All DHR Documents by Issue Date

Issue Date: 9/3/1992
Control #: 93-09
Subject: Cost of Living Adjustments for 10/92
Effective Date: 10/1/1992
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9309.pdf

Food Stamp Program cost of living adjustments occur annually, to be effective the first of October of each year, as mandated by federal statute. This normally requires some reprogramming to AIMS to update the allotment tables, the eligibility income standards and certain deductions. Allotment amounts and the other cost of living adjustments are tied to market basket prices for certain food items. Then the cost of these items is used to compute the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) which is the basis for the food stamp allo"ment tables. This year is different because the cost of the market basket items used to compute the TFP have actually decreased which would have resulted in a decrease in allotments. A special bill was introduced and quickly passed through both the House and the senate which will keep allotments the same as last year. Eligibility income standards and certain deductions will increase effective October 1, 1992.

Issue Date: 7/24/1995
Control #: 96-01
Subject: Waiver for Handling Food Stamp Claims
Effective Date: 7/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9601.pdf

This transmittal is to notify local departments of approval by the Food and Consumer Service (FCS) of a waiver to allow local departments to discard inadvertent household error ( I H E ) and administrative error (AE) claims under $100.

Issue Date: 7/26/1995
Control #: 96-02
Subject: Form DHR/IMA689 - Choosing your Food Stamp Head of Household
Effective Date: 7/26/1995
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9602.pdf

Action Transmittal #94-33 provided instructions for allowing food stamp households that have a parent with children in the home to select that parent as head of household. The form that the household uses to confirm that choice was printed, but never distributed. The DHR Warehouse will send forms to your agency the week of July 10, 1995.

Issue Date: 7/31/1995
Control #: 96-03
Subject: AIMS OTO Data Entered on Saturday
Effective Date: 8/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFDC-UP, GPA-PW, FS
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9603.pdf

Local Departments of Social Services staff working on weekends are completing OTO issuance ( AIPO , AIPI , AIFO , and AIFI ) transactions. Data entry operators are then processing these OTOs on the weekends. Usually, only one benefit or check is issued. However, this can generate two benefit issuances and an overpayment.

Issue Date: 8/21/1995
Control #: 96-04
Subject: AFDC Overpayments - ATMS
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: AFDC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9604.pdf

At times an ATM will make an error which allows the recipient to receive too much cash. When this happens, there is an AFDC overpayment. This transmittal outlines the procedures for handling these overpayments.

Issue Date: 9/13/1995
Control #: 96-05
Subject: Food Stamp Mass Change - October 1995
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9605.pdf

This transmittal is to notify local departments of social services of the increases in some food stamp deductions and maximum allotments. These increases are pending Federal legislation.

Issue Date: 9/18/1995
Control #: 96-06
Subject: Medical Expense Reporting and Verification
Effective Date: 9/18/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9606.pdf

This obsoletes Action Transmittal OPA 95-11 dated August 1, 1994, which notified local departments of the simplified reporting requirements for eligible households to claim the excess medical expense deduction.

Issue Date: 9/20/1995
Control #: 96-08
Subject: Vehicles
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9608.pdf

This transmits the increase in the fair market value exclusion for vehicles to $4600.

Issue Date: 9/25/1995
Control #: 96-07
Subject: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disablility Insurance (SSDI) Payments Based on Drug Addiction and/or Alcoholism (DAA)
Effective Date: 9/25/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9607.pdf

Applicants for SSI and SSDI disability payments must usually wait several months before they are approved to receive payment. The first payment was a lump-sum amount that included retroactive payments back to the month of application. The lump-sum amount for the retroactive payment was counted as a nonrecurring lump-sum payment and excluded as income for food stamps because it was always given in one payment.

Issue Date: 9/25/1995
Control #: 96-09
Subject: Child Support Deduction
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9609.pdf

This provides policy to implement the child support deduction.

Issue Date: 9/28/1995
Control #: 96-10
Subject: Changes in the Maryland Medicaid Management Information Systems (MMIS)
Effective Date: 9/25/1995
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9610.pdf

On December 4 , 1995, The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will convert from the current Maryland Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) to MMIS-11.

Issue Date: 10/1/1995
Control #: 96-05
Subject: tables
Effective Date: 10/1/1995
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9605a.pdf

COUPON ALLOTMENTS BY HOUSEHOLD S I Z E MONTtlLY NET : NUMBER OF PERSONS I N THE HOUSEHOLD

Issue Date: 10/16/1995
Control #: 96-11
Subject: Maryland Energy Assistance program (MEAP) FY'96 Operations
Effective Date: 11/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: All IMA Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9611.pdf

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) will begin taking applications on November 1, 1995 for the 1995-1996 heating season. This memo will address the major MEAP-related issues that will affect Local Departments of Social Services this year. Please take special note of Part E: "EAFC Interface with MEAP and USPP", Part F: MEAP Outreach through Cooperation Efforts of IMA and LDSS's, and the "Action Required" section at the end of this transmittal.

Issue Date: 10/26/1995
Control #: 96-13
Subject: Child Support Deduction
Effective Date: 10/26/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9613.pdf

This provides a corrected page to Action Transmittal IMA OPA #96-09 issued September 25, 1995.

Issue Date: 11/6/1995
Control #: 96-15
Subject: Revised 402 and 4204 Medical Forms
Effective Date: 11/6/1995
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9615.pdf

This transmittal will outline the use of revised medical report forms 402 and 4204. These revised forms will reduce time needed to determine individuals disabled for Income Maintenance programs and Supplemental Security Income. These revised forms will collect, at the beginning of the process, pertinent medical information regarding a person's disability to assist in making determinations quickly and accurately.

Issue Date: 11/6/1995
Control #: 96-12
Subject: Revised State Review Team (SRT) - Procedures
Effective Date: 11/6/1995
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9612.pdf

This action transmittal outlines changes in Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) and State Review Team (SRT) procedures and guidelines in the following areas: 1. Establishes client eligibility notification procedures for wwnot disabledfw. 2. Clarifies when to submit HIV/AIDS cases to SRT. 3. Explains when additional documentation is needed for Medical Assistance retroactive period requests. 4. Clarifies appeals procedures involving SRT disability decisions. 5. Establishes procedures for handling the Medical Evaluation Form (DHR/IMA 402B) with a less than 12 month period of disability or evidence of current work activity.

Issue Date: 11/9/1995
Control #: 96-16
Subject: Food Stamp Eligibility for Persons Residing in Group Living Arrangements
Effective Date: 11/9/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9616.pdf

This transmittal supersedes Action Transmittal IMA OPA 95-60 issued June 23, 1995, and IMA OPA 94-43 issued June 29, 1994, and Information Memo OPA 92-04 issued July 1, 1991. An overview of the food stamp policy relating to group living arrangements (GLA) is provided, including specific information affecting recipients receiving Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) households.

Issue Date: 11/9/1995
Control #: 96-17
Subject: Inaccessible Resources
Effective Date: 11/9/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9617.pdf

This expands the criteria by which property can be considered inaccessible to households in the calculation of their resources.

Issue Date: 11/13/1995
Control #: 96-18
Subject: Identifying and Serving POC Self Initiatied Clients and AFDC Recipients Working and Exempt
Effective Date: 11/6/1995
Program(s) Affected: Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Purchase of Child Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9618.pdf

This Action Transmittal outlines procedures for identifying and serving AFDC clients in need of Purchase of Child Day Care (POC) services who are POC self initiated or working and exempt from PI participation.

Issue Date: 11/17/1995
Control #: 96-19
Subject: Decrease in the Standard Deduction
Effective Date: 12/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9619.pdf

This transmittal notifies local departments of a decrease in the standard deduction

Issue Date: 11/22/1995
Control #: 96-20
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-of-Living Increases, and Related Increases
Effective Date: 11/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: All Categories of Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Non-PA Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9620.pdf

Historically, Social Security (Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance - RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. Generally, to take these changes into account for grant and Food Stamp purposes, the affected cases are processed according to mass change procedures as described herein. For medical assistance purposes, the impact of these benefit increases is also described in this Action Transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/4/1995
Control #: 96-21
Subject: MMIS-II Implementation/CARES
Effective Date: 12/4/1995
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9621.pdf

The following Action Transmittal is an addendum to AT 96-10 issued on 9 / 2 8 / 9 5 regarding changes in the Maryland Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS) as they related to Non-CARES transactions. The aforementioned transmittal outlined new procedures effective 1 2 / 4 / 9 5 in Section 111. This action transmittal should be used in conjunction with AT 96-10 in reference to those new procedures as they relate to CARES transactions.

Issue Date: 12/15/1995
Control #: 96-25
Subject: Medical Assistance Decision Dates ("C" Codes)
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFDC-UP, and MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9625.pdf

Whenever action is taken to cancel an AFDC case, action must also be taken on medical assistance. If the ineligible AFDC case is also determined to no longer be eligible for medical assistance, the medical assistance coverage is canceled by entering a "C" in the AIMS field MA DECISION.AFDC cases that are canceled, but still eligible for medical assistance include cases entitled to the AFDC/MA extension, cases that require a NPA/MA redetermination, and cases that have moved to a new jurisdiction and are entitled to have medical assistance benefits continued until a redetermination has been done. These cases have the medical assistance coverage continued by entering a "N" in the AIMS field MA DECISION. Cases coded with a "N" require an 8000 form to close or change the category of medical assistance as part of the redetermination process. If an AFDC case is closed and it is necessary to rescind the closing, an 8000 is required to reopen the medical assistance, if the closing is rescinded after the date that DHMH has been notified through the automated process. The date that DHMH is notified is the 'IC1I Tape Cut-off Date. This Action transmittal lists the 'IC" Tape dates for 1996.

Issue Date: 12/15/1995
Control #: 96-23
Subject: 1996 Schedule for Bonus Issuance
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFCD-UP, and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9623.pdf

The schedule for the child support bonus benefit issuance is attached. Local departments that use the PC Diskette Child Support system are to contact Margaret Fowler at 767-7266 if they experience problems with meeting time-lines for submitting the diskettes. In local departments that are up on CARES, the child support bonus benefit will continue to be available on the same date that the AFDC benefit is available during the first week in the month. Resolve any questions or problems by calling the OIM HELP desk at 1-800-347-1350 or (410) 767-7002.

Issue Date: 12/18/1995
Control #: 96-22
Subject: National Voter registration Act of 1993
Effective Date: 12/1/1995
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9622.pdf

This Action Transmittal restates the requirements of NVRA and makes AT 95-39 obsolete. Additionally, effective December 1, 1995, state level coordination of voter registration activities will transfer from the Office of Policy Administration to the Office of Quality Assurance. Finally, the Voter Registration Report (DHR 779), was modified to capture the full range of voter registration activities taking place in the local department of social services. The expanded reporting format of the DHR 779 is not an indication of incomplete reporting in the past. Instead, the added information demonstrates our comprehensive effort to implement voter registration.

Issue Date: 12/22/1995
Control #: 96-26
Subject: Disqualification Penalties
Effective Date: 2/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9626.pdf

This transmittal notifies local departments of a change in policy regarding disqualification penalties.

Issue Date: 1/26/1996
Control #: 96-27
Subject: TEMHA Redesign
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Transactional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9627.pdf

This Action Transmittal will introduce the redesigned Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) program to be known, henceforth, as TEMHA 11. Contents are presented in a format that approximates the AIMS, CARES and Programs Manuals and will serve to establish the policy guidelines for TEMHA 11. This takes precedence over materials used in training and obsoletes Action Transmittal #95-57.

Issue Date: 2/5/1996
Control #: 96-29
Subject: Redeterminations of Medical Assistance Eligibility
Effective Date: 2/5/1996
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9629.pdf

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's (DHMH) System and Operations Administration is experiencing delays in supplying local departments with the monthly runs of labels required to process redeterminations of Medical Assistance eligibility. As a result of these delays, local department staff have been unable to perform the required redeterminations of eligibility prior to the end of customers' certification periods. This has placed the local departments in the position of having to choose to either close cases or allow them to automatically recertify on MMIS-11. In CARES jurisdictions this situation applies to programs not on CARES (i.e., MD. Kids Count, SLIMBY, Pharmacy Assistance, etc.)

Issue Date: 2/7/1996
Control #: 96-28
Subject: Joint Application Processing
Effective Date: 2/7/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9628.pdf

Maintenance Administration remind all local IM staff of the joint application processing requirements for Food Stamps provided for by the Food Stamp Act of 1977. The Social Security Administration is reaffirming existing procedures to SSA offices also.

Issue Date: 3/22/1996
Control #: 96-31
Subject: Food Stamp Categorical Eligibility for Recipients of Public Assistance to Adults
Effective Date: 3/22/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9631.pdf

Local departments were informed of food stamp eligibility for certain Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) recipients living in group living arrangements in Action Transmittal IMA OPA 95-60 dated June 23, 1995, which was subsequently superseded by IMA OPA 96-16.The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) recently provided the following clarification regarding categorical eligibility for these customers.

Issue Date: 4/1/1996
Control #: 96-40
Subject: Retro Medicaid Copy
Effective Date: 4/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9640.pdf

The Help Desk has identified a problem with the Retro Medicaid Copy function. When an applicant applies for Medical Assistance and requests coverage for up to three months prior to the application month, Retro Medicaid Copy is used. CARES will allow this only for new Assistance Units (AU's). If the screener or worker selects a prior Medical Assistance AU number that was either active or denied on CARES, Retro Medicaid Copy is not allowed.

Issue Date: 4/16/1996
Control #: 96-35
Subject: Restoring Food Stamp Benefits to PAA Recipients in Group Living Arrangements
Effective Date: 4/16/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9635.pdf

This transmittal provides policy and procedures for restoring food stamp benefits to Public Assistance to Adults recipients living in Group Living Arrangements (PAA) (GLA ) .

Issue Date: 4/16/1996
Control #: 96-33
Subject: Referrals to the Central Collection Unit (CCU) , Federal Tax Refund Offset Program (FTROP), and Federal Salary Offset Program (FSOP)
Effective Date: 4/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9633.pdf

This transmittal discusses ways to improve local departments' use of CCU's services. Additionally, it presents information about the new regulation regarding FTROP and FSOP, which were published at 60 FR 45990.

Issue Date: 4/16/1996
Control #: 96-34
Subject: Student Eligibility
Effective Date: 2/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9634.pdf

The Food and Consumer Service provided information about the Final Rule regarding student eligibility. Most of the provisions were implemented effective February 1, 1992, and were included in part 5 of IMA Action Transmittal OPDS 92-33 dated January 14, 1992. The Final Rule includes minor changes related to work study.

Issue Date: 4/19/1996
Control #: 96-36
Subject: MA Extensions and Pregnant Women and Children
Effective Date: 4/19/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, AFDC-UP, MA, MA-PWC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9636.pdf

Eligibility for MA extensions after the first six months is based on the customer's earned income falling below 185% of the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is adjusted anually in February.

Issue Date: 5/17/1996
Control #: 96-39
Subject: Verification of Reported Changes
Effective Date: 6/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9639.pdf

When the Food Stamp Act of 1977 was first implemented, Maryland chose the options for verification requirements and change reporting procedures. Because of recent workload reduction efforts, change reporting procedures have been modified.

Issue Date: 5/21/1996
Control #: 96-30 revised
Subject: Designation of Demonstration Project Groups 14 day Delay Child Specific Benefit
Effective Date: 5/21/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9630rev.pdf

Action Transmittal MA OPA #96-30 issued on March 20,1996, was amended on March 29, 1996. Because of the number of questions received fiom local departments concerning the Child Specific Benefit initiative, that Action Transmittal is being reorganized and revised to include those issues. This REVISED IMA OPA 96-30 replaces the original Action Transmittal.

Issue Date: 6/1/1996
Control #: 96-38
Subject: Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Forms 206N and 216
Effective Date: 6/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9638.pdf

The Maryland Medicaid Management Information System (MMIS-11) is designed primarily for electronic interfaces with the CARES system. As a result, transactions from Non-CARES jurisdictions, which require manual data entry on the MMIS-I1 system, can become extremely cumbersome and time consuming if all pertinent eligibility data for a recipient is not received by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) simultaneously. Specifically, this is in regard to the DHMH Forms 206N and 216.

Issue Date: 6/3/1996
Control #: 96-41
Subject: Comprehensive Program Review System (CPRS) For AIMS Jurisdictions
Effective Date: 6/17/1996
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9641.pdf

A workgroup of local supervisors and DHR staff has developed a CASE REVIEW SYSTEM called the Comprehensive Program Review System (CPRS) to replace the Supervisory Review System (SRS).

Issue Date: 6/17/1996
Control #: 96-56
Subject: AFDC-PW Special Needs Benefit
Effective Date: 6/17/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC-PW
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9656.pdf

In CARES, the calculation of an AFDC-PW grant is based on the GPA-PW standard. The GPA-PW parameter was changed to $125 on June 14, 1996. As a result of the GPA-PW grant reduction, CARES will not correctly calculate AFDC-PW. It will not recognize that a customer should receive the Special Needs Benefit and will subsequently pay only $179 (AFDC grant for 1 person plus Prenatal Need supplement). The AFCD-PW Special Needs and Prenatal Nutrition Benefits will be eliminated effective August 1, 1996, reducing the AFDC-PW grant amount to $165.

Issue Date: 6/27/1996
Control #: 97-08
Subject: Elimination of the Prenatal Nutritional Benefit for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFCD)
Effective Date: 8/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9708a.pdf

This transmittal notifies local departments of the elimination of the $14 prenatal nutritional benefit.

Issue Date: 6/27/1996
Control #: 97-07
Subject: Elimination of the Special Needs Allowances for AFDC Pregnant Women
Effective Date: 8/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Aid to Families with Dependent Children to Pregnant Women
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9707.pdf

Under current policy a $30 special needs allowance and a $14 prenatal nutritional allowance is paid to AFDC-PW recipients. Teh special needs allowances were put in effect because the General Public Assistance to Pregnant Woment (GPA-PW) payment exceeded the AFDC grant amount for one person.

Issue Date: 6/27/1996
Control #: 97-01
Subject: New Release of Information Form
Effective Date: 6/27/1996
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9701.pdf

Freestate Health Plan, a Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Maryland HUM, will soon begin using a new form (Authorization of Release For Current Medicaid Members) developed exclusively for local departments of social services. The information will be used by Freestate to provide services under the Medical Assistance program. DHR's Office of the Attorney General assisted in its development and has approved the final version.

Issue Date: 6/29/1996
Control #: 97-06 Revised
Subject: GPA-PW Payment Standard
Effective Date: 7/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: General Public Assistance-Pregnant Women
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9706rev.pdf

The GPA-PW program provides benefits to a pregnant woman during the first through the fifth month of her pregnancy. The payment standard is $209 monthly. There is no regulation requirement for GPA-PW minor to live with a specified person.

Issue Date: 7/5/1996
Control #: 96-42
Subject: Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Effective Date: 7/5/1996
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9642.pdf

This memo provides reminders and policy clarifications for Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA).

Issue Date: 7/8/1996
Control #: 97-09
Subject: Primary Prevention Initiative (PPI) Simplification
Effective Date: 7/8/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9709a.pdf

The PPI program is changing. Certain PPI policies and procedures are being simplified to conform with changes being made to the Temporary Cash Assistance Program. Modifications to the program are intended to reduce the administrative burden of operating PPI in preparation for implementing the Family Investment Program.

Issue Date: 7/10/1996
Control #: 97-03
Subject: Availability of Updated AFDC and Food Stamp Manuals, and Other Resource Materials
Effective Date: 6/27/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9703.pdf

Updated AFDC and Food Stamp program manuals are now available upon request. In addition, resource material from MA PAT as well as material from the April 1996 Food Stamp Investment conference is also available.

Issue Date: 7/25/1996
Control #: 96-37
Subject: Update of Food Stamp Manual Section 403
Effective Date: 7/25/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9637.pdf

Issue Date: 7/25/1996
Control #: 96-32
Subject: DHMH and AIMS/CARES Death List Match
Effective Date: 7/25/1996
Program(s) Affected: AFDC, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9632.pdf

As Action Transmittals are distributed tothe local department, they are forwarded to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA recently requested OPA to clarify several Food Stamp instructions given in Action Transmittal 96-32 DHMH and AIMS/CARES DEATH LIST MATCH. The revised text is underlined.

Issue Date: 7/27/1996
Control #: 97-02
Subject: The Family Investment Program Overview - July 1996
Effective Date: 7/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9702.pdf

As you are aware, Senate Bill 778, the Welfare Innovation Act of 1996, was passed by the Maryland Legislature and signed by Governor Glendening.

Issue Date: 7/29/1996
Control #: 96-37 revised
Subject: Update of Food Stamp Manual section 403
Effective Date: 7/29/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9637rev.pdf

Action Transmittal IMA OPA #96-37, issued April 30, 1996, advised of the USDA Food and Consumer Service (FCS) request to update the Client Rights and Responsibilities Section of the Food Stamp Manual. FSC has reviewed the Action Transmittal and based on that review, an amendment to include additional information is necessary. This revised IMA OPA Action Transmittal replaces and obsoletes IMA OPA #96-37.

Issue Date: 7/31/1996
Control #: 97-04
Subject: Federal Drug and Alcohol Addiction Policy Changes Affecting Supplemental Security Income and Medical Assistance Benefits
Effective Date: 7/23/1996
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9704.pdf

The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) sent termination notices on June 28, 1996 to 2,238 Maryland citizens with a drug or alcohol related disability. The notices informed them that their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medical Assistance benefits will terminate January 1, 1997.

Issue Date: 8/16/1996
Control #: 97-10
Subject: 1184 Newborn Procedures for Non-CARES Local Departments
Effective Date: 8/16/1996
Program(s) Affected: PA and Non/PA Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9710a.pdf

All newborns certified for MA by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) in non-CARES jurisdictions are now placed in the MA coverage group of P03 (PWC), regardless of whether the newborn's mother is an AFDC recipient, or receiving NPA/MA. Due to a programming change in the MMIS-II system, DHMH will no longer assign category and scope codes to PWC cases. It is now the responsibility of workers in non-CARES jurisdictions to assign the appropriate category and scope code to newborn cases once eligibility determination is made. Medical Assistance category and scope codes are essential for insuring that newborns receive MA coverage that they are entitled to, and for the successful conversion of PWC cases to the CARES system.

Issue Date: 9/3/1996
Control #: 97-21
Subject: Family Investment Programm (FIP) Medical Assistance and Child Care Extensions
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9721a.pdf

The Family Investment Progam (FIP) was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and is scheduled for full implementation by the end of 1996. DHR has received waivers for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Food Stamp (Food Stamp) programs to support to components of FIP.

Issue Date: 9/3/1996
Control #: 97-20
Subject: Failure to Comply with Federal, State or Local Assistance Program Requirements
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9720a.pdf

The Food Stamp Program regulations were amended to prohibit an increase in food stamp benefits when a household's benefit from another means-tested assistance program decreases because of a penalty imposed for intentionally failing to comply with a requirement fo the other program. The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) refers to this provision as the Riverside Rule.

Issue Date: 9/3/1996
Control #: 97-19
Subject: Deduction for Child Support Payments
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9719a.pdf

Current policy does not permit paid child support as a deduction from income to determine eligibility and the benefit amount for TCA. Only when income was deemed to the unit, such as from a stepparent, was child support an available deduction. In order to encourage payment of child support and to have consistency in the income calculation, a deduction from income will be permitted for paid child support. The policy applies to members in a TCA assistance unit and to all food stamp households. For members outside an assistance unit whose inocme is considered, such as stepparents or ineligible aliens, a deduction for alimony is permitted in addition to the child support.

Issue Date: 9/3/1996
Control #: 97-23
Subject: Family Investment Program Requirements
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Food Stamps (FS) Medical Assistance (MA) Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG) Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9723.pdf

As you are aware, Senate Bill 778, the Welfare Innovation Act of 1996, was passed by the Maryland Legislature and signed by Governor Glendening. This Maryland welfare reform initiative is called The Family Investment Program (FIP). The Family Investment Program will be implemented through a demonstration waiver approved by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) or block grant.

Issue Date: 9/4/1996
Control #: 97-24
Subject: Application and Redetermination Process
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Welfare Avoidance (WAG) Emergency Assistance to Families with Children (EAFC) Temporary Cash Assisntance (TCA) Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9724.pdf

Attached is information on the processing of WAG, EAFC, TCA Applications, TCA Redeterminations, and Verifications under the Family Investment Program. FIP is effective October 1,1996. Control cases continue to follow the current AFDC regulations found in COMAR 07.03.01 and 07.03.02. The WAG program is for treatment/experimental cases only, and the EAFC requirements are statewide with no Control cases.

Issue Date: 9/4/1996
Control #: 97-14
Subject: Family Investment Program (FIP) Adverse Action
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9714 a.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and is scheduled for implementation effective October, 1996. DHR has received waivers for the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Food Stamp (FS) programs to support the components of FIP.

Issue Date: 9/5/1996
Control #: 97-17
Subject: Stepparent Assistance Under FIP
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9717a.pdf

Under current AFDC regulations, there are 3 instances where a stepparent may be included in the assistance unit and receive a portion of the benefit.

Issue Date: 9/5/1996
Control #: 97-15
Subject: Family Investment Program (FIP) Procedures for Processing and Collecting Overpayments
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9715a.pdf

An overpayment for Temporary Cash Assistance shall begin the first month the unreported change could have been made considering adverse action time. Whenever there is an overpayment and a customer does not verify actual income and the local department cannot get the required verification from the employer, information from secondary sources such as the Income Eligibility Verification System (IEVS), the Maryland Automated Benefits System (MABS), etc., may be used.

Issue Date: 9/5/1996
Control #: 97-25
Subject: Family Investment Program Requirements for Full-Family Sanction and Transitional Assistance
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9725.pdf

The Project Independence (PI) program provides for individual sanctions for the person who fails to comply with PI. The remaining family members continue to be eligible for AFDC benefits. No extension of benefits is paid to a sanctioned person beyond the effective date of the sanction. The Family Investment Program (FIP) was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and is scheduled for full implementation in October 1996. One of the provisions for implementation is a full-family sanction for non-compliance with work requirements with the possibility of transitional benefits paid to a third party.

Issue Date: 9/6/1996
Control #: 97-18
Subject: Rent Subsidy As Income
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9718a.pdf

In July, 1992, we began counting $45 of the rent subsidy received by customers who live in public housing, Section 8 housing, or FMHA Section 515 rental assistance as income. The change was made to reduce some of the disparity between customers who live in federally subsidized housing and customers who must pay market rate rent amounts. The $45 housing subsidy counted as unearned income is raised to $60. All rules regarding who is affected remain unchanged.

Issue Date: 9/20/1996
Control #: 97-26
Subject: Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) FY'97 Operatins
Effective Date: 11/4/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9726.pdf

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) will begin taking applications on November 4, 1996 for the 1996-1997 heating season. This transmittal will address the major MEAP-related issues that will affect local departments of social services this year. Please take special note of Part E: "EAFC Interface with MEAP and USPP", Part F: MEAP Outreach through Cooperation Efforts of FIA and LDSSs, and the "Action Required" section at the end of this transmittal.

Issue Date: 9/20/1996
Control #: 97-28
Subject: Food Stamp Mass Change - October 1996 and Change in Homeless Shelter Estimate
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9728.pdf

Each October, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based. Because of the uncertainty of federal welfare reform legislation, the Food and Consumer Service delayed issuing the information to states. The Food Stamp Program provisions of Public Law 104- 193 , the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 was signed by the President on August 22, 1996. Effective October 1, 1996, the net and gross monthly income standards will increase. The maximum allotments will also increase slightly. The excess shelter deduction and standard deduction will not change. The homeless household shelter estimate no longer applies.

Issue Date: 9/20/1996
Control #: 97-27
Subject: Hearings and Appeals
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9727.pdf

Requests for appeals made to the local department are forwarded to the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH) within 5 working days of receipt. That office schedules a hearing date. The local department is responsible for submitting a summary of facts regarding the appeal to OAH and the customer, attempting to resolve the appeal before the scheduled hearing, and attending the hearing. The Office of Planning, Legislation, and Innovation (OPLI) has advised us of the impact Department of Human Resources vs. Thompson, a decision by the Court of Special Appeals, is having on the manner in which administrative law judges (Aws) decide 4 appeals. The case involved the acceptance of additional information at the appeal hearing and the use of that information to decide the "ultimate issue" The "ultimate issue" is the specific issue that was appealed . ALJs no longer simply determine whether or not the local department correctly applied statutes, regulations, and policy, but will examine the local department's decision and all information relevant to that decision to determine the correct decision. ALJs may consider additional evidence or information the customer presents at the hearing that has a bearing on the appeal. This includes evidence or information that may not have been available to the local department when it made its decision. If, the ALJ believes that additional evidence or information received may warrant a finding in favor of the customer, the ALJ will usually offer to remand the case to the local department to make a final determination regarding the issue.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-11
Subject: Family Investment Program (FIP) Asset Eligibility
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9711a.pdf

The current asset limit in AFDC is $1,000. The Food Stamp limit is $2,000. If the Food Stamp household has a member age 60 or older, the limit is $3,000.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-12
Subject: Family Investment Program (FIP) Earned Income Eligibility
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9712a.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) was passed by the Maryland General Assembly and is scheduled for full implementation by the end of 1996. DHR received waivers from the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and the Food Stamp (FS) programs regulations to support the components of FIP.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-13
Subject: Assistance Unit Composition
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9713a.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) provides assistance to families with children while preparing program participants for independence. Assistance, under this program, consists of services and cash assistance to eligible individuals, as well as work experience. FIP reflects a major shift in emphasis: from dependence on income maintainance programs to a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program leading to independence. Both parents are expected to contribute to the support of their children. Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) is available only as a last resort.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-35
Subject: Household Composition
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9735.pdf

The food stamp provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 signed by President Clinton on August 22, 1996, deletes a current rule that permitted minor children to be separate food stamp households in some situations. Action Transmittal IMA OPA #95-42 is obsolete.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-36
Subject: Proration of Benefits
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9736.pdf

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act eliminated the proration of food stamp benefits at recertification. Federal welfare reform now requires proration after any break in certification. Action Transmittal OPA 95-05 is obsolete.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-37
Subject: Energy Assistance
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9737.pdf

A food stamp provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, changes the treatment of the Energy Heating Need portion of the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) grant.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-38
Subject: Licensed Vehicles
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9738.pdf

As a result of Food Stamp provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (H.R. 3734), the treatment of licensed vehicles was changed slightly. The food stamp waiver to exclude one vehicle per household, which was requested as part of the Family Investment Program, was not approved as originally requested. The vehicle exclusion will only apply to Temporary Cash Assistance households. This transmittal provides the new food stamp policy and clarification of how to handle vehicles in TCA/FS households.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-33
Subject: Expedited Food Stamp Benefits
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9733.pdf

One of the food stamp provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, increases the expedited time frames and removes a category of households which are entitled to receive expedited service.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-29
Subject: Purchase of Child Care and Family Investment Forms Consolidation
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9729.pdf

The responsibility of determining eligibility for the Purchase of Care Program has been transferred to the Family Investment Administration. It became apparent that there was a need to merge the forms used by the FIA workers to enable them to accomplish the additional tasks. Attached are draft forms modifications designed by the POCEIA Forms Consolidation Workgroup.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-30
Subject: new Mandatory Field on AIMS
Effective Date: 9/30/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/.9730pdf

On September 14, 1996 a simulated mass modification will be done in AIMS for system changes resulting from the implementation of the Family Investment Program (FP). As a result of the mass modification, there will be a new mandatory field requirement on the AIMS.

