANDARD WHEN THE INDIVIDUAL IS:

II. BENEFIT CALCULATION

III. TREATMENT OF INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF CLASS H OR I CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE ABUSE FELONY OFFENSES

IV. DOCUMENTATION

104B - SUBSTANCE ABUSE/MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

I. BACKGROUND

II. REQUIRED SUBSTANCE ABUSE SCREENING OF ALL ADULT WORK FIRST APPLICANTS/ RECIPIENTS

III. REFERRAL TO A QPSA FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE

IV. NON-COMPLIANCE FOR APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT

V. NON-COMPLIANCE FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE FOR APPLICANTS AND RECIPIENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY RECEIVED WORK FIRST ASSISTANCE

VI. TIME CLOCK/PARTICIPANT HOURS

VII. CONFIDENTIALITY

VIII. VOLUNTARY MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING

IX. MENTAL HEALTH Screening

104C - FIRST STOP EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE

I. WHAT IS FIRST STOP?

II. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR FIRST STOP REGISTRATION?

III. DESCRIPTION OF COUNTY OPTIONS FOR APPLICATIONS

IV. FIRST STOP REGISTRATION FOR ACTIVE RECIPIENTS AT REVIEW

V. WHO IS EXEMPT FROM FIRST STOP WORK REGISTRATION?

VI. ARE THERE PROVISIONS FOR HOMEBOUND OR HOSPITALIZED INDIVIDUALS?

VII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN APPLICANT’S EXEMPTION STATUS CHANGES?

VIII. HOW DO I VERIFY FIRST STOP REGISTRATION?

IX. CAN I FOLLOW-UP ON THE PROGRESS THAT AN APPLICANT OR CLIENT IS MAKING WITH ESC?

X. DOES ESC PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL TOOLS TO MONITOR A CLIENT/ APPLICANT’S PROGRESS?

XI. AM I REQUIRED TO SUPPLY ESC WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPLICANT?

XII. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE ACCESS TO THE ESC SCREENS?

