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DSS ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER NO. FOOD ASSISTANCE AND ENERGY PROGRAMS 02-2003
(Food Stamps)
TO: County Directors of Social Services
ATTENTION: Food Stamp Supervisors
SUBJECT: Implementation of New Alien Policy Restoring Eligibility Effective October 1, 2003
EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 2003
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-171) restores food stamp eligibility to certain legal immigrants who lost eligibility under the 1996 Welfare Reform legislation. Beginning October 2003 qualified and otherwise eligible immigrant children under age 18 will be eligible to receive food stamps regardless of when they entered the United States. Beginning September 1, 2003, county agencies must use the following policy and procedures for processing food stamp cases with household members affected by this new legislation.
II. POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Any qualified immigrant child under age 18 who meets all other program requirements may begin receiving food stamp benefits effective October 1, 2003 and is no longer subject to sponsor deeming requirements.
III. IMPLEMENTATION INSTRUCTIONS
Effective September 1, 2003, follow the new policy for applications, recertifications, or changes in situation for cases that include household members affected by this change.
A. Determine eligibility and benefit amounts for households with previously ineligible qualified aliens using the same application for September and October 2003. Determine eligibility and benefit amounts for September 2003 using existing food stamp policy. Apply the new guidelines to appropriate household members to determine eligibility and benefit amounts for October 2003. Process all applications within the normal time frames.
B. Screen households at recertification to determine if any previously ineligible household member is eligible under the new guidelines. If so, include the individual in the new certification period.
C. Evaluate food stamp cases if a change in situation occurs between September 1, 2003, and October 1, 2003. Add eligible individuals back to the food stamp case effective October 1, 2003.
D. Eliminate deemed sponsored income for children under age 18 at the next reported change, recertification or re-application after October 1, 2003.
If you have any questions, please contact your Food Assistance and Energy Program Representative.
Sincerely,
John Tanner, Chief
Adult and Economic Services
JT/djk
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office. |
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