Issue Date: 10/1/1996
Control #: 97-32
Subject: Student Earnings
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Case Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9732.pdf

The Mickey Leland Childhood Hunger Relief Act increased the age for exclusion of student earned income. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, reduced it.

Issue Date: 10/9/1996
Control #: 97-40
Subject: Medical Assistance -$50 Child Support Disregard
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9740.pdf

In determining Medical Assistance eligibility, the first $50 of monthly child support payments is desregarded in determining financial eligibility.

Issue Date: 10/11/1996
Control #: 97-34
Subject: Combined Food Stamp Allotments
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9734.pdf

Food stamp provisions of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996, allowed several state options. The issuance of combined allotments is now a state option. Action transmittals IMA OPA # 94-19, #95-13, and #95-46 are obsolete. CARES Alert #96-8 is also obsolete.

Issue Date: 10/15/1996
Control #: 97-39
Subject: Update of food Stamp Manual Section 403
Effective Date: 10/15/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9739.pdf

Action Transmittal W O P A #96-37 was issued April 30, 1996. It advised of the USDA Food and Consumer Services (FCS) request to update the Client Rights and Responsibilities section of the Food Stamp Manual. The Action Transmittal IMA/ O P A #96-37 REVISED was issued July 25, 1996. It made IMA/O P A #96-37 obsolete. Due to printing errors, pages were omitted from IMA O P A #96-37 REVISED, rendering it useless. This FIA/OPA Action Transmittal replaces and obsoletes IMA O P A #96-37 REVISED.

Issue Date: 10/30/1996
Control #: 97-46
Subject: 1997 Benefit Issuance Schedules and Cut-Off Dates
Effective Date: 1/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9746.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and for Food Stamps during 1997 for the AIMS system and the CARES system are attached. Also attached is the schedule for the 1997 cut-off dates for AIMS and for CARES.

Issue Date: 11/1/1996
Control #: 97-45
Subject: Family Investment Program Action Transmittals
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Food Stamps Medical Assistance Child Care Child Support
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9745.pdf

Recently, action transmittals were issued to explain FIP and the action(s) to be taken for the implementation, administration, and operation of FIP and all related programs. Some of these transmittals need to be updated due to errors, additions or clarification of the requirements.

Issue Date: 11/1/1996
Control #: 97-25 revised
Subject: Family Investment Program Requirements for Full-Family Sanction and Transitional Assistance
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9725rev.pdf

Issue Date: 11/1/1996
Control #: 97-44
Subject: New Policies in Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: PAA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9744.pdf

The purpose of this Information Memo is to inform staff of changes in PAA policy to achieve compliance with TCA, MA and TEMHA policy. Also, the current PAA payment levels are presented below for your information.

Issue Date: 11/13/1996
Control #: 97-47
Subject: Homeless Households
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9747.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 changes slightly the definition of who is homeless.

Issue Date: 11/15/1996
Control #: 97-52
Subject: Primary Prevention Initiative (PPI)
Effective Date: 1/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9752.pdf

Under federal welfare legislation, Maryland has the option to continue PPI as part of the Family Investment Program (FIP), rather than under a waiver. Accordingly, the Primary Prevention Initiative demonstration waiver will end on January 1,1997, although the evaluation activities will continue until June 1997. The first step will be to convert the control case designator in the AIMS and CARES to an experimental designator on November 1,1996. The next step will be incorporating the PPI requirements at the next redetermination. This Action Transmittal will explain that process and introduce two new policies pertaining to all customers.

Issue Date: 11/19/1996
Control #: 97-08
Subject: Emergency Issuances During Conversion and Transfer of Cases to Baltimore County
Effective Date: 11/19/1996
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9708.pdf

Conversion for Baltimore County begins at the close of business on Wednesday, November 17, 1996. During conversion, the CARES system will not be available on Friday, November 29. In Baltimore County only, AIMS and AMF transactions will not be able to be completed on November 27 and 29, therefore, the emergency procedure is effective in Baltimore County on November 27. Do not transfer any cases to Baltimore County between November 25 and November 29.

Issue Date: 11/20/1996
Control #: 97-51
Subject: Food Stamp Waivers
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9751.pdf

As part of the Family Investment Program (FIP) food stamp waivers were requested from the Food and Consumer Service. The purpose of the waivers was to simplify policy and to make it consistent with Temporary Cash Assistance. The food stamp waivers are approved statewide for both public assistance and non-public assistance food stamp cases through June 30, 1997. No control cases will be selected.

Issue Date: 11/20/1996
Control #: 97-04cb
Subject: Adverse Action Procedures
Effective Date: 11/20/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9704cb.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-14 (Released September 4, 1996) notified Local Departments of the new Adverse Action Policy changes effective October 1, 1996. System changes to CARES for implementation of these policy changes were requested and completed for Temporary Cash Assistance cases (non-control) but have not been completed for Food Stamp cases. Food Stamp cases are still using 10 calendar days for adverse action as opposed to the 5 working days outlined in the new policy.

Issue Date: 11/22/1996
Control #: 97-48
Subject: Providing Information to Law Enforcement Officers
Effective Date: 12/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and the Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9748.pdf

Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliaiton Act of 1996 require that certain information be made available to law enforcement officers.

Issue Date: 11/22/1996
Control #: 97-49
Subject: Certification Periods
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9749.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods.

Issue Date: 11/22/1996
Control #: 97-50
Subject: Work Requirements
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9750.pdf

A food stamp provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 increases the penalties for individuals who fail to comply with work requirements. Additionally, one of the food stamp waivers reduces the age at which a child exempts a parent of caretaker from food stamp work rules.

Issue Date: 11/26/1996
Control #: 97-54
Subject: TCA Certification End Dates
Effective Date: 12/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9754.pdf

In AIMS jurisdictions, TCA cases were entered on the system without a certification end date. End dates were used in cash cases such as GPA-PW and TEMHA.

Issue Date: 11/26/1996
Control #: 97-55
Subject: New State Residents (Inter-State Migration)
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9755.pdf

There is is no residency requirement in Maryland. Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits are available to eligible customers who move from another state and take up residence in Maryland. This transmittal outlines the procedure for handling elgibility and payment for applicants who move to Maryland.

Issue Date: 11/26/1996
Control #: 97-53
Subject: Age Requirement
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9753.pdf

Under AFDC regulations a child met the technical factor of age if under 18. A child who was a full time student in sedcondary school or an equivalent program was eligible if the child would graduate before the 19th birthday. Under the waiver, a child met eligibility if under the age of 18 or if a full time student who would graduate within the calendar year that he turns 19.

Issue Date: 11/29/1996
Control #: 97-56
Subject: New Penalties & Disqualifications
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9756.pdf

The provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, increased the types of violations which would result in disqualifications from the Food Stamp Program and the length of penalties. PRWORA also has penalties which are new to Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps (FS).

Issue Date: 11/29/1996
Control #: 97-57
Subject: Family Investment Program (FIP) Requirements for Reporting Absences of Children
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9757.pdf

The Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program had a variable time period which determined limited absence. However, any absence longer than one year for a child and any absence longer than 3 months for a caretaker relative needed to be reviewed by a case manager. Eligibility for AFDC continued for the child/caretaker relative during periods of limited absence from home. The same allowable limited absence still exist.

Issue Date: 11/29/1996
Control #: 97-61
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance Time Limits
Effective Date: 12/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9761.pdf

One of the major goals of the Family Investment Program (FIP) is to move customers from dependency to independence in the quickest manner possible. State legislation, Senate Bill 778, provides for time limits to receive TCA if Federal legislation imposes time limits. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 did establish time limits. This action transmittal delineates the time limits that will be used to ensure the customer's transition from TCA to independence, primarily through employment.

Issue Date: 11/29/1996
Control #: 97-60
Subject: Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9760.pdf

A food stamp provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, impses a strict work requirement on any able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD).

Issue Date: 12/2/1996
Control #: 97-65
Subject: Quality Control 16 Procedures
Effective Date: 12/2/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Programs Subject to Quality Control Review
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9765.pdf

Quality Control (QC) and the Division of Management Support (DMS) monitor all QC 16 forms that indicate an error discovered during the review process. Local departments are to respond to all QC 16s error forms the date on the transmittal letter and specify the corrective and recoupment/recovery plan as appropriate.

Issue Date: 12/2/1996
Control #: 97-58
Subject: Correction of FIA/OPA #97-45
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance; Food Stamps; Medical Assistance; Child Care; Child Support
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9758.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-45 was issued to provide corrected pages for previously issued FIP transmittals. During the process of approving and printing the transmittal, the replacement pages were taken out of order. This Action Transmittal provides corrected pages.

Issue Date: 12/2/1996
Control #: 97-59
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-of-Living Increases, and Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Categories or Public Assistance, Food Stamps, Non Public Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9759.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. Generally, to take these changes into account for grant and food stamps purposes, the affected cases are processed according to mass change procedures as described herein. For medical purposes, the impact of these benefit increases is also described in this Action Transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/2/1996
Control #: 97-62
Subject: Minor Custodial Parent and Educational Requirement
Effective Date: 12/9/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9762.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 included two new requirements for minor parents. Maryland had already implemented the requirement that minor parents live with a parent or other adult representative. This action transmittal outlines the policy regarding minor custodial parents and school attendance.

Issue Date: 12/4/1996
Control #: 97-63
Subject: Food Stamp Mass Change - Excess Shelter Deduction
Effective Date: 1/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9763.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 increases the excess shelter cap effective January 1, 1997.

Issue Date: 12/13/1996
Control #: 97-05cb
Subject: Food Stamp Letters
Effective Date: 12/13/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9705cb.pdf

The Clients' Automated Resource and Eligibility System (CARES) does not automatically send Food Stamp Repayment letters to customers that have been overpaid in Food Stamp benefits. Maryland has previously been cited by the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Consumer Service for failing to actively pursue repayment of these benefits. To more effectively track and collect these overpaid benefits, Food Stamp demand letters have been loaded into (CARES).

Issue Date: 12/15/1996
Control #: 96-24
Subject: 1996 Benefit Issuance Schedule and AIMS Cut-Off Dates
Effective Date: 1/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Public Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9624.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for 1996 for the AIMS system and CARES system are attached. Also attached is the schedule for the 1996 AIMS cut-off dates for the public assistance and food stamp programs.

Issue Date: 12/16/1996
Control #: 97-06
Subject: CIS Availability for 1997
Effective Date: 12/16/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9706.pdf

Each year the Division of Program and Systems Support outlines the anticipated days that CIS will not be available.

Issue Date: 12/24/1996
Control #: 97-66
Subject: Data Tracking Requirements for Work Programs
Effective Date: 12/24/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Work Programs and Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET) Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9766.pdf

In connection with the work requirements imposed by federal legislation, Maryland has developed minimum standards for each local office's collection and maintenance of data on the work activities in which their Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers and Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET) program work registrants participate. Most of the details about the data collection systems used to track work activities can be found in the PI MIS Manual published in February 1996 and in the FSET MIS Technical Assistance Guide, published in April 1996. The standards listed below are the general guidelines on data collection and data entry that have been previously articulated by staff of the Division of Work Opportunities in papers, letters, meetings and phone conversations.

Issue Date: 12/24/1996
Control #: 97-67
Subject: Work Requirements Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (Federal Welfare Reform)
Effective Date: 12/24/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9767.pdf

Under the federal welfare reform legislation, States must meet three different, yet related sets of "work" requirements.

Issue Date: 12/31/1996
Control #: 97-07cb
Subject: Caseload Reassignment
Effective Date: 12/31/1996
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9707.pdf

Since the implementation of CARES, there have been frequent requests for caseload and district office reassignments. Completing a mass district office reassignment requires that all of the cases in a district office be reviewed, requiring a substantial amount of processing time. Therefore, the reassignment must be run on a weekend. The system will be unavailable during this period of time. Additionally, each time a reassignment is completed, the system will generate a notice informing the customer of a change in their case manager. This substantially increases the volume of mail, which must be generated by the DHR mailroom.

Issue Date: 1/2/1997
Control #: 97-70
Subject: Increase in the Minimim Wage
Effective Date: 1/2/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9770.pdf

Public Law 104-188 provided an increase in the minimum wage from $4.25 to $4.75 for hours worked on or after October 1, 1996. Food Stamp Program change reporting rules require households to report changes in the amount of gross monthly income of more than $25 within 10 days of the date the change becomes known. The Food and Consumer Service has provided states with a waiver to change the date that the change in income has to be reported.

Issue Date: 1/13/1997
Control #: 97-31
Subject: Child Support and Fraud Sanctions
Effective Date: 10/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9731.pdf

The AFDC program sanctioned the caretaker relative for non-compliance with child support requirements. The children in the unit remained eligible for benefits. The caretaker relative was also sanctioned for an International Program Violation (IPV) decision made by a court of law. The rest of the unit remained eligible for benefits.

Issue Date: 1/15/1997
Control #: 97-73
Subject: Interagency Agreements for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Customers Attending JTPA Training
Effective Date: 1/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9773.pdf

During the 1996 legislative session, the State Legislature recognized that placing Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers into unsubsidized jobs will require a coordinated effort involving agencies outside the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Specifically, the Legislature recognized the value of Service Delivery Area (SDA) agency efforts in preparing Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers for employment. In one of the notes attached to budget legislation, the State Legislature asked the Governor's Work Force Investment Board (GWIB), in cooperation with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation and the Department of Human Resources, to study the use of federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) incentive funds to encourage greater emphasis by SDAs on moving TCA customers to work. Under the incentive policy which was developed, SDAs will be rewarded (with approximately $125,000 of reserved JTPA funds) for exceeding their required placement level for TCA customers. Note also that the federal JTPA legislation continues to require SDAs to serve a sizeable number of welfare recipients in their Title IIA (Disadvantaged Adults) program each year as a maintenance of effort provision.

Issue Date: 1/15/1997
Control #: 97-74
Subject: Option to Terminate Temporary Cash Assistance for Child Care and Medical Assistance
Effective Date: 1/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance and Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9774.pdf

One goal of the Family Investment Program (FIP) is to help families independent of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Another goal is to give families the opportunity to use alternatives to TCA whenever possible because every month that a benefit is received counts toward the time limits.

Issue Date: 1/15/1997
Control #: 97-75
Subject: Changes in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Policy
Effective Date: 1/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9775.pdf

Applicants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments must usually wait several months before they are approved to receive payment. The first payment has been a lump-sum amount that included retroactive payments back to the date of application for the SSI benefits. The lump-sum amount for the retroactive payment was counted as a nonrecurring lump-sum payment and excluded as income for food stamps because it was always given in one payment. When the individual had signed the Interim Assistance Reimbursement (IAR) and received DALP/TEMHA prior to being awarded SSI, the first check was sent tot he local department. The agency would then reimburse itself from the retroactive SSI check in to the amount that they had expanded in public assistance benefits. The remaining portion of the customer's SSI check in to the amount that they had expended in public assistance benefits. The remaining portion of the customer's SSI was then forwarded to the customer within 10 days.

Issue Date: 1/16/1997
Control #: 97-69
Subject: Overissuances
Effective Date: 1/16/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9769.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 changed the rules for collecting food stamp claims against households and the calculation of an overissuance due to failure to report earned income.

Issue Date: 1/17/1997
Control #: 97-71
Subject: Medical Assistance Extensions, Work Requirement Exemptions, and Stepparent Clarifications
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA ) and Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9771.pdf

Medical Assistance Extensions were provided for up to twelve months when earned income was overscalse or the primary wage earner returned to work. If an absent parent returned to the home and was employed, the case was closed due to no deprivation and the medical assistance extension was not given. A caretaker was exempt from the work requirements indefinitely when providing care for a child under age three. Questions have been raised in these areas concerning the new policies.

Issue Date: 1/17/1997
Control #: 97-76
Subject: Payment Standards from Other States
Effective Date: 1/17/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9776.pdf

Issue Date: 1/21/1997
Control #: 97-78
Subject: Child Specific Benefit
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9778.pdf

The Office of Policy Administration has revised the original procedure for issuing benefits under the Child Specific Benefit (CSB) provision. The policy has been simplified and the process for determining the CSB benefit streamlined. The primary purpose of the CSB initiative is to provide a benefit which is paid separtely from other TCA benefits for a household when a child is born 10 months or more after the head of household was informed of the CSB provision.

Issue Date: 1/22/1997
Control #: 97-09
Subject: Emergency Issuances and Case Transfers During Prince and Finance
Effective Date: 1/24/1997
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9709.pdf

Conversion for Prince George's County will begin at the close of business on Thursday, January 30, 1997. During conversion, the CIS/CARES system will not be available on Friday, January 31 and Monday, February 3, 1997.

Issue Date: 1/22/1997
Control #: 97-10
Subject: New Start-Up Date for The Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9710.pdf

On Thursday, January 9, 1997, Martin Wasserman, M.D., J.D., Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), announced that the Maryland Medicaid Managed Care Program, HealthChoice, will be implemented on June 2, 1997, instead of February 1, 1997, as originally planned. At that time, the Department will begin phased-in implementation for 300,000 members. Beginning in June 1997, one fifth of the waiver-eligible recipients will be selected on a random basis and enrolled each month. All 300,000 members should be enrolled by November 1997.

Issue Date: 1/23/1997
Control #: 97-77
Subject: Domestic Violence Screening
Effective Date: 1/23/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9777.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) allows the option to screen applicants and recipients for the occurrence of domestic violence. The option also allows the State to waive certain requirements where compliance with such requirements would make it more difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape such violence. Recognizing the fact that domestic violence may impact on the ability of the customer to successfully become independent, Maryland selected this option.

Issue Date: 1/24/1997
Control #: 97-11
Subject: Minimum and Maximum Spousal Resource Amount and Maximum Spousal Maintenance and Shelter Allowance
Effective Date: 1/24/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9711.pdf

The spousal impoverishment assest minimum and maximum were increased effective January 1, 1997. The minimum assest level is $15,804 and the maximum asses level is $79,020. The long term care maximum allowance has increased to $1,976.

Issue Date: 2/1/1997
Control #: 97-12
Subject: TEMHA Policy Update
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9712.pdf

Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) was implemented effective July 1, 1995, and updated to TEMHA II in January 1996. Subsequent to TEMHA II, some additional policies have been added for clarification.

Issue Date: 2/1/1997
Control #: 97-72
Subject: TEMHA Policy Update
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9772.pdf

Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) was implemented effective July 1, 1995, and updated to TEMHA II in January 1996. Subsequent to TEMHA II, some additional policies have been added for clarification.

Issue Date: 2/11/1997
Control #: 97-09
Subject: Transitional Assistance
Effective Date: 2/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: TCA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9709cb.pdf

In October 1996, Transitional Assistance was implemented as a way to assist customers who were sanctioned to transition off TCA. In September a new valid value for Transitional Assistance Authorized Representatives was added to the AREP screen.

Issue Date: 2/11/1997
Control #: 97-08
Subject: Automatic Scheduling of Redeterminations
Effective Date: 2/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9708cb.pdf

On the first calendar day of the month, CARES automatically identifies all cases that will expire two months after the current month. An example: On January 1, 1997, CARES identified all cases due to expire by 3/31/97.

Issue Date: 2/11/1997
Control #: 97-10
Subject: Frequency Factors for Unearned Income and Child Care
Effective Date: 2/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: TCA and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9710cb.pdf

In October 1997 the frequency factors for calculating income and deductions changed. FIP policy requires Earned Income and Child Care Deductions to be calculated using a 2 and 4 week month instead of the 4.3 and 2.15 frequencies. This factor is applied equitably across all other income frequencies including monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly, semi annually and annually. Unearned income also uses a 4 and 2 week month frequency calculation however, unearned income received less frequently than twice a month is counted in full. The CARES system has been reprogrammed to accurately determine the correct amount of earned income but not child care or unearned income.

Issue Date: 2/14/1997
Control #: 97-66 Revised
Subject: Data Tracking Requirements for Work Programs
Effective Date: 2/14/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Work Programs and Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET) Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9766rev.pdf

This transmittal replaces #97-66 issued December 24, 1996, which was printed without pages 4 and 6 of the Activitiy Codes.

Issue Date: 2/18/1997
Control #: 97-13
Subject: Naturalization Outreach To Non-Citizens
Effective Date: 2/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9713.pdf

The Food and Consumer Service recently sent notice that President Clinton has directed them to take steps to promote naturalization outreach to noncitizens and, to the extent authorized by law, provide naturalization information to recipients. English and Spanish versions of an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Fact Sheet about how to become a United States citizen were sent for distribution.

Issue Date: 2/21/1997
Control #: 97-79
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps
Effective Date: 3/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9779.pdf

This Action Transmittal confirms the March 1997 implementation of a 1.1 percent payment increase for Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients.

Issue Date: 2/23/1997
Control #: 97-11
Subject: MA Coverage Groups P03, P04, P05
Effective Date: 2/23/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9711cb.pdf

It has been brought to our attention that there is some confusion with the usage of MA Coverage Groups P03, P04 and P05. Listed below are the MA Coverage groups and the eligibility requirements.

Issue Date: 2/24/1997
Control #: 97-12
Subject: Block Grant Reporting and Motor Voter Fields
Effective Date: 2/24/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9712cb.pdf

On February 24, 1997 new fields were added to the STAT, DEM2 and ALAS screens on CARES in order to meet requirements of Federal Block Grants and Motor Voter regulations. These fields serve as data collection fields from which mandatory reports will be produced.

Issue Date: 3/1/1997
Control #: 97-80
Subject: Failure to Comply with Federal, State or Local Assistance Program Requirements
Effective Date: 3/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9780.pdf

This transmittal replaces Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-20 which was issued September 3, 1996, and the corrected pages included in FIA/OPA 97-45 issued November 1, 1996. The transmittals informed local departments of an amendment to food stamp regulations to prohibit an increase in food stamp benefits when a household's benefit from another means-tested assistance program decreased because of a penalty imposed for intentionally failing to comply with a requirement of the other program. This was referred to as the Riverside Rule. As a result of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), the policy changed slightly.

Issue Date: 3/7/1997
Control #: 97-14
Subject: 1997 Federal Poverty Levels
Effective Date: 3/1/997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9714.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income Guidelines were increased effective March 1997. The change was completed in CARES on March 7, 1997. The seasonal disregard that was allowed for the months of January thru April will be removed from CARES effective April 30, 1997 via mass modification on April 12, 1997. The seasonal disregard is the amount of the Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the current year that is normally provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) recipients through the month following the month in which the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines are increased.

Issue Date: 3/24/1997
Control #: 97-15
Subject: Emergency Issuances and Case Transfers During Anne Arundel County's Conversion to CIS
Effective Date: 2/24/1997
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9715.pdf

Conversion for Anne Arundel County will begin at the close of business on Friday, March 29, 1997. During conversion, the CIS/CARES system will not be available on Monday, March 31, 1997.

Issue Date: 3/27/1997
Control #: 97-81
Subject: Waivers to the Work Requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents
Effective Date: 3/27/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9781.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-60, issued November 29, 1996, informed local departments of the new work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependent children (ABAWDS). A waiver request to exempt jurisdictions from the work requirement was submitted to the Food and Consumer Service (FCS) December 31, 1996. The waiver requested exemptions from the requirement in three parts.

Issue Date: 4/1/1997
Control #: 97-82
Subject: Standard Utility Allowance - Switching
Effective Date: 4/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9782.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996, requires that in states without a mandatory standard utility allowance, households are allowed to switch between actual expenses and the standard utility allowance (SUA) only at recertification.

Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Control #: 97-14
Subject: Multiple Vendors
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: Family Investment Program (FIP), Welfare Avoidance Grant (WAG)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9714cb.pdf

Under WAG policy, money can be paid to more than one vendor. CARES will not issue payment to more than one vendor under the same AU number

Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Control #: 97-74 Revised
Subject: Option to Terminate Temporary Cash Assistance for Child Care
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9774Rev.pdf

This Action Transmittal revises POC information. The process for opting to terminate Temporary Cash Assistance for medical assistance has not changed and is identical to the information in Action Transmittal 97-74 which was effective January 15, 1997.

Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Control #: 97-83
Subject: National Voter Registration Act Activities
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9783.pdf

This Action Transmittal supplements and enhances the provisions of FIA-OQA Action Transmittal 96-22, dated December 18, 1996. This transmittal restated the NVRA voter registration requirements and explained the process local department of social services are to follow when reporting NVRA activities. The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA) became effective on January 1, 1995. The intent of NVRA is to increase the number of citizens registered to vote by greatly expanding the opportunity for persons to register to vote through newly designated voter registration agencies. The Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) is the primary public agency offering voter registration, thus the use of the term "Motor Voter Act". The law designates state public assistance offices as voter registration agencies, consequently FIA is responsible to implement NVRA in accordance with the stated guidelines.

Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Control #: 97-22 Revised
Subject: Child Care Option in Lieu of Temporary Cash Assistance
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9722Rev.pdf

This Action Transmittal revises POC information. The "in lieu of" process for the Medical Assistance Extension has not changed and is identical to the information in Action Transmittal 97-22 whicn was effective October 1, 1996.

Issue Date: 4/21/1997
Control #: 97-15
Subject: SPA (Scratch Pad Area)
Effective Date: 4/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9715cb.pdf

CARES was designed to put a case on temporary hold by using the PF5 key (SPA). A case may also be put on SPA when an ABEND (abnormal end) occurs during a system failure, or when date commit fails in an overnight batch run.

Issue Date: 4/24/1997
Control #: 97-13
Subject: Transfer/Disposal Penalty Period
Effective Date: 4/24/1997
Program(s) Affected: Long Term Care (LTC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9713cb.pdf

LTC policy requires that all transfers/disposals on or before August 10, 1993 are subject to a 30-month maximum penalty period. There is no limit to the length of a penalty for disposals made after August 10, 1993. CARES currently calculates a 30-month period of all transfers/disposals regardless of the transfer/disposal date.

Issue Date: 5/2/1997
Control #: 97-84
Subject: Adoption Subsidy Payments
Effective Date: 5/2/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9784.pdf

Adoption subsidy payments are made on behalf of adopted children who have special needs. There have been occasions where the adoptive parent needed to file for assistance for themselves and remaining family members. The regulation for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) does not specifically mention adoption subsidy payments.

Issue Date: 5/7/1997
Control #: 97-16
Subject: Child Specific Benefit
Effective Date: 5/7/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9716cb.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-78 listed the vendor type as "033" incorrectly.

Issue Date: 5/15/1997
Control #: 97-17
Subject: CARES Alert System Reminder
Effective Date: 5/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9717cb.pdf

It has been noted that CARES alerts are being transferred to Child Support logon IDs or being generated by someone in CARES to a Child Support logon ID. Also, instances of the 745 worker-generated alert being used for social conversation have been noted. The intention of this bulletin is to reiterate the purpose and use of the CARES Alert System.

Issue Date: 5/20/1997
Control #: 97-17
Subject: Enrollment of Customers in Healthchoice
Effective Date: 5/20/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA) Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9717.pdf

In April of 1996, the Maryland legislature passed Senate Bill 750. This bill directed the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) to employ managed care principles to promote patient-focused, accessible services to Medicaid customers and to create a "medical home" for Medicaid recipients through which all medical care will be delivered.

Issue Date: 5/22/1997
Control #: 97-41
Subject: Immigrants
Effective Date: 5/13/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9741.pdf

Provisions of the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), change the eligibility of immigrants for the Food Stamp Program.

Issue Date: 5/28/1997
Control #: 97-49 Revised
Subject: Certification Periods
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9749Rev.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods. In order to accommodate year 2000 processing limitation revised CARES procedures were developed and are outlined in this Action Transmittal.

Issue Date: 5/30/1997
Control #: 97-19
Subject: Naturalization Outreach To Noncitizens
Effective Date: 6/10/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9719.pdf

President Clinton directed federal agencies to take steps to promote naturalization outreach to noncitizens. The Food and Consumer Service (FCS) Mid-Atlantic Regional Office recently sent out a fact sheet about a final Immigration and Naturalization rule which was published March 19, 1997. The new rule provides procedures that facilitate the naturalization process for individuals with disablities which prevent them from completing the English and civics requirements. The FCS requested that the Fact Sheet be available to food stamp recipients in local departments.

Issue Date: 5/31/1997
Control #: 97-90
Subject: Earned Income Disregard
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9790.pdf

Currently 20% of an employed individual's regular earnings are disregarded and 50% of their earnings are disregarded if self employed. The 50% allowance includes the cost to produce income.

Issue Date: 5/31/1997
Control #: 97-87
Subject: General Public Assistance-Pregnant Women Program Elimination
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9787.pdf

General Public Assistance for Pregnant Women (GPA-PW) pays benefits to needy pregnant women who are ineligible for any other State or federal category of direct cash assistance payments. Pregnant women who have no other children can receive $125 a month GPA-PW from the time pregnancy is medically verified through the fifth month of pregnancy.

Issue Date: 6/9/1997
Control #: 97-89
Subject: Child Specific Benefit (CSB)
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Child Support Enforcement
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9789.pdf

Senate Bill 499, the Welfare Innovation Act of 1997, revised the child support retention procedure for CSB children associated with TCA cases. Current procedures in FIA Action Transmittal 97-78 require the deduction of child support payments made specifically for the CSB child from the CSB benefit to determine theh proper benefit to be paid. The agency did not retain the child support payment but instead passed it through to the TCA customer on behalf of the CSB child. Additionally, the worker counted teh CSB child support payment in full when calculating Food Stamp benefits for the household.