XIII. WHAT HAPPENS IF AN APPLICANT MOVES FROM ONE COUNTY TO ANOTHER COUNTY AFTER REGISTERING FOR FIRST STOP?

104D – FAMILY VIOLENCE OPTION

I. FAMILY VIOLENCE

II. OVERVIEW

III. LOCAL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

IV. TRAINING

V. INFORMATION CONCERNING FAMILY VIOLENCE

VI. REQUIRED NOTIFICATION OF WORK FIRST PARTICIPANTS

VII. SCREENING OF WORK FIRST APPLICANTS/RECIPIENTS

VIII. ASSESSMENT

IX. ASSESSMENT REPORT

X. TWO-PARENT HOUSEHOLDS

XI. WAIVER REQUEST

XII. EXTENSIONS TO TIME CLOCK

XIII. MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT

XIV. CORROBORATION OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

XV. SUPPORTIVE SERVICES

XVI. CHANGE IN COUNTY RESIDENCE

XVII. VOLUNTARY NATURE OF SCREENING, ASSESSMENT, AND WAIVER

XVIII. CONFIDENTIALITY

XIX. CONSEQUENCES FOR NONPARTICIPATION

XX. REFERRAL TO CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES

XXI. NOTIFICATION TO CHILD SUPPORT

105 - FEDERAL 60-MONTH TIME LIMIT

I. BACKGROUND

II. VERIFICATION OF RECEIPT OF ASSISTANCE IN ANOTHER STATE

III. REVIEWING CASES APPROACHING THE TIME LIMIT

IV. APPEALS

V. HARDSHIP EXEMPTIONS

VI. HARDSHIP EXEMPTION HEARINGS

VII. CASE MANAGEMENT OF HARDSHIP CASES

VIII. CASES APPROACHING THE END OF THE EXEMPTION PERIOD

105A – WORK FIRST 24-MONTH TIME LIMIT

I. WORK FIRST 24-MONTH TIME LIMIT

II. STARTING THE 24-MONTH TIME CLOCK

III. STOPPING THE 24-MONTH TIME CLOCK

IV. REVIEWING CASES AND ADJUSTING THE 24-MONTH TIME CLOCK

V. APPEALS AND EXTENSIONS

VI. REQUESTING AN EXTENSION

VII. GRANTING AN EXTENSION

VIII. DENYING AN EXTENSION

IX. CASES APPROACHING THE END OF THE EXTENSION PERIOD

X. FAMILIES MOVING FROM ANOTHER COUNTY

106 - FAMILY CAP

I. WHAT IS A FAMILY CAP

II. WHICH CHILDREN ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THE FAMILY CAP

III. APPLYING THE FAMILY CAP POLICY

IV. FAMILY CAP TRACKING IN EIS

V. SPECIAL CASE SITUATIONS

107 - MINOR PARENT RULES

I. WHAT ARE THE MINOR PARENT RULES?

II. WHO RECEIVES THE PAYMENT FOR THE MINOR PARENT?

III. HOW DOES THE CASEWORKER ASSURE THE MINOR PARENT MEETS THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS?

108 - STATE/COUNTY RESIDENCE RULE

**I. WHAT IS THE RESIDENCE RULE FOR WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE?**

II. HOW DO YOU VERIFY A FAMILY'S RESIDENCE?

III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MOVES FROM ONE COUNTY IN NORTH CAROLINA TO ANOTHER?

IV. WHAT HAPPENS IF A FAMILY MEMBER FRAUDULENTLY MISREPRESENTS HIS RESIDENCE?

109 - AGE RULE FOR CHILDREN

I. THE AGE RULE FOR A CHILD TO RECEIVE WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE

II. EMANCIPATION OF A CHILD

III. VERIFICATION OF THE AGE OF A CHILD

110 - RULE TO APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

I. WHAT IS THE RULE TO APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER?

II. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE FAMILY DOES NOT PROVIDE THE NUMBERS OR APPLY FOR THE NUMBERS?

III. HOW DO YOU VERIFY THAT THE FAMILY MEETS THE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER RULE?

IV. WHAT IS THE PROCESS WHEN A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IS APPLIED FOR AT BIRTH FOR A NEWBORN?

V. HOW DOES A FAMILY APPLY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR FOR A DUPLICATE NUMBER?

111 CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRANT RULES

I. WHAT ARE THE CITIZENSHIP/IMMIGRANT RULES FOR WORK FIRST?

II. WHO IS A UNITED STATES CITIZEN?

III. HOW DO YOU ESTABLISH AND DOCUMENT UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP/IDENTITY?

**IV. FOR OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT U. S. CITIZENS, HOW DO YOU DETERMINE THE QUALIFIED IMMIGRATION STATUS AND WHETHER THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE?**

V. CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY OF BATTERED IMMIGRANTS

**VI. THE FIVE-YEAR EXCLUSION FOR RECEIPT OF WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE:**

VII. WHAT ARE THE RESTRICTIONS FOR SPONSORED IMMIGRANTS?

VIII. HOW DO YOU VERIFY IMMIGRATION STATUS WHEN THE IMMIGRANT PROVIDES INSUFFICIENT USCIS DOCUMENTATION?

IX. WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR SOVIET JEWISH REFUGEES?

X. WHAT ARE THE SPECIAL PROVISIONS FOR VICTIMS OF SEVERE TRAFFICKING?

XI. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REPORTING ILLEGAL PRESENCE IN THE UNITED STATES?

112 - KINSHIP/LIVING WITH RULE

I. WHAT IS THE KINSHIP/LIVING WITH RULE?

II. WHICH ADULTS MEET THE KINSHIP RULE?

III. WHAT HAPPENS IN CASES OF JOINT CUSTODY?

IV. HOW DO I VERIFY KINSHIP AND LIVING WITH?

V. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER IS TEMPORARILY ABSENT FROM THE HOME?

VI. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PARENT FAILS TO REPORT THE CHILD WILL BE ABSENT FROM THE HOME LONGER THAN 90 DAYS?