Issue Date: 6/9/1997
Control #: 97-88
Subject: Mandatory Rent Vendor Program
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9788.pdf

In 1995, the Maryland General Assembly approved a law that required all public housing residents who received Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and had a rent arrearage of 30 days or more to participate in the Mandatory Rent Vendor Payment Program at the request of the Housing Authority. Only recipients whose sole income was AFDC could participate in the program. Under the original legislation, the program was to be in effect for two years. Action Transmittal 95-61 dated July 10, 1995 delineated policy and procedures regarding this Mandatory Rent Vendor Payment program.

Issue Date: 6/10/1997
Control #: 97-85
Subject: Pregnant Women and Children's (PWC) and Maryland Kids Count (MKC) Programs Application-DHMH 1158D
Effective Date: 6/10/1997
Program(s) Affected: PWC/Maryland Kids Count
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9785.pdf

Presently, the local departments of social services, local health departments, initial processing sites and presumptive eligibility sites are using the DHR/FIA/CARES 9704, DHMH 1158D or DHR/FIA/CARES 9710 paper applications for PWC/Maryland Kids Count determinations if the case is not processed directly in CARES. In addition to the application, the Fraud statement (DHR/FIA 401A), Insurance Reporting Form (DHMH 2583), Assignment of Support Rights (DHR/FIA 903), Citizenship/Alienage Declaration (DHR/FIA 379) and Recoveries form (DHMH 1169) may need to be completed based on the individual circumstance. The implementation of the Maryland Medicaid 1115 Waiver, which was approved by the federal government and the Legislature in November 1996, requires a new simplified application be developed.

Issue Date: 6/10/1997
Control #: 97-86
Subject: Purchase of Child Care Eligibility and Open Service Cases
Effective Date: 5/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care; Child Protective Services, Intensive Family Services; Families Now Levels I-III, Kinship Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9786.pdf

Before June 1, 1996, children with open child welfare services cases were given first priority for service in the Purchase of Child Care (POC) program. On June 1, 1996, POC regulations were effective that removed children with open service cases in Child Protective Services (CPS), Intensive Family Services (IFS), Family Now Levels I, II, III, or Kinship Care from POC eligibility. This action transmittal provides clarification regarding the policy.

Issue Date: 6/10/1997
Control #: 97-20
Subject: Excluded Income
Effective Date: 5/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9720.pdf

IMA Action Transmittal OPA 95-38 (revised), dated April 3, 1995, informed local departments of the income exclusion for payments received under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (NCSTA). This Information Memo provides clarification of the income exclusions under the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program of the Job Training and Partnership Act (JTPA) and comparable summer youth employment and training programs under AmeriCorps.

Issue Date: 6/26/1997
Control #: 97-18
Subject: Block Grant Reporting Requirements: Student/Education Data Fields
Effective Date: 6/26/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9718cb.pdf

The Federal Government requires all states that receive Block Grant funding to report specific information to them. They will impose sanctions if this information is not reported correctly. A review of CARES assistance units reveals that the educational demographic fields are not being completed correctly for many customers.

Issue Date: 6/30/1997
Control #: 97-21
Subject: Tel-Life Low Cost Phone Service
Effective Date: 10/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistancte (TEMHA), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9721.pdf

In the 1997session the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation for Telephone Lifeline Services that replaces references to obsolete public assistance programs and updates the statue to reflect the current programs. Tel-life is low-cost discount services to anyone who lives in Maryland and receives the following:

Issue Date: 6/30/1997
Control #: 97-91
Subject: Community Spouse Minimum Maintenance Monthly Needs Standard and the Shelter Allowance Increase
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9791.pdf

The Health Care Financing Administration has announced an increase in the community spouse minimum maintenance monthly needs standard (MMMNS) and the shelter allowance effective July 1, 1997. Deducting MMMNS from the income of the institutionalized person enables the spouse to be maintained in the community. The MMMNS applies only to a legal spouse, including a spouse from whom the institutionalized person was separated prior to the institutionalization.

Issue Date: 6/30/1997
Control #: 97-22
Subject: Eligibility Periods for Asylees
Effective Date: 6/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9722.pdf

This Information Memo informs staff how to determine the arrival dates of asylees when calculating their eligibility period. An asylees's period of eligibilty is computed from the date that individual entered the United States. The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), considers the date of entry to be the date that asylum status was granted. The immigration document (I-94) states the date the asylum was granted.

Issue Date: 7/8/1997
Control #: 97-15 Revised
Subject: SPA (Scratch Pad Area)
Effective Date: 7/8/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9715cbRev.pdf

DHR designed CARES to put a case on temporary hold by using the PF5 key (SPA). A case may also be put on SPA when an ABEND (abnormal end) occurs during a system failure, or when data commit fails in an overnight batch run.

Issue Date: 7/8/1997
Control #: 97-19
Subject: Block Grant Reporting Requirements: New Reason Code for Case Closure Due to Marriage
Effective Date: 7/8/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9719cb.pdf

The Federal Government requires all states that receive Block Grant funding to report specific information to them. There may be federal sanctions if this information is not reported correctly.

Issue Date: 7/11/1997
Control #: 98-01
Subject: Child and Adult Care Food Program Verificaiton Form Interim Procedure
Effective Date: 7/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9801a.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) established a two-tier system for assigning rates of reimbursement to family day care homes participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). One of the provisions allows a family day care provider to qualify for the higher rate of reimbusement if they receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) or Food Stamp benefits. They must verify this.

Issue Date: 7/18/1997
Control #: 98-02
Subject: Redeterminations of Medical Assistance Eligibility for Individuals (inlcuding SSI children) Who Lose SSI Benefits
Effective Date: 7/18/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance, Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9802a.pdf

On August 22, 1996, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliaton Act of 1996 (PRWORA) changed the definition for children under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. For all new claims filed on or after the enactment of the new law, the new definition of disability for children requires a child to have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which results in marked and severe funtional limitations, which is expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months. A child may not be considered disabled if he or she is substantially employed. In addition, the law mandates that maladaptive behavior as a medical criteria may not be used in evaluating mental disabilities in children. The Social Security Administration (SSA) must also complete Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) on the cases of all children currently receiving SSI to determine whether they meet the new definition of disability by August 22, 1997. SSA has already sent notifications to all children who may be potentially affected.

Issue Date: 7/28/1997
Control #: 98-03
Subject: Income Exclusion
Effective Date: 10/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9803a.pdf

Public Law 104-204, dated September 26, 1996, requires that the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs pay allowances to children of Vietnam veterans who are born with spina bifida. The law provides for monthly allowances, based on the degree of disability suffered by the child. The allowance amounts range from $200 per month for the lowest level of disability prescribed, to $700 for the intermediate level and $1,200 for the highest level. The effective date of these allowances is October 1, 1997.

Issue Date: 7/31/1997
Control #: 98-05
Subject: The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993
Effective Date: 7/31/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9805.pdf

This Action Transmittal updates the information on the National and Community Service Trust of 1993, and OBSOLETES the Action Transmittal OPA 95-38 Revised that was issued on April 3, 1995.

Issue Date: 8/18/1997
Control #: 98-04
Subject: Change Reporting Waiver
Effective Date: 7/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9804a.pdf

Recently, the Food and Consumer Service approved a waiver to the change reporting requirements. We requested the waiver in an effort to reduce errors in cases with fluctuating earned income.

Issue Date: 8/21/1997
Control #: 98-07
Subject: FIP Substance Abuse Treatment Provisions
Effective Date: 8/21/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps (FS), and Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9807.pdf

During its 1997 session, the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 499, The Welfare Innovation Act of 1997. Provisions of this bill set forth requirements for substance abuse screening and treatment for customers receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) benefits under the Family Investment Program.

Issue Date: 8/22/1997
Control #: 98-02
Subject: FIA Exprectations in Managing the Workload
Effective Date: 8/22/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9802.pdf

Action Transmittal OPSDS 92-45 dated May 26, 1992 identified priorities in managing the workload for Family Investment Programs. Federal and State mandates require that each workload task associate with Family Investment Programs be completed in a timely manner. In light of these mandates, Action Transmittal OPSDS 92-45 date May 26, 1992 is NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

Issue Date: 8/22/1997
Control #: 98-09
Subject: State Verification Exchagne System (SVES)
Effective Date: 8/22/1997
Program(s) Affected: Disability Management Operations
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9809a.pdf

The Department of Human Resources will implement the State Verification Exchange System (SVES) statewide effective August 22, 1997. SVES is an automated IBM data exchange system with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for verifying social security numbers (SSNs), Title II Social Security (OASDI) benefits and Title XVI Supplement Security Income (SSI) benefits. Requests for verification are data entered on-line during the day and batch processed to SSA that night (Monday through Friday). Responses are returned from SSA that same night and available the next day for on-line viewing.

Issue Date: 8/26/1997
Control #: 98-01
Subject: Voluntary Request to Close Case Form
Effective Date: 8/26/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program, Food Stamps, Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9801a.pdf

In our attempt to reduce errors and make it convenient for customers to close a specific benefit or their entire case, we are initiating a Voluntary Request to Close Case Form procedure. The usage of this form by local departments is completely voluntary. However, other states have used this form with a degree of success and this technique has been shared at several training conferences including conferences sponsored by USDA/FCS.

Issue Date: 8/28/1997
Control #: 98-08
Subject: Corrected FIA Action Transmittal
Effective Date: 8/28/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9808.pdf

This Action Transmittal corrects page 2 of Action Transmittal 97-22 Revised (Child Care in Lieu of Temporary Cash Assistance), dated April 21, 1997. It incorrectly states that a family is to be recertified for food stamps for 12 months without a face-to-face interview after the initial 3 month certification period, which would effectively give the family a 15-month certification period. The "in lieu of" procedure for the Medical Assistance extension and Purchase of Care as described in Action Transmittal 97-22 Revised has not changed.

Issue Date: 8/28/1997
Control #: 98-06
Subject: Intentional Program Violations-Manual Page
Effective Date: 9/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9806.pdf

This transmittal is to issue a replacement Food Stamp Manual page and does not include new policy. Information about the new and increased penalties resulting from the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was presented in Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-56. Food stamp manual pages were sent at that time. Section 480.3 contains obsolete information and the penalties for felony drug convictions was left out.

Issue Date: 8/31/1997
Control #: 98-10
Subject: Assistance Unit Composition
Effective Date: 8/31/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9810.pdf

The Family Investment Program (FIP) provides assistance to families with children while preparing program participants for independence. Under FIP, assistance consists of services and cash assistance to eligible individuals, as well as work activities. Under the old Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) Program, children had to be deprived due to absence, death, incapacitation or unemployment of one or both parents. Now both parents are expected to contribute to the support of their children. TCA is now available as a last resort.

Issue Date: 9/5/1997
Control #: 98-03
Subject: The National Voter Registration Act
Effective Date: 9/5/1997
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9803.pdf

Until programming changes are completed on CARES to include the response Took Home, staff are to use a No response on the DEM 2 screen whenever a customer, present at the face to face application or reconsideration interview, or to report an address change, opts to take the Voter Registration Application form home. If the worker were to respond with a Yes on the DEM 2 screen, the Voter Registration Site Coordinator would expect to receive a completed Voter Registration Application form.

Issue Date: 9/8/1997
Control #: 98-11
Subject: Food Stamp Mass Change - October 1997
Effective Date: 10/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9811a.pdf

Each October, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based. Effective October 1, 1997, the net and gross monthly income standards will increase. The maximum allotments will also increase slightly. The excess shelter deduction and standard deduction will not change. The homeless household shelter allowance also remains unchanged.

Issue Date: 9/9/1997
Control #: 98-12
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Payment Increases
Effective Date: 10/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9812.pdf

This Action Transmittal confirms the October 1997 implementation of a 2.9 percent payment increase for Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients. Senate Bill 778 (Welfare Innovation Act of 1996) requires that the total of Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps be at leat 61% of the established Minimum Living Level. The established Minimum Living Level for State Fiscal ear 1998 is $1163 for a family of three. The key dates for actions related to the benefit increase for this program are noted below.

Issue Date: 9/12/1997
Control #: 98-05 Revised
Subject: The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993
Effective Date: 9/12/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9805aRev.pdf

This Action Transmittal updates the information on the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, and OBSOLETES the Action Transmittal OPR 98-05 that was issued on July 31, 1997. A line in the margin notes the revisions.

Issue Date: 9/15/1997
Control #: 98-01 Revised
Subject: Voluntary Request to Close Case Form (IDHR/FIA 1810)
Effective Date: 9/15/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program, Food Stamps, Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA), Public Assistance to Adults (PA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9801Rev.pdf

This FIA Information Memo has been revised to include the form number for the Voluntary Request to Close Case Form.

Issue Date: 9/30/1997
Control #: 98-16
Subject: Treatment of Supplemental Security Income Lump Sum Payments When Disbursed in Installments
Effective Date: 9/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9816.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-75 provided information about a provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 that changed the way large Supplemental Security Income (SSI) lump sum payments are made. The provision requires installment payments for retroactive SSI payments that exceed 12 times the monthly Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) plus the monthly State supplement. After distribution of AT 97-75, the Food and Consumer Service provided a different interpretation of how to treat the lump sum installment payments in determining the food stamp benefit. This transmittal provides corrected and additional information about the treatment of SSI lump sum income paid in installments.

Issue Date: 9/30/1997
Control #: 97-76 Revised
Subject: Payment Standards from Other States
Effective Date: 9/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9776Rev.pdf

One of the new Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA) provisions affects customers who have resided in Maryland less than 12 months. The lesser of the payment standard from the prior state or the payment standard from Maryland is the benefit amount to be paid to this assistance unit. Once the customer has resided in Maryland for longer than 12 months, the assistance unit is entitled to the payment standard applicable to Maryland.

Issue Date: 10/1/1997
Control #: 98-13
Subject: New Hire Registry System
Effective Date: 10/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9813.pdf

Effective July 1, 1997, new federal and state laws require employers to report specific information on new employees to the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation within 20 days of the first day of work for the employee. A private vendor has been hired to collect this information and then forward and electronic new hire database file to DHR. FIA is requiring that this list of new hires be compared to the current FIA recipient files for potential matches.

Issue Date: 10/2/1997
Control #: 98-02
Subject: Pharmacy Assistance Processing
Effective Date: 10/2/1997
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9802cb.pdf

The CARES Special Procedure has been developed in response to requests from local departments on how to correctly process Pharmacy Assistance when approving TEMHA cases. TEMHA recipients are currently enrolled in Maryland Pharmacy Assistance by forwarding a completed 8000 to DHMH.

Issue Date: 10/3/1997
Control #: 98-15
Subject: Verification of Forty Quarters for Legal Immigrants
Effective Date: 10/3/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9815.pdf

Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 changed the food stamp eligibility criteria for legal immigrants. One of those criteria establishes eligibility for legal permanent residents who have 40 quarters of coverage through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Certification pending verification was allowed for all households who were considered likely to have 40 quarters of work until the SSA's Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS) was operational. QCHS is not currently operational. The projected implementation date is December, 1997. Effective immediately, local departments must request and obtain verifications of earnings from customers before determining eligibility for legal immigrants who claim 40 quarters of work.

Issue Date: 10/10/1997
Control #: 98-03
Subject: Social Security Claim Number
Effective Date: 10/10/1997
Program(s) Affected: QMB
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9803cb.pdf

The CIS Testing Facility (CTF) has been notified by DHMH that eligibility workers are not properly entering the Social Security claim number on the UINC screen for QMB, SLMB, and MA Assistance Units.

Issue Date: 10/16/1997
Control #: 98-01
Subject: Invalid District Office Codes
Effective Date: 10/16/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9801cb.pdf

EBT has rejected several cases from receiving food stamp benefits due to invalid District Office Codes (153-Children's Help Center, 165-Center Point, 411-Holly Center and 412-Finance Center). Because individuals in state institutions are not eligible for food stamps, EBT does not recognize the DO code associated with the institution. When the head of household is transferred to a state institution district office, any assistance units (with or without other members) follow the new district office and as a result do not have access to their food stamp benefits.

Issue Date: 10/17/1997
Control #: 98-17
Subject: Certification Process
Effective Date: 11/1/1996
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9817.pdf

A provision of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, permits states more flexibility in assigning certification periods. This action transmittal replaces FIA/OPA 97-49 REVISED. CARES procedures have changed; definitions and AIMS procedures remain the same.

Issue Date: 10/24/1997
Control #: 98-06
Subject: Spenddown Eligibility Procedure
Effective Date: 10/24/1997
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9806cb.pdf

Spenddown eligibility considers those paid or unpaid bills for medical care which are recognized under State law and are or will be the obligation of the applicant. The CARES procedure for MA assistance units requesting spenddown eligibility consideration requires the entry of countable medical expenses and recalculation of spenddown results. It has been brought to our attention that the currently programmed procedure for processing spenddown is not appropriately capturing incurred medical expenses both paid and unpaid so that the system can correctly reduce the spenddown amount.

Issue Date: 10/29/1997
Control #: 98-03 Revised
Subject: Social Security Claim Number
Effective Date: 10/29/1997
Program(s) Affected: QMB
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9803cbRev.pdf

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has advised us that case managers are not properly entering the Social Security claim number on the UINC screen for QMB, SLMB, PAA and MA Assistance Units.

Issue Date: 11/1/1997
Control #: 98-23
Subject: Preexisting Child Support Arrangements and Child Support Payment Deductions
Effective Date: 11/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9823.pdf

In October 1995 the pursuit of child support became a condition of eligibility for Purchase of Care (POC) applicants. Since that time several local departments have referred specific case situations to our attention regarding applicants receiving child support in a nonmonetary form as a part of informal arrangements or formal/legal arrangements (i.e., the absent parent pays the rent to the landlord in lieu of paying a monetary child support payment). Additionally, effective October 1, 1997, child support paid by POC recipient, or other member of the POC household, for child(ren) residing outside of the house, will be deducted from the gross income in determinng eligibility.

Issue Date: 11/1/1997
Control #: 98-22
Subject: POC Eligibility for Qualified Aliens
Effective Date: 11/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: OPD/Child Care Administration
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9822.pdf

The Personal Responsiblity and Work Opportunity Reconciliaton Act of 1996 (PRWORA), P.L. 104-193, restricts the access of certain categories of immigrants to specified Federal benefits, including some benefits administered b the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS). Section 403 of PRWORA bars most qualified aliens who enter the U.S. on or after enactment (Sugust 22, 1996) from eligibility for "Federally means-tested public benefits" for five years beginning on the date teh individual entered the United States with the qualified alien status. As defined in The Federal Register dated August 26, 1997, and effective immediately, HHS is interpreting "Federal means-tested public benefits" to included only those benefits provided under Federal means-tested, mandatory spending programs. The following HHS programs meet this definition: Medicaid (MA) and Temporary Cash Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). Therefore no other HHS programs are "Federal means tested public benefits" for the purpose of PRWORA, and all qualified aliens regardless of when they entered the U.S. continue to be eligible to receive assistance and services under the Child Care and Department Fund, if they meet other program requirements.

Issue Date: 11/1/1997
Control #: 98-36
Subject: Health and Safety Standards for Informal and Certified Providers
Effective Date: 11/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9836.pdf

Prior to August 24, 1996, informal providers were paid through Title IV-A and were not required to be registered or licensed nor were they subject to health and safety requirements. Informal child care providers include relatives of the child(ren), non-related adults who provide care in the child's home and adults who provide care in their home for under 20 hours per month. Informal providers wre paid at the in-home/informal jurisdictional rate. Informal care was limited to POC Priority 2 (Transitional) and Priority 3 (TCA) customers, and working Priority 5 customers. Priority 4 and 5 customers could also select certified providers who were paid under the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG). Certified providers were required to meet basic health and safety standards. Certified care not in the child's home was paid at a regional family child care rate.

Issue Date: 11/3/1997
Control #: 98-04
Subject: Invalid District Office Codes
Effective Date: 11/3/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps/Public Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9804cb.pdf

EBT has rejected several cases from receiving food stamp benefits and Public Assistance due to invalid District Codes (153-Children's Help Center, 165-Center Point, 411-Holly Center and 412-Finance Center). Because individuals in state institutions are not eligible for food stamps/public assistance EBT does not recognize the DO code associated with the institution. When the head of household is transferred to a state institution district office, any assistance units (with or without other members) follow the new district office and as a result do not have access to their food stamp/public assistance benefits.

Issue Date: 11/5/1997
Control #: 98-18
Subject: Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Work Activity Guidelines
Effective Date: 11/1/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9818.pdf

The U.S. Department of Labor has released information regarding the application of the minimum wage provision of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) on TANF work activities. The FLSA minimum wage provisions will apply to welfare recipients who are considered employees, rather than trainees.

Issue Date: 11/5/1997
Control #: 98-08
Subject: CARES Log Off Procedure
Effective Date: 11/5/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9808cb.pdf

When leaving at the end of the day it is necessary to log off of the system. If the system is not properly closed you cannot log on at a later time because the system thinks you are already logged on.

Issue Date: 11/10/1997
Control #: 98-19
Subject: Social Security Numbers for Newborns
Effective Date: 11/10/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9819.pdf

A final rule effective November 18, 1996 simplified several Food Stamp Program regulatory requirements and increased flexibility. This action transmittal explains the changes in social security number requirements for newborns.

Issue Date: 11/27/1997
Control #: 98-20
Subject: Immigrants
Effective Date: 11/27/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9820.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-41 informed local departments of social services of the change in eligibility of immigrant for the Food Stamp Program. The 1997 Balanced Budget Reconciliation Act added new categories of eligible individuals and some of the information in 97-41 is no longer applicable. This transmittal replaces AT 97-41. The new information is in bold print.

Issue Date: 12/11/1997
Control #: 98-07
Subject: 1998 Mass District Office Caseload Reassignment Schedule
Effective Date: 12/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9807cb.pdf

The Office of Information Management (OIM) will run the Mass District caseload reassignment on the third processing weekend of each month. Local departments must submit all caseload reassignment requests using form (DHR/CARES 9400.26) by close of business on the second Friday of the month. Any caseload reassignment forms received after the second Friday of the month, will not be entered until the following month. OIM will run the caseload reassignment on the third processing weekend of each month. Caseload reassignment requires a substantial amount of processing time. Therefore, the reassignment must be run on a weekend. The system will be unavailable during this period of time. Please address all caseload reassignment forms to: Ruth Waugh, Maryland Department of Human Resources, Division of Program and Systems Support, 6th Floor, 311 W. Saratoga Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Issue Date: 12/11/1997
Control #: 98-09
Subject: Updated Clearing House Worker List
Effective Date: 12/11/1997
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9809cb.pdf

Periodically the FIA Clearing House Worker List is updated to reflect the current staff performing this function.* The Division of Program and Systems Support (DPSS) should be notified in writing of any updates, corrections, or changes. The list will then be revised accordingly and reissued. See below for mailing address.

Issue Date: 12/12/1997
Control #: 98-04
Subject: CARES/IEVS Matching Alert Notices
Effective Date: 12/12/1997
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9804.pdf

The federal government has stipulated that each state must have an Income & Eligibility Verification Systems (IEVS) which performs interfaces with various agencies. Since CARES implementation, these reports have not been generated for CARES counties.

Issue Date: 12/12/1997
Control #: 98-21
Subject: Exemption from Providing Notice of Adverse Action
Effective Date: 12/12/1997
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9821.pdf

A final rule, effective November 18, 1996, simplified several Food Stamp Program regulatory requirements and increased flexibility. This is one of several transmittals about the new policy and explains an option for an exemption from sending a Notice of Adverse Action when mail is returned to the local department.

Issue Date: 12/14/1997
Control #: 98-32
Subject: Americans with Disabilities Act and Provider Payment Adjustments for Children with Disabling Conditions
Effective Date: 12/14/1997
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9832.pdf

The Child Care Administration has in the past established a special subsidy rate for children with disabilities based on a market rate survey. This Action Transmittal addresses the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act (Public Law 101-336), Sections 402 (g) & (I) of the Social Security Act, 28 CFR Part 36, on provider charges used to establish local market rates for child care for children with disabilities. To assure that the Department is not in violation of the ADA due to using costs reported by providers in market rate surveys that may have in the past included charges that are now disallowed, the Child Care Administration eliminated the special needs rate.

Issue Date: 12/17/1997
Control #: 98-24
Subject: 1998 Benefit Issuance Schedules and Cut-Off Dates
Effective Date: 1/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9824.pdf

The benefit issuance schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and for Food Stamps during 1998 for the AIMS system and the CARES system are attached. The 1998 cut-off dates for AIMS and CARES are also attached. The planned CARES implementation date for Baltimore City is March 1, 1998. Because of conversion and possible problems with specific cases, some cases may need to be carried on AIMS after this date. When Baltimore City has been completely converted to CARES, the AIMS schedules that are attached will become void and all jurisdictions will use the CARES schedules.

Issue Date: 12/19/1997
Control #: 98-25
Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE AND RELATED INCREASES
Effective Date: 1/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: All Categories of Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Non Public Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9825.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. To take these changes into account for grant and food stamp purposes, process the affected cases according to mass change procedures as described herein. For medical assistance purposes, the impact of these benefit increases is also described in this Action Transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/30/1997
Control #: 98-14
Subject: Pharmacy Assistance Processing
Effective Date: 12/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9814cb.pdf

This CARES Special Procedure has been developed in response to requests from local departments on how to correctly process Pharmacy Assistance when approving and closing TEMHA cases. TEMHA recipients are currently enrolled in Maryland Pharmacy Assistance by forwarding a completed 8000 to DHMH.

Issue Date: 12/30/1997
Control #: 98-30
Subject: Family Violence Screening
Effective Date: 2/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9830.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) allows States the option to screen applicants and recipients for the occurrence of family violence. The option also allows States to waive certain requirements where compliance would make it difficult for individuals receiving assistance to escape such violence. Recognizing that family violence may affect the customer's ability to become independent, Maryland selected this option. This Action Transmittal replaces Action Transmittal 97-77, issued January 23, 1997.

Issue Date: 12/30/1997
Control #: 98-26
Subject: Definition of Displacement and Local Grievance Procedure
Effective Date: 12/30/1997
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9826.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 prohibits states from placing a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customer in a work activity with an employer who has laid off or terminated a regular employee in order to fill the vacancy with the TCA customer.

Issue Date: 1/5/1998
Control #: 98-27
Subject: Work Activity Liability Issues
Effective Date: 1/5/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9827.pdf

The Family Investment Program's primary goal is to assist TCA customers in achieving economic independence through employment. Local Departments have designed many different work activities to accomplish this goal. In any employment or training setting, there is a possibility that an accident will occur. When that happens, the State law provides guidelines for liability and worker compensation to protect the injured individual. This Action Transmittal discusses the State's worker compensation statute and how it is applied to ensure certain basic coverage for customers who are participating in work activities. Additionally, it will define and discuss different areas of liability and explain who is liable under various situations.

Issue Date: 1/5/1998
Control #: 98-28
Subject: Minimum and Maximum Spousal Resource Amount and Maximum Spousal Maintenance and Shelter Allowance
Effective Date: 1/5/1998
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9828.pdf

The spousal impoverishment resource minimum and maximum and the spousal maintenance and shelter allowance will increase effective January 1, 1998. The minimum resource level will increase to $16,152. The maximum resource level will increase to $80,760. The long term care maximum maintenance and shelter allowance will increase to $2,019.

Issue Date: 1/12/1998
Control #: 98-29
Subject: Availability of Dental Services for TCA customers Participating in Work Activities
Effective Date: 1/12/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9829.pdf

For the last six years, The University of Maryland (UM) Dental School provided care to AFDC recipients who were participants of Maryland�s previous welfare-to-work program, Project Independence (PI). This program was quite effective in improving the facial appearance and self-esteem of selected PI participants, thereby improving their employability. During that time more than 700 recipients were treated. Care was provided by dental students at the school and the program was very cost effective. This extremely important resource is still available at UM Dental School.

Issue Date: 1/13/1998
Control #: 98-31
Subject: Aged Benefits on EBT
Effective Date: 1/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9831.pdf

In the past, auditors from the United States Department of Agriculture identified certain deficiencies in how local departments are handling aged benefits. In an effort to comply with audit findings and to streamline the process, we requested a Food and Consumer Service waiver which permits us to shorten the certification period when a household does not access food stamp benefits for more than 45 days after they were issued.

Issue Date: 2/9/1998
Control #: 98-33
Subject: The National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993
Effective Date: 2/9/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Purchase of Care and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9833.pdf

This Action Transmittal updates the information on the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993, and OBSOLETES the Action Transmittal OPR 98-05 Revised that was issued on September 12, 1997. A line in the margin notes the revisions.

Issue Date: 2/12/1998
Control #: 98-34
Subject: Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS)
Effective Date: 2/12/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9834.pdf

As you know, one of the provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 establishes eligibility for immigrants who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence and have 40 quarters of work. Action Transmittal 98-15 provided information about how to verify the 40 quarters of work until the Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS) became operational. The QCHS is now operational. This action transmittal supersedes #97-15.

Issue Date: 2/19/1998
Control #: 98-35
Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents New Waiver County and Policy Examples
Effective Date: 2/19/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9835.pdf

On August 5, 1997, President Clinton signed the Balance Budget Act of 1997. The Act permits states to exempt up to 15 percent of able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS) from the work requirements. This 15 percent is in addition to our current waivers. The Food and Nutrition Service has informed us that our exemption allowance for federal fiscal year (FFY) 1998 is 515. This transmittal also includes information about the jurisdiction newly exempt from the ABAWD provisions based on the Department of Labor's determination of FFY 1998 labor surplus areas.

Issue Date: 3/11/1998
Control #: 98-37
Subject: Intentional Program Violations (TCA) And Referrals to The Office of Administrative Hearings
Effective Date: 3/11/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9837.pdf

The purpose of this action is to establish the procedures to be used by the Administration to disqualify individuals from participation in the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program when there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the decision that the individual has committed an intentional violation of the Family Investment Program regulations. The attached penalty comparison chart shows the difference between TCA and food stamp penalties. Customers that had penalties imposed prior to October 1996 are not subject to the full family sanction. Full family sanctions are applicable to sanctions imposed after October 1996.

Issue Date: 3/12/1998
Control #: 98-38
Subject: Clarification of The Role of Higher Education in The Family Investment Program
Effective Date: 3/12/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9838.pdf

The successful design of the Family Investment Program includes local flexibility, an employment focus and the use of a careful assessment of the individual customer's skills, abilities and strengths to develop a plan to become independent. Local departments already have the flexibility to allow welfare customers, in accordance with the family independence plan, to take college course alone or in combination with work.

Issue Date: 3/17/1998
Control #: 98-39
Subject: Legal Immigrants-Temporary Cash Assistance
Effective Date: 3/17/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9839.pdf

Before the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliaton Act of 1996 (PRWORA), all legal immigrants lawfully admitted into the United States met the citizenship requirement for technical elgibility in all of our programs. The PRWORA does not offer automatic technical eligibility status to legal immigrants.

Issue Date: 3/17/1998
Control #: 98-09
Subject: 1998 Poverty Levels
Effective Date: 3/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9809.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines will increase effective March 1, 1998. The change will be completed in CARES on March 1, 1998. The seasonal disregard that was allowed for the months of January thru April will be removed from CARES effective April 30, 1998. The seasonal disregard is the amount of Social Security Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for the current year that is normally provided to Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) recipients through the month following the month in which the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines are increased.

Issue Date: 3/20/1998
Control #: 98-42
Subject: Immigrants - New Interpretation On 5-Year Ban
Effective Date: 3/20/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9842.pdf

We recently received a revised policy interpretation from the Nutrition Service about the 5-year ban for immigrants who have 40 quarters of work history. The information in Action Transmittal 98-20 issued November 27, 1997 is correct except for the change that eliminates the 5-year ban for immigrants with 40 quarters of work. This transmittal provides the revised information and replacement manual pages.

Issue Date: 3/23/1998
Control #: 98-41
Subject: Claim Management
Effective Date: 3/23/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9841.pdf

Action Transmittal 96-01 issued July 24, 1995, which contained information about a Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) waiver permitting local departments to discard inadvertent household error and administrative error claims under $100, is obsolete. The Food and Nutrition Service provided new options for claims management policy.

Issue Date: 3/24/1998
Control #: 98-40 addendum
Subject: FIP Substance Abuse Treatment Provisions
Effective Date: 3/24/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps (FS), and Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9840.pdf

With the implementation of the FIP Substance Abuse Treatment Provision (the DHR Warehouse distributed the needed forms to LDSS on September 1, 1997) several policy and procedural questions have been received in this office. The following is a compilation of the most frequently asked questions and the policy directives in response. In addition, since the implementation of the provisions, some procedural simplifications have been authorized by this office in conjunction with DHMH. These simplifications have also been included in this addendum.

Issue Date: 3/24/1998
Control #: 98-43
Subject: Revised Policy Manual Sections
Effective Date: 3/24/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9843.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 established new policies and procedures for the Food Stamp Program. These changes have necessitated the revision of the Family Investment Administration's Food Stamp Manual to reflect the current food stamp policies and procedures. FIA is in the process of revising the Food Stamp Manual and will distribute sections of the manual to local departments as they are completed. FIA expects to complete the revision of the entire manual by July 1998.

Issue Date: 4/7/1998
Control #: 98-44
Subject: New Hire Registry System
Effective Date: 4/7/1998
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9844.pdf

Effective July 1, 1997, new federal and state laws require employers to report specific information on new employees to the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation within 20 days of the first day of work for the employee. A private vendor has been hired to collect this information and then forward an electronic new hire database file to DHR. FIA is requiring that this list of new hires be compared to the current FIA recipient files for potential matches.

Issue Date: 4/8/1998
Control #: 98-45
Subject: Expedited Naturalization
Effective Date: 4/8/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9845.pdf

Governor Glendening is concerned that some immigrants who have applied for naturalizationl but have not yet completed all the requirements, may not be able to meet their food needs because they are ineligible for food stamps. Some of these legal immigrants have completed all of the citizenship requirements except for the test and the oath. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) can consider loss or threat of loss of federal benefits as a valid reason for expediting naturalization if the loss of benefits results in extreme hardship.

Issue Date: 4/22/1998
Control #: 98-11
Subject: Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) Grant Increase
Effective Date: 5/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9811.pdf

The Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) is a State-funded inititative to provide essential medical, housing and other services to low-income disabled adults who are ineligible for other categories of assistance. TEMHA is a capped entitlement for eligible customers.

Issue Date: 5/15/1998
Control #: 98-14
Subject: Discontinuing the PPI Right and Responsibility Form
Effective Date: 5/15/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9814.pdf

In January 1997, Primary Prevention Initiative (PPI) requirements for health and education were incorporated in the Family Investment Program (FIP). Accordingly, most forms and related processes pertaining to PPI were made obsolete. Since the PPI policies which have continued are part of FIP, it is no longer necessary to hae a separate PPI Rights and Responsibilities form. This Information Memo makes that form, the DHR/FIA/PPI/1126, obsolete.

Issue Date: 5/15/1998
Control #: 98-46
Subject: Procedures for the Agreement Between DHR and The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS)
Effective Date: 5/15/1998
Program(s) Affected: All FIA Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9846.pdf

In 1993 the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Human Resources (DHR) signed an agreement with the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) to assist inmates who are terminally ill or chronically mentally ill and in need of hospitalization. This agreement called for the departments to create a mechanism for assisting inmates to access the benefits and programs provided by the Family Investment Administration (FIA) through interaction between Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) staff and Division of Correction (DOC) staff prior to their release from incarceration. A workgroup comprised of DHR, DOC, and LDSS staff developed procedures that spelled out eligibility criteria for referral of these inmates. This included responsibilities for the DOC and LDSS staff in carrying out these procedures.

Issue Date: 5/18/1998
Control #: 98-47
Subject: Availability of Health Forms for Regulated Child Care and Educational Brochures
Effective Date: 5/18/1998
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9847.pdf

Federal Regulations under the Child Care & Development Fund require States to provide comprehensive consumer education material to customers to increase the level of understanding about the features and importance of quality regulated child care. In Maryland one method the Child Care Administration uses to comply with this requirement is through the distribution of the educational brochure "Making The Difference For Your Child: Choosing Regulated Care in Maryland." The brochure is available in English and Spanish and provides customers with tips on selecting and locating a regulated provider.

Issue Date: 5/27/1998
Control #: 98-48
Subject: Affidavits of Support on Behalf of Immigrants
Effective Date: 5/27/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9848.pdf

On September 30, 1996 President Clinton approved enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) of 1996. A section of this Act provides that an individual is inadmissible as an immigrant if likely to become a public charge.

Issue Date: 5/29/1998
Control #: 98-49
Subject: Cancellation of Medicaid During Six-Month Guarantee Period Due to Death or Out-of-State residency
Effective Date: 5/29/1998
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9849.pdf

This Action Transmittal clarifies the CARES procedure to close Medical Assistance on MMIS when a customer dies or moves out of state.

Issue Date: 6/15/1998
Control #: 98-50
Subject: Interpretation Services For Non-English speaking Households
Effective Date: 6/15/1998
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9850.pdf

Some households that apply for assistance through local departments of social services are non-English speaking or have limited English language proficiency. This Action Transmittal is to remind local departments that the application process and eligibility determination for these households is the same as for all other households that apply for benefits.

Issue Date: 6/29/1998
Control #: 98-52
Subject: Revised Policy Manual Sections
Effective Date: 6/29/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9852.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 established new policies and procedures for the Food Stamp Program. These changes have necessitated the revision of the Family Investment Administration's Food Stamp Manual to reflect the current food stamp policy and procedures. FIA is in the process of revising the Food Stamp Manual and will distribute sections of the manual to local departments as they are completed.

Issue Date: 7/1/1998
Control #: 98-51
Subject: Payment Irregularities
Effective Date: 7/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9851.pdf

This action transmittal outlines and clarifies Child Care Administration policy and procedures for addressing overpayments. Effective October 1, 1997, the Child Care Administration amended the regulation covering payment irregularities. COMAR 07.04.06.1 1H Payment Irregularities requires local departments administering the Purchase of Child Care Program to attempt to recover any overpayment to recipients or service providers. The regulation specifies that recovery shall be made by repayment or by reduction of continuing child care benefits.

Issue Date: 7/1/1998
Control #: 99-05
Subject: Twenty-Four Month Time Limit Work Requirement Customer Reports
Effective Date: 7/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9905a.pdf

Work requirements under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA) were outlined in FIA/OPI Action Transmittal (AT) #97-67 dated December 24, 1996. The AT included the actions related to the federal work requirements to be taken by the Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS). Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) time limits are delineated in AT #97-61 dated November 24, 1996.

Issue Date: 7/6/1998
Control #: 98-53
Subject: Family Investment Program Questions & Answers
Effective Date: 7/6/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9853.pdf

The following is a compilation of recently asked questions and policy clarifications in response. This transmittal also provides corrected answers to questions #7 and #11 in Action Transmittal #98-40, the Questions and Answers on FIP Substance Abuse Treatment Provisions. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience those incorrect answers may have caused.

Issue Date: 7/8/1998
Control #: 98-31
Subject: ISRQ Process
Effective Date: 7/8/1998
Program(s) Affected: EAFC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9831cb.pdf

Emergency Assistance procedures are very similar to working any other case. Four steps are required: Screening, Interviewing, Processing application months and Finalizing. All cases need an eligibility determination. Because an EA case also requires generating a vendor payment, the Financial Management Issuance component must be addressed. However, when the entire process is not completed thoroughly and/or timely, benefits are not properly issued.

Issue Date: 7/10/1998
Control #: 98-54
Subject: Denial of Assistance for Certain Drug-Related Offenses
Effective Date: 7/10/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps Program, Emergency Assistance and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9854.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-56 described to new penalties and disqualifications resulting from provisions of the Personal Responsbility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 amended the section that denies assistance to an individual convicted of a drug offense.

Issue Date: 7/24/1998
Control #: 99-01
Subject: Substance Abuse Treatment As A Work Activity And Eligibility For Purchase Of Care
Effective Date: 7/24/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Purchase of Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9901a.pdf

As Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) caseloads continue to decline, local departments are beginning to see more hard to serve individuals with barriers such as substance abuse. While substance abuse screening and treatment remain a requirement for receipt of cash assistance, the individual who participates in a treatment program may require assistance in arranging and paying for the care of their children. Current Purchase of Care (POC) regulations require participation in an approved work activity to meet eligibility. Local departments may consider participation in a substance abuse treatment program as an approved work activity and may offer POC to TCA individuals who are enrolled and actively participating in a substance abuse treatment program.

Issue Date: 7/31/1998
Control #: 99-03
Subject: Legal Immigrants-Temporary Cash Assistance
Effective Date: 7/31/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9903a.pdf

Before the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), all legal immigrants lawfully admitted into the United States met the citizenship requirement for technical eligibility in all of our programs. The PRWORA does not offer automatic technical eligilibility stateus to legal immigrants.

Issue Date: 7/31/1998
Control #: 99-02
Subject: Ensuring Correct Addresses on MMIS-II
Effective Date: 7/31/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9902a.pdf

Since the implementation of HealthChoice in June 1997, the HealthChoice enrollment broker and the Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) have reported a significantly higher number of incorrect addresses than is recorded on the MMIS II. In many cases this is due to Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Medical Assistance (MA) customers not promptly and consistently updating their address with the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). Since the address has little impact on MA eligibility unless the recipient moves out of state, and TCA payments are paid through electronic banking, there is little incentive for the customer to make reporting a change in address a priority unless they also receive Food Stamps. This means the LDSS does not always have the customer's most current address. As a result, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH), the HealthChoice enrollment broker, and the MCOs are unnecessarily expending additional resources because of returned mail. More importantly, customers with incorrect addresses are being auto-assisgned to MCOs without the opportunity to voluntarily enroll. This creates access and service delivery problems for the customers as well as the MCOs. In addition to the many problems created by auto-assignment, incorrect addresses prevent customers from receiving their redetermination packets, which can result in case closure. DHMH has developed a system to provide updated information they receive from various sources to the LDSS to be confirmed and entered into CARES and thereby into MMIS II.

Issue Date: 7/31/1998
Control #: 99-01
Subject: Quarters Earned While Illegally Residing In The United States
Effective Date: 7/31/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9901.pdf

This action transmittal provides guidance on determining eligible immigrant status when a lawful permanent resident requests to be credited with quarters of coverage that were earned by someone who was illegally in this country at the time the quarters were earned.

Issue Date: 7/31/1998
Control #: 99-02
Subject: Jointly Owned Llicensed Vehicles
Effective Date: 7/31/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9902.pdf

This information memo is in response to questions from local departments about jointly owned vehicles. Action Transmittal #96-17 issued November 9, 1995, provided policy about determining if a resource is inaccessible. As stated in the Action Transmittal, that policy does not apply to vehicles. Although a licensed vehicle cannot be considered an inaccessible resource, there are certain situations in which we can consider a vehicle as unavailable to the customer. Following are questions and answers to clarify treatment of unavailable licensed vehicles.

Issue Date: 8/5/1998
Control #: 99-07
Subject: Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP)
Effective Date: 8/5/1998
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9907.pdf

On July 1, 1998, the Maryland Children's Health Program (MCHP) became effective. The new program provides health insurance coverage for children under the age of 19 and pregnant women of any age with family income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Children who were enrolled in the Maryland Kids Count program were converted to MCHP on June 30, 1998.

Issue Date: 8/13/1998
Control #: 99-03
Subject: Treatment of Pension Plans as Resources
Effective Date: 8/13/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9903.pdf

This Information Memo clarifies the treatment of pension plans as resources for the Food Stamp Program. Generally, the cash value of pension plans is excluded from consideration as a resource. However, there are two exceptions to this policy.

Issue Date: 8/13/1998
Control #: 99-06
Subject: Residency Requirement For State Funded Food Stamps For Legal Immigrant Children
Effective Date: 8/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9906.pdf

This transmittal provides information about a new residency requirement for receipt of the state-funded Food Stamp Program.

Issue Date: 8/13/1998
Control #: 99-04
Subject: Documentary Evidence of Status for Immigrants
Effective Date: 8/13/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9904.pdf

This Information Memo provides guidance in the types of documents that immigrants may present to case managers to verify their status. A chart is attached for your easy reference.

Issue Date: 8/31/1998
Control #: 99-08
Subject: Determination Of Non-Cooperation For Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) And Medical Assistance (MA)
Effective Date: 8/31/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9908.pdf

The purpose of this circular letter is to provide policy to clarify which entity is responsible for determination of non-cooperation with child support requirements for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Medical Assistance (MA) applicants or recipients. The policy provides guidance to assist in that determination.

Issue Date: 9/1/1998
Control #: 99-09
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamp Mass Change - October 1998
Effective Date: 10/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9909.pdf

Each October, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based. Effective October 1, 1998, the net and gross monthly income standards will increase. The maximum food stamp allotments and excess shelter deduction will also increase. The standard deduction and homeless shelter allowance are unchanged.

Issue Date: 9/17/1998
Control #: 99-10
Subject: Changes in Eligibility For Certain Immigrants
Effective Date: 11/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9910.pdf

On June 23, 1998 President Clinton signed Public Law 105-185, the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (AREERA). This legislation amends the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliaiton Act of 1996 and changes the eligibility rules for certain immigrants. Children, elderly and disabled immigrants who were lawfully present in the United States on August 22, 1996 will be eligible for federal food stamps. Members of the Hmong and Highland Laotian tribes and cross-border Native Americans will also be eligible. Refugees, asylees, immigrants whose deportation has been withheld, Cuban and Haitian entrants and Amerasians lawfully admitted for permanent residence will have their period of eligibility extended. These changes are effective November 1, 1998. We are providing this policy in advance so case managers can inform customers of this anticipated change.

Issue Date: 10/20/1998
Control #: 99-12
Subject: Action Transmittals and Information Memos For 1998
Effective Date: 10/20/1998
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9912.pdf

The Office of Policy Research and Systems (OPRS) provides clarification to policy and procedures questions from local departments statewide on a daily basis. When providing that clarification, the caller is usually referred to a specific Action Transmittal (AT) that outlines the policy or procedure in question. Sometimes the caller does not have the AT that has been issued regarding that topic.

Issue Date: 10/20/1998
Control #: 99-05
Subject: Outreach To Non-Citizens
Effective Date: 10/20/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9905.pdf

Effective November 1, 1998 many noncitizens will become eligible for food stamps. (See Action Transmittal #99-10). Several governmental agencies, including DHR, have developed strategies to reach the population that will become eligible because of the change in the law. This Information Memo is to inform local departments about several planned initiatives.

Issue Date: 11/1/1998
Control #: 99-16
Subject: Obsolete Forms
Effective Date: 12/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9916.pdf

FIA has eliminated more than 60 forms since June of 1997. Several factors contributed to this reduction. The CARES system captures much of the information that was addressed via FIA forms. We were able to eliminate most AIMS forms when CARES implementation was completed. The Welfare Innovations Act of 1997 gave us the flexibility to focus on customer independence needs and eliminate unnecessary paper work. Although many discontinued forms were addressed in prior action transmittals, we developed an obsolete forms report to ensure that local offices have the most current information.

Issue Date: 11/9/1998
Control #: 99-14
Subject: Customers Subject To Time Limits Of Other States
Effective Date: 12/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9914.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 imposed a 60-month lifetime limit (with some exceptions) on the use of TANF funds to provide cash assistance to eligible adults. States have the option to shorten this time limit. Maryland has selected the 60-month time limit, but some states, including Delaware and Virginia have chosen shorter limits. We have adopted a new residency requirement to make TCA receipt subject to the time limit of the prior state for those who have lived here less than 12 months.

Issue Date: 11/11/1998
Control #: 99-13
Subject: SDX On-Line Addition To The SVES Manual
Effective Date: 11/11/1998
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9913.pdf

The Department of Human Resouces implemented the State Verification Exchange System (SVES) statewide effective August 22, 1997. SVES is an automated IBM data exchange system with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for verifying social security numbers (SSNs), Title II Social Security (OASDI) benefits, Title XVI Supplement Security Income (SSI) benefits, and Quarters of Coverage History System (QCHS). This Action Transmittal is an addition to #98-34.

Issue Date: 11/12/1998
Control #: 99-15
Subject: Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) FY'99 Operations
Effective Date: 11/2/1998
Program(s) Affected: All FIA Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9915.pdf

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) begins taking applications for its program year on November 2, 1998. MEAP will continue to take applications for heating assistance through March 31, 1999.

Issue Date: 11/23/1998
Control #: 99-17
Subject: Elimination Of 20-Hour Per Week Work Activity Requirement
Effective Date: 11/23/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9917.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) requires parents receiving assistance through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to participate in a work activity at least 20 hours a week in federal fiscal years (FFY) 1997 and 1998 and 25 hours a week in FFY1999 in order to count toward the federal work participation rate. PRWORA also requires parents receiving assistance through TANF to be engaged in a state defined work activity by the 24th month of assistance. If appropriate child care is available, there are no exceptions to the 24-month work requirement. Some TCA customers will reach this time limit on January 1, 1999.

Issue Date: 11/25/1998
Control #: 99-18
Subject: Reminders, Clarifications And New Expectations Regarding TCA Customers Reaching the 24-Month Time Limit
Effective Date: 11/25/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9918.pdf

Action Transmittal #99-05 outlined the expectations of local departments for their Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers reaching the 24-month time limit on and after January 1, 1999. Customers who have received 24 cumulative months of federal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) funded TCA must be in a state-defined work activity.

Issue Date: 12/7/1998
Control #: 99-21
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-of-Living Increases, and Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Categories of Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Non Public Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9921.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits too. The mass change process to take these changes into account for grant, food stamp and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/8/1998
Control #: 99-19
Subject: 1999 Benefit Issuance Schedules And Cut-Off Dates
Effective Date: 12/8/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9919.pdf

Each year FIA provides local offices with an updated schedule of CARES benefits availability and cut-off dates. Attached to this Action Transmittal are the 1999 CARES benefit availability schedules for Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps. We have aslo attached the 1999 CARES cut-off dates.

Issue Date: 12/14/1998
Control #: 99-23
Subject: Census Income
Effective Date: 1/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: TCA, FS, MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9923.pdf

In 1990, states were granted waivers to disregard the earnings from short-term, temporary employment with the 1990 Census Bureau. The waivers allowed recipients of cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance who were employed by the Census not to report either their employment or their income to their case managers. There will be no federal waivers for this Census.

Issue Date: 12/15/1998
Control #: 99-20
Subject: Increase In The Utility Allowances
Effective Date: 1/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9920.pdf

The utility allowances were last increased in October 1994. Periodically we reassess the amount of the utility standards based on the Consumer Price Index for fuel. This transmittal provides information about increases in the standard and limited utility allowances.

Issue Date: 12/28/1998
Control #: 99-24
Subject: TCA Substance Abuse Treatment Forms
Effective Date: 12/28/1998
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9924.pdf

Substance abuse reports show that local Family Investment staff now send concent forms (DHR/FIA #1176) to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) on TCA adults and minor parents at application. The reports also show that staff send screening referrals (DHR/FIA #1177) on TCA customers who are screened positive at assessment or who request referrals for treatment. FIA commends you for these efforts and encourages you to continue.

Issue Date: 1/5/1999
Control #: 99-25
Subject: Four-Month Certification Periods For Certain Cases
Effective Date: 9/1/1998
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9925.pdf

Maryland's Quality Control error rate exceeded the national average for the Federal Fiscal year 1997. The federal government will impose monetary penalties against the State unless the error rate is reduced in Federal Fiscal year 1999. We must increase the payment accuracy of our cases and make a commitment to error free work. A four-month certification period for certain error prone cases in one error reduction strategy we plan to use. This strategy is one that will have an immediate impact on the error rate. Local departments will be monitored to ensure that four-month certificaitons are assigned to these error prone cases.

Issue Date: 1/25/1999
Control #: 99-22 Revised
Subject: Deduction For Self-Employment Cost-To-Produce
Effective Date: 1/25/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9922Rev.pdf

In developing the Family Investment Program (FIP) every effort was made to make food stamp policy match through waivers approved by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Local departments were notified of the termination of many of these waivers in Action Transmittals 99-04 and 99-11. Although we submitted a request to continue our waiver for using a 50 percent deduction for self-employment income in lieu of the cost-to-produce and 20 percent earned income deduction, our requesst was denied. We worked with FNS to come up with a policy that would maintain program simplicity and match, as much as possible, treatment of Temporary Cash Assistance self-employment income.

Issue Date: 2/5/1999
Control #: 99-26
Subject: New Version of I-551 Card
Effective Date: 2/5/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9926.pdf

The Immigration and Naturalization Service has revised the name of the I-551 (Green Card) from �Alien Registration Receipt Card� to �Permanent Resident Card.� The INS has also issued a new version of the I-551 called the Permanent Resident Card. Please see the attached copy of an information release about the new card.

Issue Date: 2/9/1999
Control #: 99-27
Subject: CARES to WOMIS Exchange of Data
Effective Date: 2/6/1999
Program(s) Affected: Work Opportunities Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9927.pdf

On or about February 6, 1999, the CARESNO MIS interface will become operational. This interface will replace the current interface between these two systems that has been in place since 1992. The new interface will be implemented through a series of actions, beginning with the registration in WO MIS of all TCA adult customers (18 years or older), and those who are younger than 18 years but are the designated heads of household. The second action to be taken will be the de-registration fkom WO MIS (i.e., the insertion of a De- registration Date and Status code) of all current registrants who are no longer receiving TCA. Finally, the third action will be the initiation of a daily download of information from CARES to WOMIS.

Issue Date: 2/16/1999
Control #: 99-28
Subject: Conciliation And Sanction Policy And Procedures Guide
Effective Date: 2/16/1999
Program(s) Affected: TCA, FS , MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9928.pdf

This Action Transmittal (AT) obsoletes AT #97-25 Revised, #97-31 and #98-07 (sanction procedures), and clarifies the policy and procedures surrounding conciliation and sanction for non-compliance with work, substance abuse and child support requirements, and sanction for Intentional Program Violation (IPV). This AT also provides new policy regarding the number of conciliation processes to which a TCA household is entitled.

Issue Date: 2/19/1999
Control #: 99-29
Subject: CARES Data Entry Reminders
Effective Date: 2/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9929.pdf

The purpose of this memo is to provide general information concerning CARES data entry issues. The issues include punctuation, deletion of unwanted data, and case status inquiries.

Issue Date: 2/24/1999
Control #: 99-30
Subject: Uncapped Excess Shelter Deduction
Effective Date: 2/24/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9930.pdf

This transmittal provides information aobut a correction to CARES that affects the uncapped shelter and restates the policy about eligibility for uncapped shelter.

Issue Date: 2/26/1999
Control #: 99-31
Subject: CARES Letter Submenu
Effective Date: 2/26/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9931.pdf

Three Food Stamp letters, all related to overpayments, have been added to the LETTER SUBMENU, option �F� off of the CARES MAIN MENU. These letters are: - 00114 Disqualification Consent Agreement (FS72) - 00115 Notice to Disqualified Individual (FS 93) - 00116 Waiver of the fight to Administrative Disqualification Hearing (FS 112) The appropriate codes have been added to the valid values for the �letter type� field. Also, letter 0026, Repayment of Food Stamps, (FS 66) has been revised to advise customers that administrative error overpayment BEGS are now subject to involuntary recoupment.

Issue Date: 2/26/1999
Control #: 99-32
Subject: State-Funded Temporary Cash Assistance Programs
Effective Date: 1/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9932.pdf

The Familly Investment Administration (FIA) has been working with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to change the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) State Plan to better serve certain groups of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers.

Issue Date: 3/18/1999
Control #: 99-35
Subject: Rent Subsidy As Income
Effective Date: 3/18/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9935.pdf

As part of the AFDC restructuring Action Transmittal # 92-42, local departments were notified that effective January 1, 1993 customers who live in public housing (projects), Section 8 housing, or FMHA Section 515 rental assistance had $45 of the rent subsidy they received counted as unearned income for AFDC. The change was made to reduce some of the disparity between customers who live in federally subsidized housing and customers who must pay market rate rent amounts.

Issue Date: 3/19/1999
Control #: 99-36
Subject: Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index
Effective Date: 3/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9936.pdf

As part of our continuing effort to provide supportive services, the Policy and Training Bureau developed an action transmittal and information memo index. We included all active action transmittals and information memos issued since the inception of the Family Investment Program. They are listed alphabetically by subject matter with multiple listings for transmittals and memos that cover more than one policy area or would be commonly recognized under other titles. We hope it serves as a usefid tool for locating policy information.

Issue Date: 3/19/1999
Control #: 99-37
Subject: Baltimore City Community College Pilot Program
Effective Date: 3/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: TCA Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9937.pdf

The Family Investment Administration in conjunction with the Baltimore City Community College is conducting a two-year pilot program designed to evaluate the importance of education as a means to financial independence. Temporary Cash Assistance customers who meet the criteria listed below have their educational activities counted as a work activity.

Issue Date: 3/25/1999
Control #: 99-39
Subject: New Language on the System Generated Eligibility Determination Document (EDD)
Effective Date: 3/25/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9939.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service informed us of new rights and responsibility language about reporting and verifying deductions that we could insert on the application as an error reduction strategy. This action transmittal provides information about this new language. We are also reminding local departments about a verification option.

Issue Date: 3/31/1999
Control #: 99-38
Subject: Calculating Income And Deductions
Effective Date: 4/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9938.pdf

Effective October 1, 1998 we went back to a 4-week month conversion factor for calculating monthly income and deductions for the Food Stamp Program (FSP). This matches Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Action transmittal 99-11 issued September 23, 1998 provided the policy and CARES procedures to local departments. Recently, the Food and Nutrition Service denied a waiver that would have allowed us to continue to calculate food stamp earned income, other than weekly and biweekly income, using the TCA conversion method.

Issue Date: 4/16/1999
Control #: 99-40
Subject: Central Office SSI Clean Up Activities
Effective Date: 3/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9940.pdf

In an effort to assist LDSS offices, FIA central staff is reconciling SSI cases. Based on information derived from SDX files as of 2/28/99, assistance units where the SSI recipient is deceased or no longer receives an SSI payment are part of the reconciliation effort.

Issue Date: 4/22/1999
Control #: 99-41
Subject: Treatment of Reverse Mortgages as Income
Effective Date: 4/22/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9941.pdf

Reverse mortgages allow certain homeowners to borrow against the equity value of their home to help meet their living expenses. Under these programs, the household receives monthly payments from the lender for a set period of time. The loan holder, in turn, will hold a lien on the property until repayment is made by the homeowner or his estate.

Issue Date: 5/11/1999
Control #: 99-45
Subject: Medical Assistance Outreach and Enrollment
Effective Date: 5/11/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance & Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9945.pdf

The dramatic changes in welfare laws and policies, and the challenges and opportunities they continue to present, require that Maryland's efforts to ensure that as many children and families as possible retain or obtain health care coverage, continue. to achieve this result, we need to ensure that the policies and procedures in place are carried out efficiently and that we find new ways to reach children and families.

Issue Date: 5/12/1999
Control #: 99-35 Revised
Subject: Rent Subsidy As Income
Effective Date: 5/12/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9935Rev.pdf

As part of the AFDC restructuring Action Transmittal #92-42, local departments were notified that effective January 1, 1993 customers who live in public housing (projects), Section 8 housing, or FMHA Section 515 rental assistance had $45 of the rent subsidy they received counted as unearned income for AFDC. The change was made to reduce some of the disparity between customers who live in federally subsidized housing and customers who must pay market rate rent amounts.

Issue Date: 5/13/1999
Control #: 99-43
Subject: Allowing A Dependent Care Deduction During A Temporary Absence From Employment
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9943.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service has provided guidance on when to allow a dependent care deduction during a customer's temporary absence from employment.

Issue Date: 5/13/1999
Control #: 99-42
Subject: Military Housing Allowance
Effective Date: 5/13/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9942.pdf

Recently, the Food and Nutrition Service informed us that the Armed Services began phasing in a new housing allowance on January 1 , 1998 called the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH). The BAH is one monthly payment, replacing separately paid Variable Housing Allowance (VHA) and Basic Allowance for Quarters (BAQ). The BAH is based on civilian rental costs by pay grade, dependency status, and location.

Issue Date: 5/18/1999
Control #: 99-44
Subject: Updated Quarters Of Coverage Chart
Effective Date: 5/18/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9944.pdf

The Family Investment Administration issued a revised State Verificaiton Exchange System (SVES) Manual with Action Transmittal 99-13 (Amended). Page 59 of the SVES Manual provides a Quarters of Coverage Chart used to determine whether certain aliens met eligibility requirements under the forty quarters provision of current immigrant policy. The attached updated chart reflects the amount of earnings needed to qualify for quarters of coverage in 1999. The amount for 1999 is $740.