114 – INCOME AND BUDGETING

I. WHOSE INCOME IS COUNTED

II. APPLYING FOR OTHER BENEFITS.

III. WHAT INCOME IS COUNTED

IV. BUDGETING INCOME

V. BUDGETING NEW OR CHANGED INCOME

VI. BUDGETING TERMINATED INCOME

VII. BUDGETING CONTRACT INCOME

VIII. ANNUALIZED SELF-EMPLOYMENT INCOME

IX. JOB BONUS AND EARNED INCOME DEDUCTION

X. THE WORK FIRST PAYMENT CALCULATION

XI. WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE REPORTING

XII. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHILD SUPPORT

XIII. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS

XIV. SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES

XV. SCHOLARSHIPS AND OTHER EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE

XVI. WORK RELEASE FUNDS

XVII. LUMP-SUM PAYMENTS

XVIII SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR BANK ACCOUNTS

115 - RESOURCES

**I. WHAT ARE THE WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE RESOURCE RULES?**

II. WHICH RESOURCES COUNT AND WHICH DO NOT?

III. CONTACTING A BANK OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

116 - CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

I. CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE

II. ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS TO CHILD SUPPORT

III. THE RULES ABOUT COOPERATION WITH CHILD SUPPORT

IV. GOOD CAUSE FOR NOT MAKING A REFERRAL

V. STEPS TO FOLLOW IF THE FAMILY CLAIMS TO HAVE GOOD CAUSE FOR NOT MAKING A REFERRAL.

VI. REQUIREMENTS AFTER GOOD CAUSE HAS BEEN DETERMINED

VII. THE AFFIDAVIT OF PARENTAGE

VIII. MAKING A REFERRAL TO CHILD SUPPORT SERVICES

IX. FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH CHILD SUPPORT WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE

117 - ONGOING ASSESSMENT AND SERVICES

PREFACE: CORE VALUES

I. INITIAL ASSESSMENT

II. Ongoing Assessments

III. Keys To Effective Use Of Assessment Instruments

IV. Reassessment of Cases Prior to Three (3) or Twelve (12) Months of Termination

V. HOME VISIT ASSESSMENTS

VI. FEDERAL DISABILITY LAWS AND EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

VII. SERVICES and REFERRALS

VIII. Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Security Administration Referrals

IX. Interpreter Services

X. Substance Abuse/Domestic Violence

XI. Protective Services

XII. Resources and Service Provision

118 – WORK REQUIREMENTS AND SERVICES

I. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

II. WORK-ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS

III. FEDERAL WORK ACTIVITIES

IV. STATE WORK ACTIVITIES

V. WORK ACTIVITIES CHART

VI. PARTICIPATION RATES

119 - WORK FIRST FOR TWO-PARENT FAMILIES

I. BACKGROUND

II. WHO IS SUBJECT TO PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE?

III. WHAT ARE THE PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS?

IV. APPLYING THE POLICY

V. VERIFICATION PROCEDURES

VI. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SECOND PARENT ENTERS THE HOME OR IS NO LONGER INCAPACITATED?

VII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE PARENT LEAVES THE HOME?

VIII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN ONE PARENT BECOMES INCAPACITATED?

IX. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A NEWBORN JOINS A PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE CASE?

X. WHAT HAPPENS IN MONTHS THAT A TWO-PARENT FAMILY DOES NOT RECEIVE A WORK FIRST PAYMENT?

XI. CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS FOR CASES IN PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE

XII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TWO-PARENT FAMILY IN PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE STATUS DOES NOT COMPLY?

XIII. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A TWO-PARENT PAY-AFTER-PERFORMANCE CASE MOVES TO ANOTHER COUNTY?

XIV. DETERMINING INCAPACITY

120 - SANCTIONS

I. BACKGROUND

II. SANCTION FOR FAILURE TO COOPERATE WITH CHILD SUPPORT

III. SANCTION FOR FAILURE TO MEET PROVISIONS OF THE MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT

IV. HOW DOES THE WORK FIRST SANCTION AFFECT THE FAMILY’S FOOD STAMP BENEFITS?

V. CHILD CARE EXCEPTION TO A MRA SANCTION FOR WORK-RELATED REASON (APPLICABLE ONLY TO SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES)