Issue Date: 6/1/1999
Control #: 99-47
Subject: Rescnded Maryland Residency Requirements
Effective Date: 6/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9947.pdf

Effective immediately, local departments are to stop applying the following three durational residency requirements: 1. Families moving from another state with a shorter welfare time limit than Maryland's 60-month limit for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) are subject to the shorter time limit for the first 12 months of Maryland residency. 2. Families moving from a state with lower TCA benefit levels than Maryland's are subject to that lower lever for the first 12 months of Maryland residency. 3. Immigrants moving from a state with no federal or state-funded cash assistance or state-funded food stamps for immigrants are not eligible for Maryland's programs for immigrants for the first 12 months of Maryland residency.

Issue Date: 6/1/1999
Control #: 99-50
Subject: Income Eligibility
Effective Date: 6/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9950.pdf

This action transmittal outlines and clarifies Child Care Administration policy and procedures for the pay period required to determine eligibility. The changes contained within are designed to align the Purchase of Child Care policy and procedures in this area with those in the Family Investment Program by reducing the currently required six weeks to four weeks.

Issue Date: 6/4/1999
Control #: 99-49
Subject: Earned Income for School Employees
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9949.pdf

School employees who are paid an hourly wage are not paid during the summer months when school is not in session. Salaried school employees have the option of having their yearly income paid over a period of 12 or 10 months. For food stamps, hourly wage earning are calculated as paid. Salaried school employees who receive food stamps have their earnings annualized regardless of whether they choose to be paid 10 or 12 months of the year.

Issue Date: 6/4/1999
Control #: 99-48
Subject: Increase in Earned Income Disregard
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9948.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA #97-90 notified local departments of a two tiered earned income disregard for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) beginning July 1, 1997, as required by a provision of the Welfare Innovation Act of 1997. An initial 20 percent income test is conducted to determine an applicant's eligibility for TCA benefits. Employed applicants who pass the initial 20% income test are allowed a 26% income disregard.

Issue Date: 6/16/1999
Control #: 99-46
Subject: State Program For Disabled TCA Customers
Effective Date: 5/25/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9946.pdf

Action Transmittal #99-32 notified local departments of the five customer groups moved into state-funded Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) programs. The groups included families with immigrants not eligible for federal TCA, 19-year old school children, victims of family violence, non-parent caretaker relatives included in the assistance unit, and adults and/or children disabled for 12 or more months.

Issue Date: 6/25/1999
Control #: 99-51
Subject: Guidance for Verification of Immigration Status
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9951.pdf

Attached is a booklet entitled Guidance for Verification of Immigration Status. This booklet replaces the one sent in limited quantities to local departments in June 1998. As before, this guidance includes detailed information about verifying the status of immigrants, but has limited program policy information. Please refer to the appropriate policy manual or Action Transmittal for questions about policy.

Issue Date: 7/6/1999
Control #: 99-54
Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents-A New Way Of Tracking And A New Waiver County
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9954.pdf

Each year Maryland requests an exemption from the special work requirements for able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) in jurisdiction that have a high unemployment rate or insufficient jobs. This transmittal includes information about an additional jurisdiction, Wicomico County, that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) exempted from the ABAWD provisions.

Issue Date: 7/7/1999
Control #: 99-46 Attachments
Subject: DEAP/TCA Program (AT #99-46) - Attachments
Effective Date: 7/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9946a.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) FIA/OPRS #99-46 provided a Guide to policy and procedures for the state-funded TCA program for disabled TCA customers who are referred to the Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP/TCA). Page 10 of the Guide listed the forms used for the DEAP/TCA program. The nine attachments (copies of the forms) were inadvertently omitted from the Guide. This AT provides those attachments.

Issue Date: 7/9/1999
Control #: 99-53
Subject: Disqualified Recipient Sub-System/Voice Response Unit
Effective Date: 7/9/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/9953.pdf

Food Stamp regulations require that local departments use the data in the Disqualified Recipient Sub-system (DRS) to assess and implement disqualification penalties for Intentional Food Stamp Program Violations (IPV). This system must be used to ascertain that the appropriate penalty is imposed based on past disqualifications and to determine the eligibility of applicants prior to certification if the local department has reason to believe that a household member was disqualified in another jurisdiction. Before adverse action (increased penalty length or denial of benefits) can be taken against an individual based on information obtained from DRS, all such records must be first verified by the State that submitted the record(s).

Issue Date: 8/1/1999
Control #: 00-09
Subject: Informal Child Care Changes
Effective Date: 9/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0009.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-193) consolidated all Federal child care funding. The legislation includes health and safety requirements for all types of child care and requires that states allow parental choice in the selection of all types of child care and requires that states allow parental choice in the selection of a child care provider. Parental choice has increased the use of informal care. To provide protection for children in informal care, the Child Care Administration has amended its regulations, policy and procedures to require Child Protective Services (CPS) clearances for informal providers and any adult regularly present in the provider's home during child care hours and limit to six the number of children in an informal provider's care.

Issue Date: 9/1/1999
Control #: 00-10
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamp Mass Change - October 1999
Effective Date: 10/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0010.pdf

Issue Date: 9/9/1999
Control #: 00-12
Subject: Pickle Amendement
Effective Date: 9/9/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0012.pdf

The Federal Law known as the Pickle Amendment establishes Medical Assistance Eligibility for former Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who received both SSI and Social Security Benefits (SSB) and would have maintained eligibility for SSI payment if their income were reduced by the total amount of the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Issue Date: 10/1/1999
Control #: 00-13
Subject: Allowable MCO Disenrollments
Effective Date: 10/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0013.pdf

Issue Date: 10/15/1999
Control #: 00-16
Subject: Medical Assistance De-Linking and Corrective Actions
Effective Date: 10/15/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0016.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA) required many significant changes to the way in which states administered welfare programs. The most significant change was the elimination of AFDC replacing it with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). TANF provided for welfare grants to be fully administered by the states. A corollary to this change was the elimination of automatic or "categorical" eligibility for Medicaid to those families who receive welfare. Before PRWORA, all AFDC recipients were certified for Medicaid upon approval for AFDC, with no additional application or testing required. PRWORA eliminated the requirement that state grant Medicaid to all welfare recipients, but did permit sates the option of offering automatic eligibility for Medicaid to welfare recipients which is sometimes referred to as "de-linking," since it broke the link between receipt of welfare and receipt for Medicaid.

Issue Date: 10/15/1999
Control #: 00-15
Subject: Medical Assistance Retrospective Relief
Effective Date: 10/15/1999
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0015.pdf

Federal welfare reform legislation signed into law in August 1996 required that we determine eligibility for Medicaid separately from welfare. Unfortunately, as an unintended consequence of welfare reform, Medicaid eligibility was not always considered when denying or closing a TCA case. As a result, some families may not have received Medicaid benefits to which they're entitled. DHR and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) developed strategies to ensure that families who may have been incorrectly denied or closed have eligibility for Medicaid continued.

Issue Date: 11/1/1999
Control #: 00-07 Revised
Subject: Comprehensive Program Review System Modification
Effective Date: 11/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0007.pdf

The Comprehensive Program Review System's (CPRS) primary purpose is to ensure program accuracy by assessing case manager's adherence to laws and regulations through the identification and correction of errors. Additionally, the system provides an effective management tool for evaluation, performance appraisals, and determining training needs.

Issue Date: 11/10/1999
Control #: 00-23
Subject: Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) FY 2000 Operations
Effective Date: 10/25/1999
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0023.pdf

The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) began taking applications for its program year on October 25, 1999. MEAP will continue to take applications for heating assistance through March 31, 2000.

Issue Date: 11/17/1999
Control #: 00-17
Subject: Work Registration Exemption for Parents with A Child Under Age One
Effective Date: 11/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0017.pdf

When Maryland crafted the Family Investment Program, Maryland's Welfare Reform initiative, we tried to make the Food Stamp Program match Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). One of the TCA initiatives lowered the age that a child exempts a caretaker from work requirements from age six to age one. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 let us do this for the Food Stamp Program for only three years. Maryland's 3-year period ended October 1, 1999.

Issue Date: 11/19/1999
Control #: 00-21
Subject: Treatment of Condominium Fees
Effective Date: 11/19/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0021.pdf

Recently, the Food and Nutrition service reinterpreted policy about how to treat condominium fees. This action transmittal provides this new information.

Issue Date: 11/19/1999
Control #: 00-20
Subject: Waivers for Reporting Changes
Effective Date: 10/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0020.pdf

In an effort to simplify policy for case managers and customers, we requested two food stamp waivers that modify change reporting. This transmittal describes a new waiver and modifies an existing waiver. The new waiver defines the date that a household knows about a new source of earned income as the date the new employment begins. The modified waiver increases the change reporting threshold for households who receive earnings on a piecework basis from $80 to $100.;

Issue Date: 11/24/1999
Control #: 00-26
Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE AND RELATED INCREASES
Effective Date: 1/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0026.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take thes0026.pdfe changes into account for grant, food stamp and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 11/29/1999
Control #: 00-24
Subject: Sixty-Month Time Limits Compliance for Customers From Out of State
Effective Date: 11/29/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0024.pdf

In May 1999, a Supreme Court decision on a California case concluded that residency requirements violated the individual's right to travel. As a result of this decision, Maryland rescinded the residency requirements for families moving from other states. However, the local departments must continue to apply the sixty-month time limit on all cases. The time limit includes any month that TANF benefits were received from other states. Case managers must take the following steps to ensure proper application.

Issue Date: 12/13/1999
Control #: 00-27
Subject: Family Self-Sufficiency Program and Welfare-to-Work Rental Vouchers
Effective Date: 1/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0027.pdf

This Action Transmittal provides guidance on the treatment of funds placed in the Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program and the Welfare-to-Work Voucher Program.

Issue Date: 12/15/1999
Control #: 00-31
Subject: Excluded Income for Short-Term, Temporary Census Enumerators
Effective Date: 12/15/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Purchase of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0031.pdf

Information Memo FIA/OPRS #99-23 dated 12/14/98 gave instructions to local departments to consider all earnings from Census employment as countable earned income when determining benefits for cash assistance, food stamps or medical assistance. Customers were to report Census employment and income, as with any other job.

Issue Date: 1/20/2000
Control #: 00-34
Subject: Case Transfer Process
Effective Date: 1/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0034.pdf

The procedure for transferring cases within the CARES system when a household moves from one jurisdiction to another is being updated in order to ensure an efficient process that will provide high quality service to the customer.

Issue Date: 2/23/2000
Control #: 00-35
Subject: Modification of SSI/SDX Accretion, Deletion and Change Processing
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: SSI Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0035.pdf

Since 1974, the local Departments of Social Services have used Form DHR/DDP950, Supplemental Security Income, to process SSI and SDX additions, deletions and changes of information to the Maryland MEDICAID Information System (MMIS). Effective April 1, 2000, FIA will replace Form 950 with automated processing via the on line State Date Exchange (SDX) system. The 950 forms will not be sent to the local department offices after April 30, 2000.

Issue Date: 2/23/2000
Control #: 00-34 Addendum
Subject: Case Transfer Process
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0034Add.pdf

On January 20, 2000, FIA issued Action Transmittal 00-34 outlining the procedures for transferring case records between jurisdictions. The transmittal state that staff must attach a Case Transfer Form to the front of the paper record. The AT does not include a copy of this form.

Issue Date: 3/15/2000
Control #: 00-46
Subject: Excluded Income for Temporary Census Employees
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: TCA, Food Stamps (FS), Medical Assistance (MA) and POC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0046.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPRS #00-31 dated 12/15/99 gave instructions to local departments to exclude the earnings for TCA and POC customers who are employed for 90 days or less as short-term, temporary enumerators during the year 2000. Census employment was considered countable earned income when determining benefits for food stamps or Medical Assistance.

Issue Date: 3/20/2000
Control #: 00-39
Subject: Work Requirements Under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (Federal Welfare Reform)-Temporary Cash Assistance
Effective Date: 3/20/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0039.pdf

The Administration has established policies in Action Transmittal 97-66 Revised and Action Transmittal 97-67 that require the local departments to collect timely and accurate data on work activities. Local departments are not currently required to enter attendance data into the Work Opportunities Management Information System (WOMIS) for all cases. They may use the system for managing their single parent family caseload. However, attendance data must be entered for all two-parent cases.

Issue Date: 3/24/2000
Control #: 00-43
Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)-Change in Exempt Counties
Effective Date: 3/24/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0043.pdf

The waivers that allow us to certain jurisdictions from the ABAWD work requirements are approved for one year at a time. Each year we submit a new waiver request to the Food and Nutrition Service along with our justification for exempting counties. We were informed that effective March 1, 2000 all jurisdictions that were approved for 1999 except Wicomico County were approved for the next year.

Issue Date: 3/24/2000
Control #: 00-42
Subject: Failure to Comply with Federal, State or Local Assistance Program Requirements
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0042.pdf

Action Transmittal FIA/OPA 97-80, issued March 1, 1997 contained information about the section of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 that prohibits an increase in food stamps when a household's benefit from a means-tested program is decreased for failure to perform a required action. Action Transmittal FIA/OPRS 99-28, issued February 16, 1999, Conciliation and Sanction Procedures Guide, includes information about how Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Sanctions affect food stamps. This action transmittal provides policy that clarifies and expands the application of the policy.

Issue Date: 4/5/2000
Control #: 00-45
Subject: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE DE-LINKING, REDERTERMINATION PROCESSING, FAC AND MCHP SPROUT, AND INCOME COMPUTATION
Effective Date: 4/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0045.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA) eliminated the requirement that states grant Medicaid to all welfare recipients. This is sometimes referred to as "se-linking" because it separated Medicaid eligibility from welfare eligibility. States were given an option to continue to provide automatic Medicaid eligibility to cash assistance recipients, and Maryland has taken this option. The de-linking also required that states make separate Medicaid eligibility determinations for those who are ineligible for cash assistance, and that applicants be tested for eligibility in all categories for which they may qualify. Action Transmittal 99-45 addressed the short term steps taken to ensure that applicants were appropriately tested for Medical Assistance and Temporary Cash Assistance is denied or closed, and whenever eligibility in any Medical Assistance category is denied or closed.

Issue Date: 4/28/2000
Control #: 00-49
Subject: Purchase of CAre (POC) Provider Payment Changes
Effective Date: 5/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0049.pdf

Effective May 1, 2000, the Child Care Administration is making regulatory and/or procedural changes to the Purchase of Care (POC) program. This action transmittal provides information on changes associated with provider payment.

Issue Date: 4/28/2000
Control #: 00-50
Subject: Child Immunization Elgibility Requirement
Effective Date: 5/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0050.pdf

Federal regulations (45 CFR Part 98) for subsidized child care funding through the Child Care and Development Fun (CCDF) require states to establish immunization requirements to assure that children receiving services under the CCDF are age-appropriate immunized according to the latest recommendation of the state public health agency.

Issue Date: 4/28/2000
Control #: 00-52
Subject: Provider of Care (POC) Income Changes
Effective Date: 5/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0052.pdf

Issue Date: 4/28/2000
Control #: 00-51
Subject: Purchase of Chile Care Policy Changes-Gaps In Employment, Study, Children Enrolled in Head Start Programs
Effective Date: 5/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0051.pdf

Effective May 1, 2000, the Child Care Administration is making regulatory and/or procedural changes to the Purchase of Child Care (POC) program to provide support to families moving from welfare to work. This action transmittal provides information on changes associated with authorization for POC services.

Issue Date: 5/12/2000
Control #: 00-14 Addendum
Subject: TCA Quality Control-Correction to Error Definitions
Effective Date: 10/1/1999
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0014Add.pdf

The chart of error definitions that was attached to AT 00-14 (Temporary Cash Assistance Quality Control) issued in October, 1999 contained an error. Under the error condition of Assistance Unit Composition, the chart stated that a potential error would be cited if the Assistance Unit contained a Kinship Care Child. This is incorrect. Only Subsidized Guardianship children are excluded from being part of an assistance unit. A corrected page of the error condition chart is attached.

Issue Date: 6/22/2000
Control #: 00-55
Subject: End of Medial Assitance in Lieu of Temporary Cash Assistance Option
Effective Date: 6/22/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0055.pdf

The waiver allowing Medical Assistance in lieu of Temporary Cash Assistance ended December 31, 1999.

Issue Date: 6/26/2000
Control #: 00-56
Subject: Vehicle Exclusion As An Inaccessible Resource
Effective Date: 7/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0056.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service granted approval of a waiver so that we can exclude a vehicle as an inaccessible resource if the estimated amount of return from its sale is less than half the applicable resource standard.

Issue Date: 6/30/2000
Control #: 00-57
Subject: Eligibility for Custodial Parents Convicted of a Drug-Related Felony
Effective Date: 7/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Welfare Avoidance Grants and Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0057.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-56 described penalties and disqualifications resulting from provisions of Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 amended the section of PRWORA that denied benefits to individuals convicted of drug-related convictions for crimes committed since August 22, 1996 are permanently ineligible to receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA, Emergency Assistance (EA) or Food Stamps (FS).

Issue Date: 7/11/2000
Control #: 01-01
Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2000
Effective Date: 7/11/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0101.pdf

Issue Date: 7/15/2000
Control #: 00-54
Subject: Elimination of the 14-Day Delay for TCA Applications
Effective Date: 7/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0054.pdf

The 14-day delay provision was introduced as a cash assistance requirement in November 1995. As part of the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) application process, the initial TCA benefit received was prorated from the 14th day after the date of application. The only exceptions to the 14-day delay were cases closed in error by the local department or the application is to cure a TCA sanction in the first non-pay month.

Issue Date: 8/7/2000
Control #: 01-02
Subject: KINSHIP CARE SUBSIDIZED GUARDIANSHIP PROGRAM
Effective Date: 8/7/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0102.pdf

In April 1997, the Department of Health and Human Services awarded the Social Services Administration approval to conduct a five-year demonstration project to test the feasibility of subsidized guardianship for children who are court-committed to a local department of social services and living with non-parent relatives. The demonstration project is designed to provide a more permanent family living arrangement for children in the custody of the local departments of social services. Participation in the demonstration project is voluntary. Families are randomly selected and asked if they would like to participate in the pilot project. Under this demonstration project SSA pays a subsidy of $300 per month per child to the non-parent caretaker relative for care of the child if the caretaker relative agrees to become the child's court appointed guardian. When the relative becomes the legal guardian, the State is no longer legally responsible for the child's care and the Foster Care/Kinship Care case is closed.

Issue Date: 8/10/2000
Control #: 01-04
Subject: Withdrawl of Request for Hearing Form (DHR/OS 87)-Revision and Instructions
Effective Date: 8/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0104.pdf

Applicants or customers have the right to file an appeal and request a hearing if a local department's decision adversely affects their benefits or other services. Use the Withdrawal of Request for Hearing (DHR/OS 87) form when an applicant or customer withdraws the request for hearing.

Issue Date: 8/11/2000
Control #: 01-05
Subject: TREATMENT OF ATTENDANT CARE INCOME
Effective Date: 10/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0105.pdf

At the request of another State, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has reconsidered the treatment of attendant care payments made by an outside source to a disabled household member for attendant care when the person providing the care is also a household member. This action transmittal provides the new policy about treatment of income in this situation.

Issue Date: 8/16/2000
Control #: 01-03
Subject: NEW DISTRICT OFFICE IN BALTIMORE CITY
Effective Date: 8/16/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0103.pdf

A new district office has been designated for Baltimore City. The Harford Heights DSS has been divided into two offices. One office will remain Harford Heights D.O. #337 and the other office will be named "Northwood DSS" D.O. #360.

Issue Date: 8/16/2000
Control #: 01-06
Subject: HEARINGS REQUEST FORM - DHR/FIA 334 (REVISED 7/00)
Effective Date: 8/16/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0106.pdf

Applicants or customers have the right to file an appeal and request a hearing if a local department's decision adversely affects their Family Investment Program benefits. Use the Request For Hearing (DHR/FIA 334) form when an applicant or customer requests a hearing. This form must be readily available in local department reception areas and given to the applicant/customer upon demand.

Issue Date: 8/28/2000
Control #: 01-07
Subject: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, SDX ON-LINE
Effective Date: 8/28/2000
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA) State Data Exchange System (SDX)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0107.pdf

The attached pages contain responses to questions raised by staff regarding the implementation of the SDX On-Line system and the associated Action Transmittal #00-35. The questions were voiced during the March 2000 Quarterly Policy Briefings, and at the FIA Medical Assistance Eligibility Conference held on Wednesday, May 5, 2000.

Issue Date: 8/29/2000
Control #: 01-08
Subject: LONG TERM CARE (LTC) PROCESSING USING VENDOR CODE 3473
Effective Date: 8/29/2000
Program(s) Affected: LTC Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0108.pdf

In August of 1995, DHMH issued a Request for Clarification of Medical Assistance Eligibility Policy and/or Procedure (CR-720 & 728) to clarify the procedures for instances when non-institutionalized persons make a request for coverage of LTC. This procedure is still in effect. In order to accommodate the applicant and the LTC facility with the least amount of time and effort on the part of the local department, please use the following procedure whenever a non-institutionalized person makes a request for LTC coverage.

Issue Date: 8/31/2000
Control #: 01-09
Subject: ASYLEE ELIGIBILITY FOR REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM BENEFITS
Effective Date: 8/31/2000
Program(s) Affected: Refugee Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0109.pdf

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has announced that, effective June 15, 2000 asylees are eligible for refugee assistance and services beginning on the date that they are granted asylum. This is a substantial policy change, since previously asylees were deemed eligible for refugee cash assistance benefits for 8 months from the date they arrived in the United States. Since the process of applying for asylum and having the case heard and decided often exceeded 8 months, many asylees were ineligible by the time they arrived at the local Department of Social Services Office to apply for benefits. Effective immediately under ORR's new policy, an asylee's entry date will be the date that the individual is granted asylum in the United States. This policy change is particularly important for asylees who need to access refugee cash and medical assistance (RCA and RMA). For example, an individual enters United States on December 1, 2000 as a tourist. He or she applies for asylum on April 1, 2001. The asylum office interviews the individual on June 1, 2001 and grants asylum on August 1, 2001. This individual's date of entry would be August 1, 2001, the date asylum was granted. The asylee would be eligible to access refugee cash and medical assistance from August 1, 2001, through March 31, 2002. Under the old rule, the 8-month eligibility period would have begun December 1, 2000 and would have ended just before asylum was granted.

Issue Date: 9/1/2000
Control #: 01-11
Subject: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE AND FOOD STAMP MASS CHANGE - OCTOBER 2000
Effective Date: 10/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0111.pdf

Each October, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based. The net and gross monthly income standards increase effective October 1, 2000. The maximum food stamp allotments and excess shelter deduction also increase. The standard deduction and homeless shelter allowance are unchanged. The Welfare Innovation Act of 1996 requires that the total of Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps be at least 61percent of the established Minimum Living Level. The established minimum living level for Federal Fiscal Year 2001 is $1,278 for a family of three. On October 1, 2000 a 5.276 percent payment increase for Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients is in effect. The key dates for actions related to the benefit increase for this program are noted below.

Issue Date: 9/6/2000
Control #: 01-10
Subject: COLLECTING AND POSTING FOOD STAMP OVERPAYMENTS FROM THE TREASURY OFFSET PROGRAM (TOP)
Effective Date: 9/6/2000
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0110.pdf

Effective October 1, 1999 the Food and Nutrition Service changed the way they distribute funds from the Treasury Offset Program (TOP). This change has caused some confusion about how to record payments on the FNS-209 report.

Issue Date: 9/14/2000
Control #: 01-12
Subject: STATE ON-LINE QUERY (SOLQ)
Effective Date: 10/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0112.pdf

On August 22, 1997, DHR implemented the state Verification Exchange System (SVES) statewide. SVES is an automated data exchange system with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for verifying social security numbers, Title II Social Security benefits, Title XVI Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and Quarters of Coverage History (QCHS).

Issue Date: 9/19/2000
Control #: 01-13
Subject: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS -- 2000 FIRST QUARTER
Effective Date: 9/19/2000
Program(s) Affected: TCA, FS AND MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0113.pdf

FIA Policy and Training staff conducted Quarterly Briefings in March 2000 to provide local staff with information concerning newly released policy. Questions surfaced during the briefings and other training sessions conducted since that time. The following is a compilation of program questions with the answers and clarifications related to those questions. This transmittal also clarifies and expands on answers given in FIA Information Memo 00-41.

Issue Date: 9/26/2000
Control #: 01-14
Subject: DISABILITY MEDICAL EXAMINATION FEE INCREASE
Effective Date: 8/14/2000
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0114.pdf

The Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR Committee) approved the Department's request for emergency adoption of regulations (COMAR .07.06.05.04) to increase the medical examination fee and laboratory work fee for TEMHA (Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance) applicants. This change will bring physician and laboratory test fees into conformity with fees paid under Medical Assistance (Medicaid) schedules. The increase is effective August 14, 2000.

Issue Date: 10/16/2000
Control #: 01-15
Subject: PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE CASE TRANSFER POLICY
Effective Date: 10/16/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0115.pdf

The procedures for transferring cases within the CARES system for FIA programs was outlined in Action Transmittal 00-34 and�34 Addendum. This action transmittal aligns POC's case transfer process with the FIA process to the extent possible.

Issue Date: 10/17/2000
Control #: 01-16
Subject: QUESTONS AND ANSWERS -- BALTIMORE APPEALS AND HEARINGS TRAINING
Effective Date: 10/17/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0116.pdf

FIA Policy and Training staff conducted the Baltimore City Appeals and Conciliation Training in May and Consent Order training in August. Both training sessions provided BCDSS staff with information concerning new policy and procedures. The following is a compilation of questions resulting from the sessions with answers and clarifications related to those questions.

Issue Date: 11/6/2000
Control #: 01-17
Subject: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE DE-LINKING, REDERTERMINATION PROCESSING, FAC AND MCHP SPROUT, AND INCOME COMPUTATION
Effective Date: 11/6/2000
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0117.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA) eliminated the requirement that states grant Medicaid eligibility to all welfare recipients. This is sometimes referred to as "de-linking" because it separated Medicaid eligibility from welfare eligibility. States were given an option to continue to provide automatic Medicaid eligibility to cash assistance recipients, and Maryland has taken this option. The de-linking also required that states make separate Medicaid eligibility determinations for those who are ineligible for cash assistance, and that applicants be tested for eligibility in all categories for which they may qualify. Action Transmittal 99-45 addressed the short term steps taken to ensure that applicants were appropriately tested for Medical Assistance when Temporary Cash Assistance is denied or closed, and whenever eligibility in any Medical Assistance category is denied or closed.

Issue Date: 11/17/2000
Control #: 01-18
Subject: CIS SERVICES - 1
Effective Date: 11/17/2000
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0118.pdf

CIS data entry for the POC program requires the completion of a Services-1 form. The purpose of this Action transmittal is to convey procedures for completing the Services-1 form for POC.

Issue Date: 11/24/2000
Control #: 01-21
Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE AND RELATED INCREASES
Effective Date: 1/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0121.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for grant, food stamp and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 11/27/2000
Control #: 01-19
Subject: LEGAL REPRESENTATION
Effective Date: 1/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (LTC
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0119.pdf

Customers applying for long-term care medical assistance must meet technical and financial criteria before eligibility can be determined. Often times, customers may be denied eligibility for failure to meet certain requirements of eligibility. These customers may require legal assistance with the appeals process. The customers can receive, upon request, a booklet titled"Some Questions and Answers about Financial Eligibility for Medicaid Nursing Home Services" from their case managers. This booklet lists the names of organizations that assist customers in the pursuit of Medicaid eligibility. (A new supply of the booklet will be sent to each local department by the DHR warehouse.) The Maryland Bar Association's Elder Law Section has instituted a new program to provide free legal representation, if qualified, to individuals denied Medicaid eligibility for long-term care benefits. The Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS) will accomplish eligibility screening and locate an attorney to assist with the appeal.

Issue Date: 12/1/2000
Control #: 01-20
Subject: POC CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0120.pdf

This action transmittal clarifies the Department of Human Resources� policy regarding citizenship and immigration status when determining eligibility for POC benefits. Its purpose is to assure that eligible children of foreign born parents have access to child care services. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), P. L. 104-193, restricts the access of certain categories of immigrants to specified Federal benefits. In 1998, the Department of Health and Human Services provided clarification to States that the child is the primary beneficiary of the child care benefit and only the citizenship and immigration status of the child is relevant for eligibility purposes for child care subsidy programs. Local departments were advised of this policy through a memorandum to local directors dated September 27, 1999.

Issue Date: 12/18/2000
Control #: 01-22
Subject: INCREASE IN THE PHONE AND UTILITY ALLOWANCES
Effective Date: 1/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0122.pdf

Each year we reassess the amount of the utility standards based on the Consumer Price Index for fuel. We also contact the telephone companies to determine if there has been an increase in basic phone cost. This transmittal provides information about increases in the standard and limited utility allowances and the phone allowance.

Issue Date: 12/21/2000
Control #: 01-24
Subject: WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT OF 1998
Effective Date: 7/1/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0124.pdf

On July 1, 2000 the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) replaced the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). The WIA provides services to individuals under the same programs that JTPA funded.

Issue Date: 12/22/2000
Control #: 01-23
Subject: INTERVIEWING, COMPLETING FORMS AND REVIEWING CASE RECORDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS
Effective Date: 12/22/2000
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0123.pdf

The Annotated Code of Maryland, Section 15-501(a) (1) states that �an official or employee may not participate in a matter if: the official or employee or a qualifying relative of the official or employee has an interest in the matter and the official or employee know of the interest�� Section 15-102 (2) (gg) defines a qualifying relative as �a spouse, parent, child, brother.� This information memo addresses how DSS staff should handle processing and review of cases when the applicant is a relative or close associate of that DSS staff.

Issue Date: 12/22/2000
Control #: 01-25
Subject: REMINDERS FOR STATE-FUNDED TCA GROUPS, 24-MONTH WORK REQUIREMENT, ATTENDANCE DATA, FAMILY INDEPENDENCE PLANS, AND WO MIS AND CARES CODING
Effective Date: 12/22/2000
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0125.pdf

Action Transmittal #99-05 describes the reporting process used to identify Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers that are nearing the 24-month time limit. Action Transmittal #99-18 provides local departments with reminders, clarifications and new expectations regarding TCA customers reaching the 24-month time limit. Action Transmittal # 99-32 identifies Maryland�s state-funded TCA customer groups, the time limits, work requirements and CARES coding for those groups. Action Transmittals #99-46 and #99-48 identify two new state-funded TCA groups and instructions for CARES coding.

Issue Date: 12/22/2000
Control #: 01-21 addendum
Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE AND RELATED INCREASES
Effective Date: 12/22/2000
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0121add.doc

On November 24, 2000, the Family Investment Administration issued an updated Cost-of-Living-Arrangements (COLA) Action Transmittal #01-21. Since then we have received several questions about a new category on the rates and per diems chart called Assisted Living. The terminology in the letters attached to AT #01-21 also changed to Assisted Living. The reason for the addition of this term is because DHMH promulgated regulations last year which changed the term Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) to Assisted Living . In addition please make note of the statement at the bottom of page one on AT #01-21 in capital letters. This statement gives the impression that the local staff must manually change the Railroad Retirement and Veteran Benefit increased amounts. CARES will automatically update these figures during the mass modification, therefore the FIA worker is not required to do a manual change. Please attach this Information Memo to Action Transmittal #01-21.

Issue Date: 1/2/2001
Control #: 01-26
Subject: TANF WORK PARTICIPATION RATE REQUIREMENTS
Effective Date: 1/2/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0126.pdf

Action Transmittals 97-66R and #97-67 describe the work requirements under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the definitions for each of the federal work activities. Each month, states must ensure that a significant number of all parents receiving Temporary Cash Assistance participate in a work activity, as defined by the federal legislation. During Federal Fiscal Year 2001 (October 2000 � September 2001), the percentage served each month (known as the Participation Rate) must average 45% minus the State's Caseload Reduction Credit. We anticipate that our caseload reduction credit will significantly reduce our actual Participation Rate Requirement. For a case to be countable toward meeting the Participation Rate Requirement in FFY 2001, the parent must be participating in a federally defined activity for an average of 30 hours per week. The first 20 hours must be in one of the core work activities described in AT #97-67. For the cases selected in the monthly federal reporting sample, the activity and attendance information must be entered into the Work Opportunities Management Information System (WO MIS) to be included in the federal report.

Issue Date: 1/26/2001
Control #: 01-27
Subject: CARES 2001 PRODUCTION OPERATIONS SCHEDULE
Effective Date: 1/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0127.pdf

The attached is the CIS Production Operations Schedule for 2001. If there are any questions regarding the schedule please contact Ruth Waugh at (410) 238-1242.

Issue Date: 1/31/2001
Control #: 01-28
Subject: STATE REVIEW TEAM (SRT) - PROCEDURES
Effective Date: 1/31/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance and Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0128.pdf

This action transmittal provides procedures to refer Medial Assistance applicants to the State Review Team (SRT) for a disability determination. The SRT makes disability determinations for Medical Assistance (MA) and Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA).

Issue Date: 1/31/2001
Control #: 01-28b
Subject: Authorization to Release InformationPersonal Physician, Hospital or Clinic
Effective Date: 1/31/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0128b.pdf

Issue Date: 1/31/2001
Control #: 01-28a
Subject: MEDICAL REPORT FORM 402B
Effective Date: 1/31/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0128a.pdf

Issue Date: 2/2/2001
Control #: 01-29
Subject: FIP Substance Abuse Treatment and Services
Effective Date: 1/2/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance, Food Stamps and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0129.pdf

During its 2000 session, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1160, the Welfare Innovation Act of 2000. Provisions of this bill set forth a revised process for substance abuse screening, treatment referrals and reporting for customers receiving Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). The bill requires certified addiction specialists to be on-site in all local departments of social services (LDSS) to conduct substance abuse screening; conduct or refer for assessment; refer drug felons for testing; refer for treatment; and, provide information case managers need to determine eligibility for benefits.

Issue Date: 2/7/2001
Control #: 01-30
Subject: EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC) AND OTHER TAX CREDITS
Effective Date: 2/7/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0130.pdf

Now that tax season is upon us it is important to remind our low income working families about the Earned Income Tax Credit and other benefits available to them as they begin preparing their taxes. EITC reduces the tax burden on low-income families, supplements wages and helps make work more profitable than welfare. Anyone who has worked and earned money during the year 2000 may qualify for EITC. EITC does not count as income for TCA, Food Stamps and most other FIA programs. There are some other tax credits that our low income workers can file for as well: the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Montgomery County Working Families Income Tax Supplement. This memo disseminates information about the available tax benefits and encourages local departments to raise the awareness of these benefits for working customers through local promotional campaigns.

Issue Date: 2/12/2001
Control #: 01-31
Subject: VEHICLE EXCLUSION
Effective Date: 3/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0131.pdf

This action transmittal provides information about changes in how we treat vehicles

Issue Date: 2/13/2001
Control #: 01-32
Subject: HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION - CHILD AGE 17 OR YOUNGER LIVING WITH SOMEONE OTHER THAN A PARENT
Effective Date: 2/13/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0132.pdf

Final Food Stamp Program regulations published October 30, 2000 included a definition of parental control. This will help with determining whether a child age 17 or younger is under the parental control of someone other than a parent.

Issue Date: 2/26/2001
Control #: 01-33
Subject: CATEGORICAL ELIGIBILITY FOR FOOD STAMPS
Effective Date: 3/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0133.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service published new regulations on November 21, 2000 that clarified food stamp categorical eligibility for families that receive a Temporary Assistance Needy Families (TANF) service or benefit. TANF funds many programs for families in Maryland. This policy will make more households potentially eligible for food stamp benefits effective March 1, 2001.

Issue Date: 3/8/2001
Control #: 01-34
Subject: INCREASE IN THE EXCESS SHELTER DEDUCTION
Effective Date: 3/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0134.pdf

On October 28, 2000 President Clinton signed Public Law 106-387, which amends the Food Stamp Act. One of the provisions of this rule increases the maximum amount of excess shelter expense deduction.

Issue Date: 4/9/2001
Control #: 01-35
Subject: 2001 FEDERAL POVERTY LEVELS AND FIP SCHEDULE UPDATE
Effective Date: 4/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0135.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2001. The new poverty levels were on CARES effective April 1, 2001. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, this Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B do not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2001. For your convenience, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2).

Issue Date: 4/30/2001
Control #: 01-36
Subject: INCREASE IN MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND LABORATORY FEES
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0136.pdf

Action Transmittal #01-14 (CSA/OAS 01-02) notified local departments of the increase in the fee for completion of the medical form DHR/FIA 402-B to $60 and an increase in the cap for laboratory work to $40 for TEMHA applicants. The increase was effective August 14, 2000. This action transmittal informs local departments of increases in medical examination and laboratory fees for the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program and the Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) category of the Medical Assistance program.

Issue Date: 5/1/2001
Control #: 01-37
Subject: WELFARE AVOIDANCE GRANTS
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0137.pdf

Federal regulations for the treatment of Welfare Avoidance Grants (WAG) have changed. This action transmittal supercedes action transmittal #00-36 Treatment of Welfare Avoidance Grants issued March 7, 2000.

Issue Date: 5/3/2001
Control #: 01-38
Subject: DISQUALIFIED RECIPIENT SUB-SYSTEM AND VOICE RESPONSE UNIT (DRS/VRU)
Effective Date: 5/3/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMPS
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0138.pdf

In the Food Stamp Program persons disqualified from participation for intentional program violations (IPV) are subject to escalating penalties depending on the number of offenses (up to permanent disqualification). Since the Food Stamp Program is national, the penalties imposed by one state are valid in all states. So that states can track records and determine appropriate penalty levels, FNS has a central database in which states enter data. States can retrieve data directly from the database, called the Disqualified Recipient Sub-system (DRS), or by telephoning the Voice Response Unit (VRU). The Family Investment Administration has access to the DRS, maintains it through monthly updates and uses it for inquiry. Local departments forward the Disqualified Recipient Report FNS 524 or the Waiver to an Administrative Disqualification Hearing DHR OIG 7 to Sherri Dyson-McCray in FIA�s Office of Policy, Research and Systems to implement disqualification penalties for IPV�s. Ms Dyson-McCray enters the disqualification into the DRS.

Issue Date: 5/4/2001
Control #: 01-39
Subject: GUIDE FOR DISABLED TCA CUSTOMERS AND TCA ADULT CAREGIVERS
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0139.pdf

Action transmittal #99-46 provided local departments with a Guide to policy and procedures for the state-funded Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program for disabled TCA customers who are referred to the Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP/TCA). Action transmittal #99-46 Attachments provided copies of the DEAP/TCA program forms. This action transmittal obsoletes AT #99-46 and AT #99-46 Attachments, and provides a new Guide

Issue Date: 5/21/2001
Control #: 01-40
Subject: POC APPLICATION PROCESS
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0140.pdf

This action transmittal outlines the policy changes regarding the application process.

Issue Date: 5/22/2001
Control #: 01-41
Subject: POC INCOME ELIGIBILITY
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0141.pdf

This action transmittal clarifies Child Care Administration policy and procedures for determining income eligibility.

Issue Date: 5/23/2001
Control #: 01-42
Subject: PURCHASE OF CARE (POC) PROVIDER VOLUNTARY CLOSURES
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CARE (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0142.pdf

Issue Date: 5/24/2001
Control #: 01-43
Subject: PURCHASE OF CARE (POC) CHANGES FOR CHILD CARE DURING NON-TRADITIONAL HOURS
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CARE (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0143.pdf

Effective July 1, 2001, the Child Care Administration is making regulatory and/or procedural changes to the Purchase of Care (POC) program. This action transmittal provides information on changes associated with child care during non-traditional hours. Non-traditional hours are 1 hour or more between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. and any period of 1 hour or more on Saturday or Sunday. We continue to pay a differential percentage above the subsidy rates listed on the voucher for care authorized during non-traditional hours

Issue Date: 5/25/2001
Control #: 01-44
Subject: POC TIERED REIMBURSEMENT
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0144.pdf

Beginning July 1, 2001, regulated family child care providers and child care centers who care for children receiving Purchase of Child Care (POC) may be eligible for monthly incentive payments if they meet requirements tied to quality improvements.

Issue Date: 5/29/2001
Control #: 01-45
Subject: POC PROVIDER FRAUD AND RECOUPMENT
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: PURCHASE OF CHILD CARE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0145.pdf

Payment is denied to any provider who has committed fraud against the Department. The determination of fraud is based on a determination by the Inspector General's Office, a law enforcement agency or an adjudication by a reviewing tribunal and the initiation of recoupment procedures by the local department. Providers who commit fraud cannot receive any POC payments for 12 months from the date payment was denied for committing fraud even if they make full restitution to the local department within the 12 month period. If the repayment period exceeds 12 months, providers cannot receive payment until they make full restitution to the local department. Any child care center, family child care home or informal provider who is denied payment for committing fraud can appeal to the Office of Administrative Appeals. Please find the statewide list of investigators from the Inspector General's Office attached for quick reference. Please refer to Action Transmittal 98-51 for overpayment processing information.

Issue Date: 6/1/2001
Control #: 01-46
Subject: TRANSITIONAL EMERGENCY, MEDICAL AND HOUSING ASSISTANCE (TEHMA) GRANT INCREASE
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEHMA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0146.pdf

The Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEHMA) is a State-funded initiative to provide essential medical, housing and other services to low-income disabled adults who are ineligible for other categories of assistance. TEMHA is a capped entitlement for eligible customers. This Information Memo confirms the July 2001 implementation of a $53 payment increase for TEHMA applicants and recipients. The maximum TEHMA grant effective July 1, 2001 is $185. CARES will be updated on June 8, effective July 1, 2001. Customer notices for increases and decreases will be generated at the time of the mass change.

Issue Date: 6/1/2001
Control #: 01-47
Subject: ADDED ALLOWABLE UTILITY COSTS AND ELIGIBILITY FOR THE STANDARD UTILITY ALLOWANCE
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0147.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. Many of the regulation changes must be implemented by June 1, 2001. One of the changes added several allowable shelter costs. It also changed expanded eligibility for the utility allowance. This action transmittal provides the new policy.

Issue Date: 6/6/2001
Control #: 01-48
Subject: NEW VOTER REGISTRATION FORM (SBE 03-202-1 Rev 3/00)
Effective Date: 6/6/2001
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0148.pdf

After the past election, all states are taking a hard look at their voter registration and voting process. In Maryland, this includes a renewed effort to promote voter registration through the agencies mandated to offer their clients the opportunity to apply to register to vote by the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA), of which the Department of Human Resources is one. The Secretary of State continues to hold meetings with NVRA agencies to assure compliance with the Act.

Issue Date: 6/8/2001
Control #: 01-49
Subject: APPLICATION PROCESSING AND INTERVIEWS
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0149.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. Many of the regulation changes must be implemented by June 1, 2001. These revised rules change office operations and application processing slightly. The regulations also include requirements that will enhance customer service.

Issue Date: 6/8/2001
Control #: 01-52
Subject: EXPANSION OF THE MARYLAND CHILDREN�S HEALTH PROGRAM
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: MARYLAND CHILDREN�S HEALTH PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0152.pdf

In last year�s session the General Assembly enacted The Maryland Health Program Expansion Act of 2000. This act expands coverage under the Maryland Children�s Health Program (MCHP) to include two new groups. The first group includes pregnant women who have income greater than 200% of the Federal Poverty level (FPL) but not greater than 250%. The second group includes children under the age of 19, who have family income greater than 200% FPL, but not greater than 300% FPL. This act is effective July 1, 2001. The second group will pay a premium for coverage

Issue Date: 6/8/2001
Control #: 01-52 addendum
Subject: EXPANSION OF THE MARYLAND CHILDREN�S HEALTH PROGRAM addendum
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: MARYLAND CHILDREN�S HEALTH PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0152a.pdf

NEW CARES PROCESSING

Issue Date: 6/9/2001
Control #: 01-51
Subject: CERTIFICATION PERIODS, ENDING A CERTIFICATION PERIOD EARLY AND LENGTHENING A CERTIFICATION PERIOD
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0151.PDF

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. The revised rules change how we assign certification periods and how we shorten certification periods. It also permits us to extend certification periods.

Issue Date: 6/9/2001
Control #: 01-50
Subject: Recertification
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0150.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. We must implement many of the changes by June 1, 2001. The revised rules change the requirement for face-to-face interviews at recertification, require that we send a notice of missed interview when a household misses the recertification appointment and streamlines the procedures for delays in processing at recertification.

Issue Date: 6/12/2001
Control #: 01-53
Subject: DHMH NOTICE ABOUT RECIPIENTS TURNING AGE 65
Effective Date: 6/12/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0153.pdf

Effective January 1, 2001, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) amended the HealthChoice eligibility and enrollment regulations, COMAR 10.09.63, requiring Medical Assistance (Medicaid) recipients to be disenrolled from HealthChoice when they turn 65 years old.

Issue Date: 6/14/2001
Control #: 01-54
Subject: ST. MARY�S COUNTY- LEXINGTON PARK OFFICE
Effective Date: 6/14/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0154.pdf

The Lexington Park Office of St. Mary�s County has relocated.

Issue Date: 6/29/2001
Control #: 01-55
Subject: CHANGE IN COUNTIES THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS WITHOUT DEPENDENTS
Effective Date: 5/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0155.pdf

Every year we send a waiver request to the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to extend Maryland's waiver to exempt counties from the requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWD). We recently received the FNS response that eliminated three jurisdictions from the exemption.

Issue Date: 7/17/2001
Control #: 02-01
Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2001
Effective Date: 7/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0201.pdf

The Office of Policy Research and Systems (OPRS) answers policy and procedures questions from local departments statewide on a daily basis. When providing clarification, the caller is often referred to a specific Action Transmittal (AT) or Information Memo (IM) that outlines the policy or procedure in question. The Bureau of Policy and Training developed listings of ATs and IMs issued for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2001 from July 1, 2000 through June 30, 2001. The attached list includes the number, the originating office, the topic, and the programs affected. Beginning in 1999, ATs and IMs were numbered consecutively. The list of ATs and IMs for SFY 2001 is numbered from 01-01 through 01-55. Programs affected include Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Food Stamps (FS), Medical Assistance (MA), Emergency Assistance (EA), Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA), Public Assistance to Adults (PAA), Purchase of Care (POC) and Child Support (CSEA).

Issue Date: 7/17/2001
Control #: 02-01 Addendum
Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2001 -tables
Effective Date: 7/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0201add.pdf

TABLE

Issue Date: 7/23/2001
Control #: 02-02
Subject: CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRANT STATUS AND SPONSORED IMMIGRANTS
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0202.pdf

This Action Transmittal is one of several that we will issue about the recently published Food Stamp regulation changes. The required implementation date for many of the regulation changes was June 1, 2001. The changes clarify the definition of a child, describe how to determine countable quarters, define an indigent immigrant and change how we calculate the countable amount of a sponsor's income. This action transmittal provides the new policy and clarifications.

Issue Date: 8/8/2001
Control #: 02-03
Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING CORRECTION
Effective Date: 8/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0203.pdf

Due to an error in calculating the Consumer Price Index, several Federal agencies underpaid benefits beginning January 2000, including the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA will send recipients a lump sum check dated July 2, 2001 to cover underpayments in Retirement, Survivors and Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income for the period covering January 2000 through June 2001. Beginning August 1, 2001, SSA will issue correct payments for that month and for future months. The CARES system will do an automatic adjustment to reflect the change in SSA income October 1, 2001.

Issue Date: 8/10/2001
Control #: 02-05
Subject: CUSTODIAL PARENTS CONVICTED OF A DRUG-RELATED FELONY
Effective Date: 8/10/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMPORARY CASH ASSISTANCE, FOOD STAMPS, AND MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0205.pdf

During the 2000 session, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1160, The Welfare Innovation Act of 2000. Provisions of this bill set forth requirements for substance abuse testing and treatment for custodial parents applying for TCA or food stamps who have been convicted of a felony involving the possession, use or distribution of a controlled dangerous substance which was committed after August 22, 1996. The bill also requires sanctions, drug testing and treatment for a custodial parent convicted after July 1, 2000 of a felony that has an element of manufacturing, distribution or possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, while receiving TCA or food stamps.

Issue Date: 8/10/2001
Control #: 02-04
Subject: NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1993
Effective Date: 8/10/2001
Program(s) Affected: ALL PROGRAMS
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0204.pdf

The National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) of 1993 became effective on January 1, 1995. The intent of NVRA is to increase the number of citizens registered to vote and to establish safeguards that ensure voter�s rights for all citizens. Action Transmittals # 9622, dated December 18, 1995 and #01-48, dated June 6, 2001 restate the NVRA requirements, procedures for capturing statistical data and our obligation to offer customers voter registration opportunities.

Issue Date: 8/15/2001
Control #: 02-06
Subject: Interpretation Services For Non-English Speaking Households
Effective Date: 8/15/2001
Program(s) Affected: all
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0206.pdf

Some households that apply for assistance through local Departments of Social Services are non-English speaking or have limited English language proficiency. This Action Transmittal reminds local departments to give special communication assistance to these individuals. We want to ensure they receive the same application and eligibility opportunities that are given to all other households.

Issue Date: 8/17/2001
Control #: 02-07
Subject: Customer�s Right To Refuse To Work With A Religious Organization
Effective Date: 8/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0207.pdf

Some local departments have contracted with churches and other faith-based organizations to provide services or serve as third party payees for our customers. Federal regulations as well as the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) prohibit discriminating against any individual when administering our programs. COMAR states: An individual may not be required to accept assistance from a religious organization if acceptance would violate the individual�s bona fide religious beliefs and practices.

Issue Date: 8/23/2001
Control #: 02-08
Subject: Services For Immigrant Survivors Of Domestic Violence
Effective Date: 8/23/2001
Program(s) Affected: TCA, FS, and MA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0208.pdf

The Office of Civil Rights has received complaints from several advocacy and legal groups concerning instances in which immigrants were improperly denied access to domestic violence shelters and other federally funded benefits because of confusion about eligibility rules. This information memo is a reminder of the services and programs available to immigrants who are victims of domestic battery or extreme cruelty by a family member.

Issue Date: 9/1/2001
Control #: 02-19
Subject: New Out-Of-Home Services Office
Effective Date: 9/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0219.pdf

Effective September 1, 2001, the Foster Care and Subsidized Adoption Medical Assistance caseload for Prince George�s County will be located in District Office #163, formerly the Rise Office. The new name and address of this office is: Out-of-Home Services 925 Brightseat Road Landover, MD 20785

Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Control #: 02-12
Subject: Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance For Members Of The Armed Forces
Effective Date: 9/11/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0212.pdf

On May 1, 2001, the Department of Defense (DoD) established a Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance (FSSA) that will provide qualifying members and their families with a cash allowance of up to $500 per month. This program was created to partially address the issue of enlisted members relying on food stamps to make ends meet.

Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Control #: 02-17
Subject: Immigrants Who Are Victims Of Severe Trafficking To Be Treated As Refugees
Effective Date: 9/11/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0217.pdf

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) has certified a number of individual immigrants as adult victims of a severe form of trafficking. These individuals are eligible to apply for public benefits and services to the same extent as refugees, per Public Law 1063-386 Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000. In the Act, the term �severe form of trafficking in persons� means: (A) sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or (B) the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Control #: 02-11
Subject: Reporting Changes In Unearned Income From A Private Source
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0211.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service recently approved a waiver that increases the threshold for reporting changes in unearned income from a private source.

Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Control #: 02-09
Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) - Final Rule
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0209.pdf

On January 17, 2001 the Food and Nutrition Service published the Personal Responsibility Provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 Final Rule. We implemented the ABAWD provisions based on the PRWORA legislation. Since there were no federal regulations at that time, FNS permitted states to decide how to interpret the legislation in some areas. This final rule now provides regulatory direction to some of the policy that is different from our policy decisions.

Issue Date: 9/11/2001
Control #: 02-10
Subject: Verification
Effective Date: 6/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0210.pdf

Over the past several months we have issued action transmittals about food stamp policy changes that affect customer service and application processing. This action transmittal provides new policy about eligibility while waiting for proof of immigration status. It expands on the acceptable methods for supplying proof to the local department. It also includes reminders about verifying information through collateral contacts or home visits and the responsibility for getting proof of a customer's statements.

Issue Date: 9/12/2001
Control #: 02-16
Subject: Exclusion Of Vehicles
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Transitional Emergency Medical And Housing Assistance (TEMHA), Public Assistance To Adults (PAA), Food Stamps (FS) And Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0216.pdf

The President signed Public Law 106-387 on October 28, 2000. This law includes several provisions affecting the Food Stamp Program. One of these provisions allows States to substitute their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) vehicle rules for the food stamp vehicle rules where doing so results in a lower attribution of resources to food stamp households. Maryland has changed the State's TCA, TEMHA, PAA and MA vehicle rules to exclude all vehicles. Because of PL 106-387, the new rules also apply to the Food Stamp Program

Issue Date: 9/12/2001
Control #: 02-15
Subject: Failure To Comply With A Requirement Of A Public Assistance Program
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0215.pdf

Action Transmittal 97-80, which was issued on March 1, 1997, provided information about prohibiting an increase in food stamps when a household�s federal, State or local means-tested public assistance benefit is reduced because of a penalty imposed by that program for failure to follow the program requirements. Action Transmittal 00-42, issued March 24, 2000: � Clarified that the policy applies to any federal, State or local means-tested program (i.e. Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) and Public Assistance to Adults (PAA). � Expanded the application of the policy to the disallowance for failure to comply with preschool health checkups and school attendance. � Expanded the policy to include household caused overpayments. On January 17, 2001, the Food and Nutrition Service published a Final Rule that made changes to this policy. The regulation also provided clarification of the policy

Issue Date: 9/12/2001
Control #: 02-14
Subject: Treatment Of Funds In Individual Development Accounts
Effective Date: 12/21/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0214.pdf

Recently the Department received a letter from the Food and Nutrition Service that notified us that the President signed Public Law 106-554, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 on December 21, 2000. The legislation contains a provision that affects how we treat individual development accounts (IDA) under the Assets for Independence Act (AFIA) for the Food Stamp Program. IDAs under the AFIA provide federal funds to match the amount of earnings that low-income working individuals and families put into savings for a first time home, post secondary education, or to start a new business. Southern Maryland Tri-County Community Action, Inc. is the only organization that we are aware of that is sponsoring an AFIA Demonstration Project

Issue Date: 9/12/2001
Control #: 02-13
Subject: Rent Subsidy
Effective Date: 9/12/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0213.pdf

FIA is issuing this action transmittal to clarify the local department�s responsibility regarding subsidized housing verification. We are changing the penalty for non-compliance with the requirements and have included CARES procedures that explain how to correctly code the subsidized housing fields.

Issue Date: 9/14/2001
Control #: 02-18
Subject: Simplified Reporting Requirement
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program And Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0218.pdf

Beginning October 1, 2001 Maryland implements new Simplified Reporting (SR) for Food Stamps (FS) and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). This means that all FS and TCA cases with countable earnings are included in this Simplified Reporting group. Movement of FS and TCA cases into Simplified Reporting does not require local departments to transfer any cases. The only requirements for local department staff are to enter: � Countable earnings correctly and change certification end dates, as appropriate, on CARES at application, interim change or recertification and � Customers' activity on WOMIS and maintain attendance records. This action transmittal provides local departments with the new simplified reporting policy and procedures for FS and TCA cases with earnings. Reporting requirements for all other FS and TCA households without earnings are also restated in this AT. Reporting requirements for MA, TEMHA and PAA remain the same. These programs are not subject to the simplified reporting policy and procedures

Issue Date: 9/21/2001
Control #: 02-20
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamp Mass Change - October 2001
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0220.pdf

Each October, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based. The net and gross monthly income standards increase effective October 1, 2001. The maximum food stamp allotments and excess shelter deduction also increase. The standard deduction and homeless shelter allowance are unchanged. The Welfare Innovation Act of 1996 requires that the total of Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps be at least 61percent of the established Minimum Living Level. The established minimum living level for Federal Fiscal Year 2002 is $1,356 for a family of three. On October 1, 2001 a 7.5 percent payment increase for Temporary Cash Assistance applicants and recipients is in effect. The key dates for actions related to the benefit increase for this program are noted below

Issue Date: 10/1/2001
Control #: 02-78 Form
Subject: Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance Initial Payment Or Posteligibility Payment
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0278form.pdf

Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance Initial Payment Or Posteligibility Payment

Issue Date: 10/12/2001
Control #: 02-21
Subject: Changes In Claims/Overpayment Policy
Effective Date: 8/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0221.pdf

On August 2, 2000, the Food and Nutrition Service published final rules - Recipient Claim Establishment and Collection Standards with an implementation date of August 1, 2001. This action transmittal highlights the changes in policy. It also includes current policy in certain sections so that the changes are in context.

Issue Date: 10/15/2001
Control #: 02-23
Subject: Use Of TCA Child Specific Benefit Third-Party Payments
Effective Date: 10/15/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0223.pdf

As a provision of Senate Bill 754, Maryland implemented the Child Specific Benefit (CSB) policy for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) in April 1996. Action Transmittals #96-30 and #97-78 notified local departments of CSB policy and procedures. The purpose of the CSB initiative is to provide a benefit that is paid separately from other TCA benefits for an assistance unit when a child is born ten months or more after the date the head of household is informed of the CSB provision.

Issue Date: 10/15/2001
Control #: 02-22
Subject: Refugee Employment Services
Effective Date: 10/15/2001
Program(s) Affected: Refugee Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0222.pdf

The Maryland Office for New Americans (MONA) has recently received calls from refugees who were sent to the wrong address to register for refugee employment. The correct refugee employment services contractor addresses are listed below.

Issue Date: 10/31/2001
Control #: 02-24
Subject: Ensuring Meaningful Access to TANF Funded Programs by People with Disabilities
Effective Date: 10/31/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0224.pdf

The Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) has issued a memorandum concerning the Federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This Information Memo serves as a reminder and provides policy guidance on how to recognize potential civil rights issues. For your convenience, we have also attached the list of �promising practices� suggested by the DHHS.

Issue Date: 10/31/2001
Control #: 02-25
Subject: Earned Income Change Reporting for: 1. Migrants and Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents 2. A New Source of Earned Income
Effective Date: 10/31/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0225.pdf

Most households with earnings are subject to the simplified reporting requirements that were described in Action Transmittal 02-18 issued September 14, 2001. As stated in this action transmittal, households that include a migrant or able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) are not included in the simplified reporting group. This action transmittal describes a change in the reporting requirements for migrant and ABAWD households. It also describes information about a change in reporting requirements for a new source of earned income. Action Transmittal 00-20 issued November 19, 1999 included information about waivers for reporting a new source of income within 10 days after the start date of the job and for piece rate earnings. Because of the changes in policy for change reporting, AT 00-20 is obsolete.

Issue Date: 11/7/2001
Control #: 02-37
Subject: Maryland Primary Care Enrollment Cap
Effective Date: 12/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0237.pdf

The Maryland Primary Care (MPC) health care program was designed to provide health care for individuals that have no other health care coverage. Customers eligible for the MPC program must be participating in the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program (MPAP), be between the ages of 19 and 65 and have an ongoing verifiable medical condition. Many of our customers who receive Temporary Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) and have not established eligibility for Medicaid receive health coverage thorough MPC.

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-29
Subject: Reconciliation of DEAP/TCA Cases on Cares with SSI Pending Applications and DEAP Referrals
Effective Date: 11/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0229.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) FIA #99-46 notified local departments that the state-funded Disability Entitlement and Assistance Program for Temporary Cash Assistance (DEAP/TCA) was implemented on July 1, 1999. AT#01-39, issued May 4, 2001, provided local departments with an updated DEAP/TCA Guide.

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-26
Subject: Lump Sum Shortened Period of Ineligibility
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0226.pdf

This is one of several action transmittals for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) that is being issued as the result of the adoption of new Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 07.03.03.01 - .26). Prior FIP regulations were repealed and new FIP regulations were adopted in November 2001. When a TCA customer receives a lump sum, the amount is divided by the TCA grant amount to determine the number of months the family is ineligible for TCA benefits. Before the adoption of the new TCA regulations, local departments were limited in the reasons considered to determine when the lump sum became unavailable to the assistance unit. This action transmittal provides local departments with more flexibility in determining whether a lump sum is unavailable to the TCA family and the period of ineligibility can be shortened.