VI. HOW SANCTIONS AFFECT APPLICATIONS

VII. HOW DO SANCTIONS AFFECT TIME LIMITS AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES?

VIII. CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS FOR CASES IN SANCTION

IX. DO SANCTIONS CONTINUE WHEN A FAMILY MOVES FROM ONE STANDARD COUNTY TO ANOTHER?

X. MOVING FROM AN ELECTING COUNTY TO A STANDARD COUNTY

XI. MOVING FROM A STANDARD COUNTY TO A ELECTING COUNTY

XII. RESPONSIBILITY OF WORK FIRST WORKERS TO FAMILIES UNDER SANCTION

130 – APPLICATION PROCESSING

I. BACKGROUND

II. ADMINISTRATIVE APPLICATIONS/ACTIONS

III. TIME STANDARDS

IV. REOPENING AN APPLICATION

V. APPLICANTS MOVING TO ANOTHER COUNTY

VI. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PAYMENT/MEDICAID COVERAGE

VII. APPROVING AN APPLICATION

VIII. ISSUANCE OF BENEFITS

IX. DENYING AN APPLICATION

X. OPEN/SHUT DISPOSITIONS

XI. APPROVAL FOR FUTURE EFFECTIVE DATE

XII. Withdrawals

XIII. APPLICATION FOR AN ADDITIONAL PERSON(S)

140 – Automated Inquiry and Match Procedures

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

II. EMPLOYMENT SECURITY COMMISSION (ESC)

III. BENEFICIARY DATA EXCHANGE (BENDEX)

IV. STATE DATA EXCHANGE (SDX)

V. BENEFICIARY EARNINGS EXCHANGE REPORT (BEER) AND FINANCIAL RESOURCE REPORT (FRR)

VII. SECURITY PROCEDURES

VIII. COUNTY ACTION REQUIREMENTS

IX. DESTRUCTION

X. OTHER SECURITY MEASURES

XI. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (DOT) INQUIRY

XIII. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION (DOC) INQUIRY

XIV. CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT’S AUTOMATED COLLECTION AND TRACKING SYSTEM (ACTS) NEW HIRE SCREEN

XV. NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF NEW HIRE (NDNH)

201 – REVIEWS FOR WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE

I. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE ELIGIBILTY REVIEWS?

II. WHAT INTERVIEW METHODS MAY BE USED?

III. WHAT IS THE PENALTY FOR A FAMILY THAT DOES NOT COMPLETE THE REVIEW?

IV. WHAT IF CITIZENSHIP AND IDENTITY HAVE NOT BEEN DOCUMENTED?

IV. HOW DO I VERIFY AND DOCUMENT THE FAMILY'S ELIGIBILITY?

202 - CHANGES IN SITUATION

I. WHAT ARE THE RULES FOR CHANGES IN SITUATION?

**II. HOW DO I AUTHORIZE AUTOMATIC NEWBORN MEDICAID COVERAGE FOR A NEWBORN IN AN ONGOING WORK FIRST CASE?**

**III. HOW DO I ADD AN INDIVIDUAL TO A WORK FIRST CASE (THIS IS AN INCLUSION). ?**

IV. HOW DO I PROCESS CHANGES OTHER THAN INCLUSIONS?

V. HOW DO I EVALUATE FOR MEDICAID BENEFITS?

203 - ADMINISTRATIVE REOPEN/REAPPLICATION

I. WHAT IS AN ADMINISTRATIVE REOPEN/REAPPLICATION?

II. HOW DO YOU ASSESS THE FAMILY’S SITUATION FOR AN ADMINISTRATIVE REOPEN/REAPPLICATION?

III. COMPLETING AN ADMINISTRATIVE REAPPLICATION

IV. CASES ELIGIBLE FOR WORK FIRST IN THE FIRST MONTH BUT INELIGIBLE FOR ONGOING WORK FIRST

V. COUNTY REASSIGNMENTS

204 - CHANGE IN COUNTY OF RESIDENCE

I. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MOVES FROM ONE COUNTY TO ANOTHER WITHIN NORTH CAROLINA?

**II. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MOVES OUT OF MY COUNTY?**

**III. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A FAMILY MOVES INTO MY COUNTY?**

205 - PAYMENT RULES FOR PAYEES

**I. WHO IS THE PAYEE FOR THE WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE PAYMENT?**

II. WHO CAN BE A PROTECTIVE PAYEE?

III. WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR APPOINTING A PROTECTIVE PAYEE?

206 - SSI AND 1634 MEDICAID

I. WHAT IS 1634 MEDICAID?

II. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO IF A FAMILY MEMBER GETS 1634 MEDICAID?

207 – FRAUD AND INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATIONS

I. DISQUALIFICATION FOR INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATION

II. LIMITATIONS

III. TIMELY ACTION

IV. HEARING OFFICER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE DISQUALIFICATION HEARINGS

V. ADVANCE NOTICE OF HEARING

VI. SCHEDULING OF HEARING

VII. FAILURE OF THE WORK FIRST UNIT MEMBER TO APPEAR

VIII. NOTIFICATION FOLLOWING WAIVER OF HEARING

IX. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE HEARING

X. ATTENDANCE AT THE HEARING

XI. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF PARTICIPANTS

XII. DUTIES OF THE HEARING OFFICER

XIII. THE WORK FIRST UNIT MEMBER

XIV. THE COUNTY DEPARTMENT

XV. CONDUCTING THE HEARING

XVI. HEARING RECORD

XVII. HEARING DECISION

XVIII. HEARING OFFICER’S DECISION

XIX. STATE LEVEL DECISION

XX. OVERTURNED INTENTIONAL PROGRAM VIOLATION DISQUALIFICATION

XXI. DISQUALIFICATION PENALTIES

XXII. NOTIFICATION-REPAYMENT NOT DIRECTED BY THE COURT

XXIII. NOTIFICATION-REPAYMENT DIRECTED BY THE COURT

210 - PAYMENT PROCEDURES

I. BENEFIT ISSUANCE

II. RETURNED AND UNDELIVERABLE WORK FIRST CHECKS

III. PAYMENT FOR DECEASED PAYEE

IV. LOST OR STOLEN CHECKS

V. Returning Funds not Spent by a Protective Payee

263 - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: PART I - OVERPAYMENTS

I. RESPONSIBILITY AND REQUIREMENTS

II. WHEN AN OVERPAYMENT OCCURS

III. HOW TO CALCULATE AN OVERPAYMENT

IV. HOW TO COLLECT RECIPIENT RESPONSIBLE OVERPAYMENTS

V. COLLECTION OF RECIPIENT RESPONSIBLE OVERPAYMENTS WHEN FAMILIES MOVE FROM ONE COUNTY TO ANOTHER

VI. HOW TO REPORT COUNTY RESPONSIBLE OVERPAYMENTS - ACTIVE AND INACTIVE CASES

VII. STATE RESPONSIBLE OVERPAYMENTS - ACTIVE AND INACTIVE CASES

VIII. HOW TO REPORT RECIPIENT RESPONSIBLE OVERPAYMENTS - ACTIVE AND INACTIVE CASES

263 - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: PART II – UNDERPAYMENTS

I. REQUIREMENTS

II. HOW TO CALCULATE AN UNDERPAYMENT

III. HOW TO REIMBURSE THE RECIPIENT

263 - FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: PART III – RECONCILIATION

I. Compare the overpayment and underpayment when they both occur during the same period and are both recipient responsible.

II. If an overpayment and underpayment occur during the same period and are both county responsible, the county must reimburse the recipient for the underpayment. The overpayment is collected by State Office adjustment.

III. When an overpayment and underpayment occur during the same period and are not both county responsible, the county cannot determine a net overpayment or underpayment. Also, if an overpayment and/or underpayment occur during the same period and are not both recipient responsible, the county cannot determine a net overpayment or underpayment. In these situations, reimburse the recipient for any county responsible underpayments. Collect from the recipient any recipient responsible overpayments. A county responsible overpayment is collected by State Office adjustment.

IV. If a family unit is ineligible for a payment from which a collection was deducted, do not credit the family with the deduction. Add the collection amount, plus the ineligible payment amount, to the original overpayment balance. That amount is the new overpayment balance.

264 - NOTICE AND HEARINGS PROCESS

I. NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

II. NOTICE OF BENEFITS

III. NOTICE OF DENIAL OR WITHDRAWAL

IV. WORK FIRST/MEDICAID NOTICE OF INQUIRY, DSS –8191I (Figure 10)

V. NOTICE TO TERMINATE OR CHANGE BENEFITS

VI. TIMELY NOTICE

VII. ADEQUATE NOTICE

VIII. NOTICE REGISTER REPORT

IX. HEARINGS PROCESS

X. LOCAL HEARING

XI. STATE HEARING

For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.