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-27
Subject: Applicants/Recipients Quitting a Job Without Good Cause
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0227.pdf

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-28
Subject: Child from a SanctionedAssistance Unit Living with Another Caretaker Relative
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0228.pdf

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-30
Subject: Change to Automatic Re-Enrollment for Healthchoice Recipients
Effective Date: 11/17/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0230.pdf

Effective June 1, 2001, The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) adopted a new policy to comply with House Bill 1227-Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) Continuity of Care. The bill allows an enrollee 120 days, instead of 90 days to return to the MCO of record after losing and regaining eligibility. COMAR 10.09.06 will be amended after the first of the year.

Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Control #: 02-31
Subject: Applicants/Recipients Filing for Potential Resources
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0231.pdf

Issue Date: 11/20/2001
Control #: 02-36
Subject: New Medical Assistnace Waiver Unit Office
Effective Date: 12/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0236.pdf

Effective December 1, 2001, the Medical Assistance Waiver Unit will be assigned a new district office. The new number is D.O. 259.

Issue Date: 11/23/2001
Control #: 02-32
Subject: Purchase of Care (POC) Changes in Income and Provider Payment Rates
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0232.pdf

Effective January 1, 2002, the Child Care Administration is making regulatory and /or procedural changes to the Purchase of Care (POC) program. The changes will provide support to families in their efforts to achieve and maintain economic independence. This action transmittal provides information on the changes.

Issue Date: 11/30/2001
Control #: 02-34
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-of-Living Increase and Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0234.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 11/30/2001
Control #: 02-33
Subject: Certification Periods at Application and Recertification
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0233.pdf

Issue Date: 12/7/2001
Control #: 02-35
Subject: 2001 First, Second and Third Quarterly Briefing Questions and Answers
Effective Date: 12/7/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0235.pdf

This Information Memo includes questions that were raised at the last three quarterly briefings and their answers. We apologize for the delay.

Issue Date: 12/12/2001
Control #: 02-40
Subject: Absence of Household Members Due to Military Obligations
Effective Date: 12/12/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps Temporary Cash Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0240.pdf

In response to the terrorist attacks and heightened security, the military has called up military reservists. This has disrupted the lives of many Maryland families. As a result, local departments may see unique situations as military families resort to unusual living arrangements while coping with the financial and emotional stress of the deployment. Case managers may need to make decisions based on the household�s statement of circumstances.

Issue Date: 12/12/2001
Control #: 02-41
Subject: Additional Excluded Unearned Income
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0241.pdf

This is one of several action transmittals for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) that is being issued as the result of the adoption of Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR 07.03.03.01 through .26). Prior FIP regulations were repealed and new FIP regulations were adopted in November 2001.

Issue Date: 12/14/2001
Control #: 02-38
Subject: Change Reporting Requirements
Effective Date: 12/14/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0238.pdf

Beginning October 1, 2001 Maryland implemented new Simplified Reporting for Food Stamps (FS) and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Action Transmittal 02-18 provided local departments with the new simplified reporting policy and procedures for FS and TCA cases with earnings. This Information Memo is a reminder that the reporting requirements for Medical Assistance (MA) remain unchanged. The MA program is not subject to the simplified reporting policy and procedures.

Issue Date: 12/14/2001
Control #: 02-39
Subject: Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Effective Date: 12/14/2001
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0239.pdf

Recently, we received information that the Social Security Administration identified approximately 130,000 Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients who appear to be insured for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments based on their own earnings, but are not receiving these benefits. Some of these cases may have a retroactivity period that dates back to 1973, although the average retroactivity period is about eight years.

Issue Date: 12/20/2001
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 4
Subject: MCO/BHO Authorization/Notification Numbers for Substance Abuse Treatment Services
Effective Date: 12/20/2001
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0273attach4.pdf

MCO/BHO Authorization/Notification Numbers for Substance Abuse Treatment Services

Issue Date: 12/26/2001
Control #: 02-42
Subject: Purchase of Child Care Case Transfer Policy
Effective Date: 12/26/2001
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0242.pdf

This action transmittal outlines the policy and procedures regarding the electronic and paper transfer of a Purchase of Child Care case.

Issue Date: 12/27/2001
Control #: 02-43
Subject: New Baltimore County Long Term Care District Office
Effective Date: 12/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0243.pdf

Effective December 1, 2001, Baltimore County�s Long Term Care Unit will be assigned a new district office.

Issue Date: 1/28/2002
Control #: 02-44
Subject: TCA 60-Month Time Limit Reports
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0244.pdf

Action Transmittals #99-05, #99-18, #99-32, #99-46, #99-48 and #01-25 describe the time limit policies for families that have received 24 or more cumulative months of federally funded Temporary Cash Assistance since January 1997. An action transmittal will be distributed soon that describes requirements and procedures for families reaching the 60- month time limit. This memorandum describes the reports available to local departments to manage their caseloads and comply with the time limit requirements.

Issue Date: 2/1/2002
Control #: 02-45
Subject: September 2001 Quarterly Briefing Questions and Answers
Effective Date: 2/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0245.pdf

FIA Policy and Training staff conducted Quarterly Briefings in September 2001 to provide local staff with information concerning newly released policy. The following are program questions with the answers and clarifications related to those questions.

Issue Date: 2/2/2002
Control #: 02-46
Subject: CARES 2002 Production Operations Schedule
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0246.pdf

The attached is the CIS Production Operations Schedule for 2002. If there are any questions regarding the schedule please contact Ruth Waugh at (410) 238-1242.

Issue Date: 2/3/2002
Control #: 02-47
Subject: Conciliation and Sanction Policy and Procedures Guide Update - January 2002
Effective Date: 2/3/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Food Stamps Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0247.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) #99-28 provided instruction for denying/sanctioning Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) applicants and recipients for noncompliance with program requirements. This AT obsoletes AT # 99-28, and provides the policy and procedures surrounding conciliation and sanction for non-compliance with child support, work, substance abuse, custodial parent drug felons, DEAP/TCA, and minor parent school requirements, and sanction for Intentional Program Violation (IPV).

Issue Date: 2/18/2002
Control #: 02-48
Subject: Clarification of Fleeing Felon and Parole Violators Policy
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0248.pdf

Since the Food and Nutrition Service issued the final rule on the Personal Responsibility Provisions of PRWORA, we have received questions from local departments regarding what constitutes a fleeing felon or a parole violator. A fleeing felon was defined as an individual fleeing prosecution or custody for a crime or attempt to commit a crime that would be classified as a felony. A parole violator was determined to have violated a condition of his parole or probation under federal or state law. Both parole violators and fleeing felons are ineligible for FS and TCA. There are no policy changes regarding fleeing felons or parole violators. However, we have a clarification of the definition of what a fleeing felon is and what actions local departments must take.

Issue Date: 2/27/2002
Control #: 02-49
Subject: Purchase of Childcare Income Calculations
Effective Date: 2/27/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Childcare
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0249.pdf

This action transmittal clarifies the procedures for calculating income for Purchase of Child Care (POC) cases. For simplification purposes, average the last 4 weeks of income in standard and non-standard income circumstances. The only exception is child support which requires 6 months of income consideration. Up to 2 months of additional income may be requested in order to detect income patterns, but should not be used in the calculation. Updated information is printed in bold.

Issue Date: 3/3/2002
Control #: 02-50
Subject: Counting the Income and Resources of an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0250.pdf

Action Transmittal #02-09, which was issued September 11, 2001, provided ABAWD policy that was in the Food Stamp Program final rule published on January 17, 2001. At that time we implemented all the ABAWD provisions except for the change in the treatment of income and deductions. We delayed implementation to allow time to change the Code of Maryland Regulations.

Issue Date: 3/12/2002
Control #: 02-51
Subject: Application Processing - Scheduling Interviews
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0251.pdf

When the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) published the Final Rule on November 21, 2000, there were several provisions that were not effective until after review and approval by the federal Office of Management and Budget. Recently, FNS informed us that OMB approved the sections on September 10, 2001. This action transmittal provides information about changes in the interview process at application. This will primarily affect local departments that have a walk-in system for accepting applications.

Issue Date: 3/14/2002
Control #: 02-53
Subject: Sixty-Month Time Limits Compliance for Customers from Out of State
Effective Date: 3/14/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0253.pdf

Action transmittal (AT) #00-24 outlined procedures for complying with the TANF sixty-month time limit for families moving from other states. This AT updates the TANF Information Contact List. All other procedures remain the same. Local departments must continue to apply the sixty-month time limit on all cases. The time limit includes any month that TANF benefits were received from other states and Maryland. Case managers must take the following steps to ensure proper application of this policy.

Issue Date: 3/15/2002
Control #: 02-54
Subject: Simplified Redetermination Process for Combined QMB/SLMB and Food Stamp Households
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA) Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0254.pdf

For the past two years the Departments of Aging (DOA), Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Human Resources (DHR) have worked together conducting extensive outreach to the Medicare eligible population. The goal is to increase awareness of other Medical Assistance programs available for individuals who receive Medicare. In addition, the outreach hoped to increase the number of individuals receiving Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMB) or Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB) benefits. In March 2000, interviewers began using a streamlined application in community and home-based settings. The outreach effort was successful and substantially increased QMB/SLMB participation. A form was specifically designed for Medicare Beneficiaries entitled, �Redetermination for Medicare Beneficiaries,� (DES 9201). The simplification of the redetermination process for QMB/SLMB recipients who also receive Food Stamp benefits has expanded the outreach effort. A redetermination for Food Stamp Benefits form is included with the Medicare Beneficiaries redetermination form. This change provides customers with the opportunity to file one form for both programs eliminating the duplication of the redetermination process in local departments. The new form is yellow.

Issue Date: 3/22/2002
Control #: 02-55
Subject: CARES Narration Desk Guide
Effective Date: 3/22/2002
Program(s) Affected: ALL
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0255.pdf

The CARES Narration Desk Guide is complete. Its purpose is to serve as a resource guide for producing a quality standard narration statewide. The Narration Guide Workgroup sincerely thanks all the contributors who assisted in completing this project.

Issue Date: 3/26/2002
Control #: 02-58
Subject: Military Reenlistment Bonuses
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance Food Stamps Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0258.pdf

In light of the current military action in the Middle East, several questions have been asked regarding military reenlistment bonuses. Reenlistment bonuses can be substantial amounts of money. This action transmittal provides clarification of how to determine eligibility for TCA, FS and MA when households receive reenlistment bonuses. Military reenlistment bonuses can be paid in one of two ways: as a lump sum; or up to 50 percent of the bonus amount as an initial payment, with the remainder paid in equal annual payments. It is up to the military service to decide which military grades/series get the bonuses and how much the individual receives. This means that the Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines can have their own individual policies regarding payment of the reenlistment bonuses. Because of these individual payment policies, local departments must verify the payment policy.

Issue Date: 3/26/2002
Control #: 02-57
Subject: Removal of Expiration Dates from Certification Letters for Victims of Severe Trafficking
Effective Date: 3/26/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0257.pdf

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), the agency designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to conduct certification activities for immigrant victims of trafficking, has advised that as of November 6, 2001 the certification letters given to victims of trafficking will no longer have an expiration date.

Issue Date: 3/26/2002
Control #: 02-56
Subject: CSB Child Living With Another Caretaker Relative
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0256.pdf

The Child Specific Benefit (CSB) regulations state that there are exceptions to the CSB policy when a CSB child leaves the parent's Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) assistance unit to live with another caretaker relative. The exceptions include: When another caretaker relative has obtained legal guardianship for the child; The child has been placed in the home of a caretaker relative by social services; and When the parent of the TCA child has been institutionalized.

Issue Date: 3/27/2002
Control #: 02-59
Subject: New Medical Assitance Waiver Unit
Effective Date: 3/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0259.pdf

Effective March 1, 2002, the Medical Assistance Waiver Unit will be assigned six new district office numbers. The new numbers are District Offices 249, 259, 269, 279, 289, and 299. The Developmentally Disabled Adults Office (249), the Institute for Mental Diseases Office (259), and the Technology Assisted Waiver Office (269) will be located at:

Issue Date: 3/28/2002
Control #: 02-60
Subject: Baltimore City's New SSI Unit Office
Effective Date: 3/28/2002
Program(s) Affected: SSI Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0260.pdf

Effective immediately, Baltimore City�s SSI Unit is assigned a new district office number. The new number is D.O. 355 (formerly the Patapsco district).

Issue Date: 4/1/2002
Control #: 02-52
Subject: 2002 Federal Poverty Levels and RP Schedule Update
Effective Date: 4/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0252.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2002. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2002. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, this Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B do not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2002. For your convenience, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2).

Issue Date: 4/3/2002
Control #: 02-61
Subject: Verification of Work Activities and Attendance
Effective Date: 4/3/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0261.pdf

The actions described below require local departments to make a �reasonable effort� to verify all work activity attendance hours reported in WO MIS. Our intent is to provide local departments with maximum flexibility in deciding how to verify hours of attendance. Although we have identified preferred verification documents, other forms of proof will be acceptable. We suggest that local departments develop standard forms and implement uniform procedures to be used by customers in work activities to verify their participation and hours of attendance.

Issue Date: 4/9/2002
Control #: 02-62
Subject: Uncapped Shelter Deduction
Effective Date: 4/9/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0262.pdf

An uncapped shelter deduction is allowed for food stamp households with aged or disabled members. To qualify, the household must include a recipient over the age of 59 or a recipient with a qualified disability. Not all disabilities qualify.

Issue Date: 4/9/2002
Control #: 02-63
Subject: Child Support Collections
Effective Date: 4/9/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0263.pdf

When entering child support collections remember to enter the full amount collected on the UINC screen of the child for whom the payment was intended. Do not enter this information on the UINC screen of the head of household because CARES will not calculate the correct deductions associated with these payments. Also remember to narrate all actions taken on the case.

Issue Date: 4/15/2002
Control #: 02-65
Subject: Indigent Immigrants
Effective Date: 4/15/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0265.pdf

Sponsored immigrants applying for food stamps must have a portion of their sponsor�s income deemed available to them. In some cases, immigrants are determined to be without funds for food and shelter because the sponsor has abandoned them or because the sponsor�s deemed income and the immigrant�s income do not exceed 130% of poverty for the household size. Immigrants without funds for food and shelter are indigent. Indigent immigrants are exempt from having their sponsor�s income deemed available to them. This is a reminder that indigent immigrants must meet all other factors of FS eligibility in order to receive FS. The determination of indigence does not give the immigrant exemptions to FS eligibility requirements.

Issue Date: 4/15/2002
Control #: 02-64
Subject: Procedures to Retrieve the Food Stamp and TCA Manuals from the Internet
Effective Date: 4/15/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps and Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0264.pdf

Family Investment Administration (FIA) has provided access to the Food Stamp (FS) and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) manuals on the Maryland Department of Human Resources� Website. The versions of these manuals on the Family Investment Program Network (FIPNET) are obsolete.

Issue Date: 4/22/2002
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 3
Subject: Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers Not Active With SSA
Effective Date: 4/22/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0273attach3.pdf

Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers Not Active With SSA

Issue Date: 4/22/2002
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 2
Subject: Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers with an Active SSA Case Application or Redetermination
Effective Date: 4/22/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0273attach2.pdf

Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers with an Active SSA Case Application or Redetermination

Issue Date: 4/25/2002
Control #: 02-66
Subject: MMIS II Interface for Medicare Claim Numbers Alphabetization of Cares UINC Screen
Effective Date: 4/25/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0266.pdf

CARES Bulletin #00-14 addresses the importance of entering the correct Medicare Claim Number on CARES and how that number affects Medicare Buy-in coverage. To ensure that the proper Medicare Claim number is passed to MMIS II during the interface process, the CARES UINC Screen will alphabetize the display of the unearned income source type. Hierarchy will be given to the Medicare Claim Number, Railroad Retirement (RR) followed by Social Security (SA) and Social Security Claim Number. Each claim number is unique for an individual and should not be used for the entire family.

Issue Date: 5/1/2002
Control #: 02-67
Subject: Denying Applications and Delays in Application Processing
Effective Date: 5/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0267.pdf

As you know, Family Investment staff throughout the state attended Food Stamp Payment Accuracy Summits, which were completed in January. CARES reporting of overdue applications was one of the issues that was identified a number of times in the summits across the regions. CARES lists a case on the overdue report on the 29th day after application. According to policy, we cannot deny an application before the 30th day after the household files an application except in specific circumstances.

Issue Date: 5/1/2002
Control #: 02-74
Subject: Request For Contact-Intentional Program Violation (IPV)
Effective Date: 5/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0274.pdf

Action Transmittal #01-51, issued June 9, 2001, described the policy for getting clarification of unclear information. The change in policy was due to a federal Food Stamp Program rule published on November 21, 2000. This rule also prohibits local departments from requiring households to report for office interviews during the certification period. The local department may request that a household come to the office for an interview during the certification period but cannot close the case if it fails to do so. The rules do not differentiate between routine customer interviews and suspected intentional program violation (IPV) in-office investigation interviews.

Issue Date: 5/2/2002
Control #: 02-68
Subject: Prorating the Utility Allowance When a Household Member is Ineligible
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0268.pdf

We recently received information from the Food and Nutrition Service that changes the policy for prorating the standard and limited utility allowances when there is an ineligible member in the household. Prior to this clarification if the ineligible member was billed for an expense that made the household eligible for the utility allowance, we prorated the SUA or LUA between all household members and counted all but the ineligible member�s portion. This action transmittal describes the change.

Issue Date: 5/3/2002
Control #: 02-64 Revised
Subject: New Information to Retrieve the Food Stamp and TCA Manuals from the FIPNet and Internet
Effective Date: 5/3/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps (FS) adn Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0264rev.pdf

Updated Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamp policy manuals are now available on the FIPNet. Now you can access the manuals through the FIPNet as well as on-line through the DHR website. The procedure for accessing the FIPNet has not changed. Click on FIPNET on the left side of the DHRNet contents page, then click on TCA Manual or Food Stamps on the FIPNet page.

Issue Date: 5/3/2002
Control #: 02-69
Subject: Income-Producing Property
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0269.pdf

Issue Date: 5/4/2002
Control #: 02-70
Subject: Purchase Of Care Contact List
Effective Date: 5/4/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0270.pdf

We are publishing a Purchase of Care (POC) Contact List to use for supervisor, provider and customer questions. This list will direct you to the appropriate contact person in the different Local Departments of Social Services.

Issue Date: 5/9/2002
Control #: 02-80 Excel
Subject: Directory of local health departments
Effective Date: 5/9/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0280excel.pdf

Directory of local health departments

Issue Date: 5/10/2002
Control #: 02-71
Subject: Waiver Of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Requirements
Effective Date: 3/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0271.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has informed us that Cecil County has been added to the list of counties exempt from the special work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Cecil County is exempt from the requirements for the period of March 1, 2002 through February 28, 2003.

Issue Date: 5/11/2002
Control #: 02-72
Subject: Medical Expense Deduction
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0272.pdf

Recently we received clarification of medical expense deduction policy from the Food and Nutrition Service. According to this clarification there are times we can allow medical bills incurred in the prior certification period in calculating the household�s monthly medical deduction.

Issue Date: 5/11/2002
Control #: 02-73
Subject: Changes In FIA Substance Abuse Treatment And Services (SATS) Program: Sanctioning Policy, Employment Notification Procedures, And Referral Process To Family Services
Effective Date: 5/11/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0273.pdf

This action transmittal changes the full family sanction to an individual sanction when a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) recipient fails to sign the Consent For the Release of Confidential Alcohol and Drug Treatment Information (DHR/FIA 1176) form. Also included in this AT are: � Notification procedures between the FIA Case Manager and Addictions Specialist when a customer becomes employed, � Guidelines for maintaining communication among Family Investment, Family Services and the Addictions Specialist when the Addictions Specialist identifies an individual that has a substance abuse barrier (briefly discussed in AT # 01-29); and An updated listing of MCO/BHO Authorization/Notification Numbers for Substance Abuse Treatment Services (Attachment IV).

Issue Date: 5/14/2002
Control #: 02-75
Subject: Excluded Resources - Retirement/Pension Plans
Effective Date: 5/14/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps And Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0275.pdf

This information memo answers recent policy questions about whether to count various pension and retirement plans as a resource. In general, the cash value of most pension plans is not a resource, although there are certain exceptions.

Issue Date: 5/15/2002
Control #: 02-76
Subject: Change Of Address For The Immigration And Naturalization Service
Effective Date: 5/15/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0276.pdf

Recently, We Received Information That The Immigration And Naturalization Service (INS) Moved To A New Address Two Years Ago. The US Postal Service May Return Verification Requests (G-845) To Local Departments Because The Forwarding Order Has Expired.

Issue Date: 5/22/2002
Control #: 02-77
Subject: Computer Based Enhancements
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs Except Purchase Of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0277.pdf

I am writing to advise you that new computer based enhancements have been developed and will become effective June/July 2002. These enhancements include a Computer Based Training (CBT) system; a web based Food Stamp Kiosk system, and an automated Supervisory Review System (SRS). Two of these initiatives, the CBT and the Kiosk Project, were funded through Food Stamp Reinvestment Funds. The primary goal of all of these enhancements will be to improve payment accuracy. All of this information was discussed at the Food Stamp Payment Accuracy Summits that took place between October 2001 and January 2002.

Issue Date: 5/24/2002
Control #: 02-78
Subject: Revised Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance (DHR/FIA Form 340)
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: TCA, TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0278.pdf

This action transmittal provides information on and instructions for processing a revised Authorization for Reimbursement of Interim Assistance (DHR/FIA 340).

Issue Date: 5/29/2002
Control #: 02-79
Subject: Time Limit For Quitting A Job Without Good Cause For TCA Applicants
Effective Date: 5/29/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0279.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) #02-27 notified local departments of the new Family Investment Program (FIP) Code of Maryland Regulation (COMAR) for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customers who voluntarily quit a job without good cause. The new employment requirement is that TCA children (not including minor parents), age 16 and older and not in school, and adults cannot voluntarily quit a job without good cause.

Issue Date: 5/30/2002
Control #: 02-80
Subject: Primary Prevention Initiative (PPI) Preschool Health And School Disallowances
Effective Date: 5/30/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0280.pdf

The Family Investment Administration (FIA) has received information from the advocate community concerning customers who were unable to access health care to meet the PPI requirement that children under age 7 have an annual checkup. The local health departments have notified FIA that they will provide outreach to customers whose children have preschool health disallowances or have difficulty accessing health care.

Issue Date: 6/8/2002
Control #: 02-81
Subject: Signatures On Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Effective Date: 6/8/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0281.pdf

As Of September 1st, 2002, The Local Department Of Social Services' Representative Will Not Be Required To Sign A Purchase Of Child Care Voucher.

Issue Date: 6/13/2002
Control #: 02-82
Subject: Questions And Answers From March Quarterly Briefing
Effective Date: 6/13/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0282.pdf

This Information Memo includes questions that were raised at the March Quarterly Briefing.

Issue Date: 6/14/2002
Control #: 02-85
Subject: Increase in Eligibility Standards For RMA
Effective Date: 10/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0285.pdf

The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has given the Maryland Office for New Americans (MONA) permission to raise the financial eligibility standard for Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA).

Issue Date: 6/14/2002
Control #: 02-84
Subject: Elimination of Simplified Reporting For TCA
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0284.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) 02-18 issued September 14, 2001 notified local departments of the new Simplified Reporting (SR) requirements for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) beginning October 1, 2001.

Issue Date: 6/14/2002
Control #: 02-83
Subject: Applications For SSI And SSDI
Effective Date: 6/14/2002
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0283.pdf

Customers with disabilities of twelve months or more who are applying or reapplying for Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) must apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Issue Date: 6/19/2002
Control #: 02-88
Subject: State Review Team DHR/FIA 161 Form (Authorization For Release Of Information)
Effective Date: 6/19/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance And Transitional Emergency Medical And Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0288.pdf

The State Review Team (SRT) is receiving a large number of referral packets that do not include a completed DHR/FIA 161 Form (Authorization for Release of Information to a Personal Physician, Hospital, or Clinic).

Issue Date: 6/19/2002
Control #: 02-88 Attachment
Subject: Authorization to Release Information Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic
Effective Date: 6/19/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0288attach.pdf

Authorization to Release Information Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic

Issue Date: 6/24/2002
Control #: 02-86
Subject: Supervisory Review System
Effective Date: 6/24/2002
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0286.pdf

The automated Supervisory Review System (SRS) is scheduled to be migrated into CARES the week-end of June 22.

Issue Date: 6/27/2002
Control #: 02-87
Subject: SSI/SSDI Application Requirement For DEAP/TCA
Effective Date: 7/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0287.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) #01-39 provides policy and procedures for the state-funded Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program for Temporary Cash Assistance (DEAP/TCA). AT #01-39, instructs local departments to refer TCA adults and children (adults for disabled children) with a 12 or more month disability to DEAP for assistance in filing an application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Issue Date: 7/5/2002
Control #: 02-89
Subject: Updated State-Funded TCA Chart
Effective Date: 7/5/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0289.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) #99-32 provided local departments with a chart of state-funded Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) programs listing the work and time limit requirements for each program.

Issue Date: 7/11/2002
Control #: 03-01
Subject: Households Eligible For Expedited Food Stamps Who Apply After The 15th Of The Month
Effective Date: 7/1/2001
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0301.pdf

This Action Transmittal describes the policy and procedure to follow for FS benefit issuance when a customer applies for FS benefits after the 15th of the month and is determined eligible for expedited food stamps. Although this is not a policy change, we recently received clarification regarding this requirement.

Issue Date: 7/25/2002
Control #: 03-02
Subject: Application For The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) And The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Effective Date: 7/25/2002
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0302.pdf

On July 1st, 2000 the Maryland Energy Assistance Program became the Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP). On that day, what used to be MEAP (a seasonal program) grew into a year round program which now includes the Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP).

Issue Date: 7/25/2002
Control #: 03-02 Attachment 2
Subject: Local Office Of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) Telephone Numbers
Effective Date: 7/25/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0302attach2.pdf

Local Office Of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) Telephone Numbers

Issue Date: 7/25/2002
Control #: 03-02 Attachment
Subject: Income Eligibility Standards
Effective Date: 7/25/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0302attach.pdf

Income Eligibility Standards

Issue Date: 7/26/2002
Control #: 03-04
Subject: New Work Requirements For DEAP/TCA Customers
Effective Date: 8/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0304.pdf

Action Transmittals #99-46 (effective July 1999) and #01-39 (replacing #99-46 and effective May 2001) provided local departments with policy and procedures for disabled Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program for Temporary Cash Assistance (DEAP/TCA) adults and children. In AT #02-89, local departments are provided an updated list of the state-funded TCA programs with the work and time limit requirements for each program.

Issue Date: 7/26/2002
Control #: 03-03
Subject: New 60-Month Time Limit Requirements
Effective Date: 8/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0303.pdf

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996 established federal time limits for which a Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) customer can receive benefits. In addition, state legislation, Senate Bill 778, provided time limits to receive Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) if federal legislation imposed 24 and 60-month time limits.

Issue Date: 8/8/2002
Control #: 03-06
Subject: Purchase Of Child Care (POC) Intentional Program Violations
Effective Date: 10/28/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0306.pdf

The procedures in this action transmittal are used to disqualify customers and child care providers from participation in the Purchase of Child Care program when there is sufficient evidence to substantiate the decision that the individual has committed an intentional violation of the Child Care Subsidy regulations.

Issue Date: 8/8/2002
Control #: 02-81IM
Subject: Signatures On Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Effective Date: 10/28/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0281IM.pdf

As of October 28, 2002, the local department of social services' representative will not be required to sign a Purchase of Child Care voucher.

Issue Date: 8/8/2002
Control #: 03-05
Subject: Claims Collection Procedures
Effective Date: 9/30/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0305.pdf

On June 23, 2001, the two-way automated interface between CARES and the Central Collections Unit (CCU) was successfully migrated. As a result, CARES now generates a series of interface reports that assist Local Finance Officers to manage collection activity. This action transmittal gives a brief overview of the CARES/CCU Interface reports, and provides procedures for processing overpayments on CARES and reconciling cash receipts and CCU collections.

Issue Date: 8/8/2002
Control #: 03-05 Attachment
Subject: Debt Payment -- Debt Adjustment Form
Effective Date: 8/8/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/03-05attach.pdf

Debt Payment -- Debt Adjustment Form

Issue Date: 8/13/2002
Control #: 03-07
Subject: Action Transmittals And Information Memos For 2002
Effective Date: 8/13/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0307.pdf

Issue Date: 8/21/2002
Control #: 03-09
Subject: Overpayment Repayment Agreement (Notice 43)
Effective Date: 8/23/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance & Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0309.pdf

In October 2001 during an FNS audit it was found that the current version of the Repayment Agreement (Notice 43) was not in compliance with audit requirements. The Notice 43 should state, � Any Federal payment may be withheld for failure to repay� instead of �any Federal income tax may be withheld for failure to repay�.

Issue Date: 8/21/2002
Control #: 03-09 Attachment
Subject: Food Stamps Manual: Standards For Income And Deductions
Effective Date: 8/21/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0309attach.pdf

Food Stamps Manual: Standards For Income And Deductions

Issue Date: 8/21/2002
Control #: 03-08
Subject: Overpayment Demand Letter (Notice 18)
Effective Date: 8/23/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance & Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0308.pdf

The August 2000 UDSA Food Stamp Final Rule requires that the initial demand letter (Notice 18) displays how the overpayment was calculated. In addition, in October 2001, during an audit performed by FNS, MD was cited for having serious language deficiencies on this notice. FNS requires that all demand notices cover the 15 items required in the Claims Regulations.

Issue Date: 8/27/2002
Control #: 03-10
Subject: Supervisory Review System
Effective Date: 8/27/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0310.pdf

The Family Investment Administration recognized the need for additional CARES functionality to support the supervisory review of Expedited Food Stamp cases. A software modification will be implemented on August 23, 2002 to allow the review of an expedited FS case, in suspended �S� status.

Issue Date: 8/28/2002
Control #: 03-11
Subject: In The Resource Limit For Households With Disabled Members
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0311.pdf

This action transmittal provides information about an increase in the resource limit for households that include a disabled member.

Issue Date: 8/30/2002
Control #: 03-12 Attachment
Subject: Informal Provider Health And Safety Standards And Child Care Provider Agreement
Effective Date: 8/30/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0312attach.pdf

Informal Provider Health And Safety Standards And Child Care Provider Agreement

Issue Date: 8/30/2002
Control #: 03-12
Subject: Signatures On Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Effective Date: 8/30/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0312.pdf

As of October 28, 2002, the local department of social services' representative will not be required to sign a Purchase of Child Care voucher.

Issue Date: 9/9/2002
Control #: 03-13 Attachment
Subject: Food Stamp Manual: Standards for Income and Deductions
Effective Date: 9/9/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0313attach.pdf

Food Stamp Manual: Standards for Income and Deductions

Issue Date: 9/9/2002
Control #: 03-13
Subject: Food Stamp Mass Change - October 2002
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0313.pdf

On May 13, 2002, President Bush signed Public Law 107-171 (the Farm Bill), which includes the Food Stamp Program reauthorization.

Issue Date: 9/11/2002
Control #: 03-14
Subject: New DHR/FIA Cares 9701 Application Package (3/02), DHR/FIA Cares 9701a Facts Sheet (3/02) And DHR/FIA Cares 9707 Rights & Responsibilities (Revised 3/02)
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0314.pdf

The Family Investment Administration (FIA) has developed a new DHR/FIA CARES 9701 Application Package, DHR/FIA CARES 9701A Facts Sheet and revised the DHR/FIA 9707 Rights and Responsibility Form.

Issue Date: 9/12/2002
Control #: 03-15
Subject: Food Stamp Eligibility For Legal Immigrants With A Disability
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0315.pdf

On May 13, 2002, President Bush signed Public Law 107-171, which includes the Food Stamp Program reauthorization.

Issue Date: 9/17/2002
Control #: 03-16
Subject: Increase In Earned Income Disregard
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0316.pdf

The Maryland General Assembly has approved an increase in the TCA Earned Income Disregard from the current 35% to 40% effective October 1 2002.

Issue Date: 9/23/2002
Control #: 03-17
Subject: Questions and Answers From June 2002 Quarterly Briefings
Effective Date: 9/23/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance TEMHA and Work Opportunities
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0317.pdf

This Information Memo responds to questions raised during the June 2002 quarterly briefings.

Issue Date: 9/25/2002
Control #: 03-20
Subject: Child Specific Benefit Waiver
Effective Date: 10/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0320.pdf

Over the past several years, the Department has worked to eliminate the Child Specific Benefit (CSB) requirements. This year, although both houses of the General Assembly voted to repeal CSB, the final legislation failed because they could not agree on other provisions in the bill. With the consent of the Joint Committee on Welfare Reform, the Department has devised an interim strategy to discontinue the CSB requirements.

Issue Date: 9/30/2002
Control #: 03-18
Subject: Lifting Of Maryland Primary Care Enrollment Cap
Effective Date: 5/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0318.pdf

The Maryland Primary Care (MPC) health care program was designed to provide health care for individuals that have no other health care coverage. Customers eligible for the MPC program must be participating in the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Program (MPAP), be between the ages of 19 and 64 and have an ongoing verifiable medical condition. Many of our customers who receive Temporary Emergency Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) who are 19 through 64 years old, and have not established eligibility for Medicaid receive health coverage thorough MPC.

Issue Date: 10/3/2002
Control #: 03-19
Subject: Applications For SSI And SSDI
Effective Date: 10/3/2002
Program(s) Affected: TEMHA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0319.pdf

Effective immediately FIA Information Memo #02-83 is obsolete. Customers with disabilities of twelve months or more who are applying for or reapplying for Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on their own. Verify with a receipt from the Social Security Administration (SSA) indicating that an application was filed or through the State-On-Line-Query (SOLQ), State Verification Exchange System (SVES) or State Data Exchange (SDX) system.

Issue Date: 10/10/2002
Control #: 03-21
Subject: Food Stamp Disqualified Recipients Report
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0321.pdf

An individual�s disqualification from the Food Stamp Program (FSP) because of an intentional program violation (IPV) in one state remains in place in any other state for the length of the disqualification. To track disqualified individuals local departments must enter information about the disqualification into the Disqualified Recipient Sub-system (DRS). The DRS is a national database of disqualified individuals. States can retrieve data directly from the DRS database by calling the Voice Response Unit (VRU).

Issue Date: 10/10/2002
Control #: 03-21 Attachment
Subject: Disqualified Recipient Report
Effective Date: 10/10/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0321attach.pdf

Use this form to enter disqualified recipient information into the national registry of disqualified FS recipients.

Issue Date: 10/11/2002
Control #: 03-23
Subject: Index Of Action Transmittals And Information Memos
Effective Date: 10/11/2002
Program(s) Affected: All prgrams
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0323.pdf

The Family Investment Administration has compiled for your use an Index of Action Transmittals (ATs) and Information Memos (IMs). The attached Index lists ATs and IMs from June 1996 through September 2002 and is in alphabetical order by subject. This handy paper index will be useful in retrieving information on policies to assist you in your work. It will simplify locating an AT or IM on a particular policy and should be a time saver.

Issue Date: 10/11/2002
Control #: 03-23 Attachment
Subject: Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index
Effective Date: 10/11/2002
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0323attach.pdf

Action Transmittal and Information Memo Index

Issue Date: 10/21/2002
Control #: 03-22
Subject: Automatic MPAP Eligibility For QMB Recipients
Effective Date: 10/21/2002
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (QMB and MPAP)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0322.pdf

On July 30, 2002, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) approved Maryland�s request for an addition to the 1115 Medicaid waiver linking the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and the Maryland Pharmacy Assistance Programs (MPAP). This change will allow QMB recipients to receive automatic pharmacy coverage.

Issue Date: 11/21/2002
Control #: 03-25
Subject: Increase In The Food Stamp Telephone Allowance
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0325.pdf

Every year we review the shelter allowances to determine if they should increase, decrease or stay the same. Based on the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Baltimore/ Washington area, the standard and limited utility allowances will stay the same. The basic telephone allowance will increase. This AT describes the increase in the basic telephone allowance.

Issue Date: 11/22/2002
Control #: 03-27
Subject: Food Stamp Program Access
Effective Date: 11/22/2002
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps (FS)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0327.pdf

The State's current budget deficit and hiring freeze has caused many local departments of social services to find more efficient ways to provide essential services to their customers. Despite our current or future resource constraints we must maintain quality customer service. Quality customer service must remain a high priority for all our programs.

Issue Date: 11/23/2002
Control #: 03-26
Subject: Change In Adverse Action Time For TCA AND FS
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0326.pdf

In 1995 Maryland began the process of welfare reform under a federally approved demonstration waiver. This demonstration waiver allowed us to use a five working day adverse action period for Temporary Cash Assistance and food stamps. We have lost the federal authority to continue to use a five working day adverse action period.

Issue Date: 11/26/2002
Control #: 03-28
Subject: Completion Of The �State Of Birth� Field On Cares
Effective Date: 11/26/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0328.pdf

The Child Support Enforcement System (CSES) recently received a data reliability audit. The results of the audit showed that CSES did not capture data in a category known as Paternity Established for Children in the State of Maryland and did not use the �Place of Birth� field to determine eligibility for this category. If CSES fails to capture accurate information about this category of information, the State of Maryland may suffer financial penalties, in both block grant and child support incentives.

Issue Date: 11/30/2002
Control #: 03-24
Subject: Social Security (Rsdi) And Ssi Cost-Of-Living Increase and Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0324.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/1/2002
Control #: 03-30
Subject: Specified Low- Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMB)
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0330.pdf

The funding allocated for the Qualifying Individual-2 (QI-2), also known as Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary-III (SLMB-III) program, in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 was time limited and has not been re-authorized by Congress. However, customers eligible for SLMB II have been granted funding that will pay their Medicare Part B premium through January 31, 2003. Continued eligibility for SLMB II customers will be determined when Congress returns.

Issue Date: 12/11/2002
Control #: 03-31
Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance Mass Change January 2003
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0331.pdf

The Welfare Innovation Act of 1996 requires that the total of Temporary Cash Assistance and Food Stamps be at least 61percent of the established Minimum Living Level. For the Federal Fiscal Year 2003, the established minimum living level for a household size of 3 increased to $1,374. Effective January 1, 2003, the maximum allowable payment for Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) will increase slightly, by .21%. Please note the dates for actions related to the benefit increase for this program noted below

Issue Date: 12/17/2002
Control #: 03-32
Subject: Adverse Action And Payment For Child Care Providers
Effective Date: 12/17/2002
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0332.pdf

This action transmittal outlines payment to child care providers who provide service after the customer's case closes during the first 60 days of certification and they did not receive an adverse action notice.

Issue Date: 2/17/2003
Control #: 03-34
Subject: Restoration Of Food Stamps To Immigrants Who Have Lived In The United States For Five Or More Years
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0334.pdf

The 2002 Farm Bill (Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002) restores food stamp eligibility to legal immigrants who have lived in the United States as qualified immigrants for a period of five years or longer. This change is effective April 1, 2003. IMPORTANT: This action transmittal also provides information about the correct coding of the SPP field on the ALAS Screen.

Issue Date: 2/18/2003
Control #: 03-35
Subject: Expanded Simplified Reporting For Food Stamp Households
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program (FSP)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0335.pdf

Effective October 1, 2001 FIA implemented simplified change reporting for FS households with earned income. Households under simplified reporting (SR) requirements were required to report changes only at recertification or when their income exceeded 130% of the federal poverty rate unless the household also received assistance from another program with more extensive reporting requirements. In this transmittal simplified reporting is expanded.

Issue Date: 2/18/2003
Control #: 03-35 Attachment
Subject: Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide
Effective Date: 2/18/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0335attach.pdf

Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide

Issue Date: 2/27/2003
Control #: 03-36
Subject: Emergency Medical Services
Effective Date: 2/27/2003
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0336.pdf

The Fact Sheet on the DHR/FIA CARES 9701 (revised 3/02 has an item on Emergency Medical Assistance which does not clearly state that Emergency Medical Services are available only for ineligible immigrants or illegal aliens. This memorandum notifies local departments that the DHR/FIA CARES 9701 Fact Sheet item on Emergency Medical Assistance will be changed to Emergency Medical Services for Ineligible Aliens, and clarifies procedures for local departments on local staff and customer questions about applications and appeals for Emergency Medical Services.

Issue Date: 4/1/2003
Control #: 03-41
Subject: Notice of Missed Interview
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0341.pdf

Some typographical errors that could cause confusion were discovered in a recent CARES Bulletin. Replace Page 2 of CARES Bulletin 03-08, Notice of Missed Interview, with the revised Page 2 that is attached.

Issue Date: 4/1/2003
Control #: 03-37
Subject: 2003 Federal Poverty Levels and FIP Schedule Update
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0337.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2003. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2003. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1). In addition, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2). This Information Memo updates only Column C - 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B did not change. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2003.

Issue Date: 4/2/2003
Control #: 03-38
Subject: Processing Overpayment Benefit Error Groups (BEGs) and Waivers For Processing Overpayments
Effective Date: 4/2/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0338.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) requires that when a household is issued food stamps that it is not eligible for, the State must establish an overpayment so that the money can be repaid to the federal government.

Issue Date: 4/7/2003
Control #: 03-39
Subject: Regarding DHR Form 340 and Action Transmittal 02-78
Effective Date: 4/7/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Temporary Emergency Medical And Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0339.pdf

This Information Memo provides answers to questions asked by Local Department staff regarding Action Transmittal 02-78, Revised Authorization for Reimbursement of Interim Assistance (DHR/FIA 340). There are several points local department staff should keep in mind when reading this memo and processing the 340 forms.

Issue Date: 4/15/2003
Control #: 03-40
Subject: Eliminating The 60-Day Look Back Period For Voluntary Quit
Effective Date: 4/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0340.pdf

Action Transmittals #�s 02-27 and 02-79 address policy concerning TCA customers who voluntarily quit a job without good cause. Both transmittals state that TCA adults and children age 16 and older (not including minor parents) cannot voluntarily quit a job without good cause. AT# 02-79 implemented a look back period of 60 days when an applicant quit a job without good cause. In an effort to simplify work requirement policy, FIA has made both 02-27 and 02-79 obsolete.

Issue Date: 4/21/2003
Control #: 03-42
Subject: Changes to The Disquailifed Recipient Subsystem (DRS)
Effective Date: 6/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0342.pdf

Action Transmittal # 03-21, effective January 1,2001 advised the local Departments of Social Services that the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) had stopped printing the FNS-524 form. DHR created a replacement form (DHR/FIA 962) that the DSS were to begin using when their supply of old forms ran out. Congress frequently asks FNS to provide information on how often the penalty for trafficking drugs and firearms occurs and FNS has been unable to provide the information because they had no way to collect the data. FNS has now revised the coding on the DRS system and created a new data collection element for �Type of Offense�.

Issue Date: 4/21/2003
Control #: 03-42 Addendum
Subject: Disqualified Recipient Report
Effective Date: 4/21/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0342Add.pdf

Use this form to enter disqualified recipient information into the national registry of disqualified FS recipients.

Issue Date: 4/22/2003
Control #: 03-43
Subject: State Review Team DHR/FIA 161 Form (Authorization For Release of Information)
Effective Date: 4/22/2003
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance and Transitional Emergency Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0343.pdf

Periodically advocates review the State Review Team (SRT) case files to determine if local departments of social services (LDSS) and the SRT are complying with requirements related to processing Medical Assistance applications. The latest review indicates SRT is still receiving a large number of referral packets that do not include a completed DHR/FIA 161 Form (Authorization for Release of Information from a Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic). It is extremely important to include with the referral packet a completed DHR/FIA 161 Form for each of the customer�s treating physicians so SRT staff may obtain necessary medical information from the customer�s treating physician/hospital/clinic named on the form. If SRT obtains the additional information from the customer�s treating source, SRT will not need to return the referral to the LDSS requesting further information. This saves time and effort for LDSS staff, SRT staff, and the customer. If the customer refuses to sign the DHR/FIA 161 the case manger is to indicate that on the form and submit it with the referral packet. Referral packets are to always include at least one DHR/FIA 161 Form. Action Transmittal #01-28 issued January 31, 2001 provides procedures for referring Medical Assistance applicants to the SRT for a disability determination. FIA Information Memo #02-88 issued June 19, 2002 reiterates the necessity for the DHR/FIA 161 and explains what is needed for a DHR/FIA 161 to be considered completed.

Issue Date: 5/5/2003
Control #: 03-45
Subject: Purchase Of Care - Child Protective Services Contact List
Effective Date: 5/5/2003
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0345.pdf

We have published a Purchase of Care (POC) Child Protective Service (CPS) Contact List for Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) supervisor and case manager use. This list will advise LDSS staff who the appropriate contact person is in the different LDSS�s.

Issue Date: 5/6/2003
Control #: 03-44
Subject: Purchase of Care (POC) Signature Requirements
Effective Date: 5/6/2003
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0344.pdf

An original customer signature has always been required for POC applications. In order to increase customer access an original signature is no longer required on the application.

Issue Date: 5/16/2003
Control #: 03-46
Subject: Waiver Of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Requirements
Effective Date: 5/16/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0346.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) notified us about which counties are exempt from the special work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDS). There is no change in the exempt counties for the period of April 1, 2003 through March 31, 2004.

Reminder: The exempt counties are Cecil, Allegany, Dorchester, Garrett, Somerset, Worcester, and Baltimore City.

Issue Date: 5/17/2003
Control #: 03-47
Subject: Long-Term Care Facility Representing Customers
Effective Date: 5/17/2003
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0347.pdf

Long-Term Care facilities have expressed concern that some local departments are not correctly applying the medical assistance policy related to authorized representatives.

Issue Date: 5/27/2003
Control #: 03-48
Subject: Work Requirements for Voluntary Quit and Voluntarily Reducing Work Effort
Effective Date: 5/27/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0348.pdf

This action transmittal provides policy about changes in the food stamp rules for customers who voluntarily quit a job or reduce their work effort.

Issue Date: 6/6/2003
Control #: 03-49
Subject: Excluded Resources � Individual Development Accounts (IDA) And Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0349.pdf

The policy change described in this action transmittal continues our efforts to streamline eligibility procedures for Food Stamps and to increase policy consistency between the Food Stamp and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) programs. Federal legislative changes in the Farm Bill allow states to match food stamp policy with TCA in a limited way. Since TCA does not count IDAs or federal or state EITC as a resource, we can exclude them for food stamps. The effective date of the changes is July 1, 2003.

Issue Date: 6/6/2003
Control #: 03-49
Subject: EXCLUDED RESOURCES � INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNTS (IDA) AND EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMPS
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0349

Issue Date: 6/6/2003
Control #: 03-50
Subject: Reporting Requirements
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0350.pdf

On April 29, 2003, the Food and Nutrition Service published a final rule that changes reporting requirements. The new policy:

-Raises the unearned income reporting threshold from $25 to $50,

-Changes the definition of the date that the household knows of a change in income and gives a timeframe for when a simplified reporting household has to report income exceeds the gross income limit (130 percent of poverty level);

-Limits the length of the certification period to no more than 6 months for households required to report changes in earnings of more than $100.

-Provides policy about agency action on changes in income.

Issue Date: 6/12/2003
Control #: 03-51
Subject: Verifications for the Purchase of Child Care Program
Effective Date: 6/12/2003
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0351.pdf

The Office of Child Care Subsidy is changing the verification requirement in order to increase customer access and decrease the workload for case managers.

Issue Date: 6/12/2003
Control #: 03-52
Subject: POC Child Support Tax Intercepts
Effective Date: 6/12/2003
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0352.pdf

This action transmittal outlines Purchase of Child Care policy on counting child support tax intercepts.

Issue Date: 6/17/2003
Control #: 03-53
Subject: Computer Based Training
Effective Date: 6/17/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0353.pdf

Issue Date: 6/18/2003
Control #: 03-54
Subject: Tracking Attendance in TANF Work Activities
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0354.pdf

Maryland�s achievement on the federal Work Participation Rate has been among the lowest in the United States for the last three years. Although many adult TCA recipients are engaged in activities consistent with their Independence Plans, too few are participating in countable federal activities for enough hours to count toward the participation rate. Action Transmittals #97-66 Revised and #97-67 explain the work requirements and define the work activities that adult TCA recipients are expected to engage in. Action Transmittals #00-39, #01-25, #02-61 and #02-84 further explain the requirements to collect activity and attendance documentation for adult TCA recipients engaged in work activities.

This transmittal describes the requirements to track customer attendance in work activities and enter the activity and attendance information into the Work Opportunities Management Information System (WO MIS) for all customers engaged in TANF work activities.

Issue Date: 6/19/2003
Control #: 03-55
Subject: Excluded Income � Educational Income
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program; Temporary Cash Assistance; Purchase of Child Care; Medical Assistance; Maryland Children�s Health Program (MCHP)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0355.pdf

The 2002 Farm Bill allows states to simplify the definition of income. Currently, case managers have to apply complex policy to determine if educational income is countable for food stamps and Purchase of Care (POC). Effective July 1, 2003 case managers will no longer use educational income in the food stamp or POC calculation.

Action transmittal # OPA 94-45 issued May 19, 1994 is obsolete.

Issue Date: 7/1/2003
Control #: 04-01
Subject: Withdrawing Food Stamp Applications
Effective Date: 7/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0401.pdf

Food stamp regulations encourage people to apply for the Program. The withdrawal of a FS application must be a voluntary action by the customer. Any recommendation or suggestion by an agency employee that a customer withdraw the application impinges on the customer�s right to file an application and is contradictory to FS regulations.

Case managers may be suggesting a withdrawal because they think the household is ineligible. This is essentially an eligibility decision made outside the scope of monitoring or record keeping. Case managers must not make informal decisions about eligibility.

Customers have the right to have their applications reviewed and eligibility determined based on all policy factors.

Issue Date: 7/30/2003
Control #: 04-02
Subject: Food Stamp Program Cooperation with Fraud Investigations
Effective Date: 7/30/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0402.pdf

This action transmittal replaces AT #02-74.

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has notified State agencies that they have reconsidered the use of the Request for Contact (RFC) to obtain household cooperation during an intentional program violation (IPV) investigation. FNS has determined that �threatening to terminate the individual household for failure to respond� or termination of the individual for failure to cooperate with a fraud investigator violates the customer�s right to remain silent.

Only a case manager can issue the RFC. The RFC should be used only when there is a change in the household situation that could affect the household�s eligibility or benefit level. Do not use the RFC to require customers to meet with or supply information to a fraud investigator.

Even though we cannot require a customer to meet with the case manager or investigator, contact prior to initiating formal IPV procedures gives the individual the opportunity to clarify any unclear information or circumstances. It also provides local departments and investigators an opportunity to obtain additional evidence, if obtained voluntarily.

If the individual fails or refuses to respond to a request for an interview or additional information and there is sufficient evidence to support an IPV finding, the investigator or local department should proceed with an administrative disqualification hearing.

After proper notification to the individual of the ADH no further contact is required. The investigator or case manager may offer the individual the opportunity to sign the waiver of the disqualification hearing.

Even if the customer does not appear at the ADH, the hearing will proceed. Do not remove the customer from the FS household as an IPV for not attending the hearing. The local department representative or the investigator must still successfully present clear and convincing evidence of the violation to the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to obtain an IPV decision.

This action transmittal replaces AT #02-74.

Issue Date: 8/13/2003
Control #: 04-03
Subject: Retrieve FIA Forms on the FIPNET and Internet
Effective Date: 8/13/2003
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0403.pdf

Updated forms are available on the FIPNET and the Internet, many in both English and Spanish. You can retrieve forms on-line through the FIPNET and on the Internet from the DHR Website. The procedure for accessing forms on the FIPNET has not changed. To access FIPNET forms, click on FIPNET on the left side of the DHRNET contents page, and then click on ONLINE FORMS.

Issue Date: 8/20/2003
Control #: 04-04
Subject: Food Stamp Benefits When the Household Moves to Puerto Rico
Effective Date: 8/20/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0404.pdf

Federal food stamp regulations require State EBT systems to be interoperable. Food stamp households in one State or territory can use their EBT cards to redeem food stamp benefits in another State or territory.

Puerto Rico, however, administers its own food stamp program and does not fall under these regulations. Puerto Rico sets its own eligibility criteria for recipients and retailers. The Food Stamp Act requires that households redeem their food stamp benefits only at FNS authorized retailer locations. Since the Commonwealth authorizes the retailers in Puerto Rico, rather than FNS, states cannot allow FSP households to redeem their food stamp benefits in Puerto Rico.

Issue Date: 9/2/2003
Control #: 04-05
Subject: Application For The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) And The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
Effective Date: 9/2/2003
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0405.pdf

On July 1, 2003 the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs (MD OHEP) began its new program year. Eligible families across Maryland may now apply for energy related programs and services.

MEAP provides heating assistance grants to fuel suppliers and utility companies on behalf of eligible applicants. EUSP provides assistance with electric bills. The EUSP will also assist a household in paying some past due electric bills. In certain instances both MEAP and EUSP can assist customers in weatherizing their home (e.g., insulation, furnace repair, window replacement, etc.).

Issue Date: 9/4/2003
Control #: 04-06
Subject: Changes To The Maryland Children�s Health Program (MCHP and MCHP Premium) Effective September 1, 2003
Effective Date: 9/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: MCHP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0406.pdf

Effective September 1, 2003, the following changes will occur in the MCHP program:

-Children certified prior to September 1, 2003 whose family income is above 185 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but at or below 200 percent FPL (current coverage group P14) will have to pay a premium to continue coverage after that date. Children who applied prior to September 1, 2003, but whose eligibility is determined on or after that date, will have eligibility determined for the months prior to September, 2003, according to the eligibility rules in effect at that time.

-All children applying on or after September 1, 2003 whose family income is above 185 percent FPL but at or below 200 percent FPL will have to pay a premium before coverage will be provided. These children will not be enrolled in MCHP but will be referred to DHMH by CARES for enrollment in MCHP Premium. The required premium amount is $37 per family per month.

Issue Date: 9/16/2003
Control #: 04-07
Subject: Food Stamp And Temporary Cash Assistance Mass Changes - October 2003
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps And TCA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0407.pdf

Each August, the United States Department of Agriculture publishes a new Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) on which food stamp program allotments are based as well as net and gross monthly income standards. The maximum food stamp allotments, standard deductions and excess shelter deduction also increase. The homeless shelter allowance is unchanged.

TCA grants will also increase effective October 1, 2003. The Welfare Innovation Act of 1996 requires that the total of Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Food Stamps be at least 61 percent of the established Minimum Living Level. This year, as part of cost containment, the General Assembly has required that any resultant increase in the TCA grant be no more than 1%.

Issue Date: 9/22/2003
Control #: 04-08
Subject: Mandatory Standard Utility Allowance (SUA) And Limited Utility Allowance (LUA)
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0408.pdf

One of the 2002 Farm Bill options allows the State to mandate the utility allowances. This policy option:

-Eliminates the use of actual expenses, except for households that have only one utility expense that does not include heating or cooling

-Simplifies the policy for prorating the utility allowances when households share utility expenses

-Entitles households in public housing to get the utility allowance

Issue Date: 9/26/2003
Control #: 04-09
Subject: Confidentiality Of Customer Information
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps (FS), Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Medical Assistance (MA), And Purchase Of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0409.pdf

Information provided by individuals or families when they apply for any Federal, State or local assistance program is protected from disclosure under the Privacy Act of 1974 and under the Food Stamp Act of 1977 (as amended). In addition, the Maryland Annotated Code Art. 88A, �6 provides protection against disclosing information except in specific instances. In the wake of recent events involving identity theft, it is extremely important that everyone be aware of and adhere to confidentiality requirements.

Issue Date: 9/29/2003
Control #: 04-11
Subject: Waivers To The Food Stamp Program Due To Hurricane Isabel
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0411.pdf

President George W. Bush issued a disaster declaration on September 19, 2003, for all 24 jurisdictions in the State. We recently received approval from the Food and Nutrition Service to operate a modified Food Stamp Program, to issue an automatic replacement allotment to ongoing households in jurisdictions with significant losses of electricity and to issue supplemental allotments to ongoing households with non-reimbursable disaster-related expenses.

We requested these waivers in order to meet the requirements of individuals and families in the State that were affected by Hurricane Isabel. The modified Food Stamp Program will provide temporary assistance to families who have suffered losses due to household damage or loss of income. The modified FSP will operate from October 1 through October 9. We can request an extension if it appears to be needed.

Issue Date: 9/29/2003
Control #: 04-11 Addendum
Subject: Modified Food Stamp Program Due to Hurricane Isabel
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0411add.pdf

Modified Food Stamp Program Due to Hurricane Isabel

Issue Date: 10/1/2003
Control #: 04-10
Subject: Food Stamp Eligibility For Qualified Immigrant Children
Effective Date: 10/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0410.pdf

The 2002 Farm Bill changed immigrant eligibility in three phases. The first two phases restored food stamp (FS) eligibility to disabled qualified immigrants and to immigrants who have been in a qualified immigrant status for five years or longer. This action transmittal describes the third phase, which restores federal food stamps to immigrant children.

Effective October 1, 2003, there will no longer be a State-funded Food Stamp Program for immigrant children.

Issue Date: 10/20/2003
Control #: 04-12
Subject: Change in Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Issuance
Effective Date: 11/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0412.pdf

Currently, the State issues food stamp regular monthly benefits over a five-day period according to alphabetical listing of the head of household�s last name.

The large volume of food stamps issued over the five-day period creates hardships on retailers and on customers waiting in long lines. Because of this, the Maryland Retailer�s Association met with DHR and requested a change in the EBT food stamps issuance schedule.

To be more responsive to the community, effective November 2003, we will issue food stamp benefits over a 10-day period. ...

Issue Date: 10/20/2003
Control #: 04-12
Subject: Change In Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Issuance
Effective Date: 11/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0412.pdf

Currently, the State issues food stamp regular monthly benefits over a five-day period according to alphabetical listing of the head of household�s last name.

To be more responsive to the community, effective November 2003, we will issue food stamp benefits over a 10-day period. ...

Issue Date: 11/30/2003
Control #: 04-13
Subject: Maryland Pharmacy Discount Program And Expedited QMB/SLMB Determinations
Effective Date: 11/30/2003
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0413.pdf

The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has discovered that upon implementation of the Maryland Pharmacy Discount Program (MPDP) some customers were erroneously added to the Medicare Buy-In Program at DHMH. These customers have been identified by DHMH and will be instructed to apply for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)/ Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Program. Attached is a copy of the correspondence, which includes the procedures that DHMH has approved to expedite the QMB/SLMB application process. The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Coordinators, of the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), will assist with the process to expedite the applications.

Issue Date: 11/30/2003
Control #: 04-13 Attachment
Subject: Memo to SHIP Coordinators
Effective Date: 11/30/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0413attach.pdf

Memo to SHIP Coordinators

Issue Date: 11/30/2003
Control #: 04-13 Attachment 2
Subject: Letter to Affected Customers
Effective Date: 11/30/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0413attach2.pdf

Letter to Affected Customers

Issue Date: 11/30/2003
Control #: 04-13 Attachment 3
Subject: SHIP LDSS Transmittal Memo for QMB/SLMB Applications
Effective Date: 11/30/2003
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0413attach3.pdf

SHIP LDSS Transmittal Memo for QMB/SLMB Applications

Issue Date: 12/2/2003
Control #: 03-29
Subject: Transitional Food Stamp Benefits
Effective Date: 1/1/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0329.pdf

The Farm Bill allows states to extend a household�s food stamp benefits when their Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) case closes. Food stamp benefits are �frozen� for five months following the TCA case closing. Transitional food stamps ease the transition from welfare and bring federal dollars into Maryland�s economy.

Issue Date: 12/17/2003
Control #: 04-14
Subject: Food Stamp Benefits When The Household Moves From Puerto Rico
Effective Date: 12/17/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0414.pdf

Puerto Rico administers its own food stamp program called the Nutrition Assistance Program or NAP. In the past, Puerto Rico issued the benefits as a check that the customer could readily convert to cash. If the household applied for benefits in mainland offices in the month the NAP benefit was issued, we considered the benefit countable income.

Currently, Puerto Rico issues 75 percent of the NAP benefit via Point of Sale devises and 25 percent that is redeemable as cash. Households moving to the mainland cannot access their NAP benefits through the mainland EBT system. When determining eligibility and benefit allotment, do not count any portion of the NAP benefit as unearned income

Issue Date: 12/19/2003
Control #: 04-15
Subject: Increase In The Utility And Telephone Allowances
Effective Date: 1/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0415.pdf

Every year we review the utility allowances to determine if they should increase, decrease or stay the same. Based on the most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Baltimore/ Washington area, the standard and limited utility allowances and the telephone allowance will increase.

Issue Date: 12/19/2003
Control #: 04-15 Attachment
Subject: Standards For Income And Deductions
Effective Date: 1/1/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0415attach.pdf

Standards For Income And Deductions

Issue Date: 12/23/2003
Control #: 04-16
Subject: Excluded Income And Resources
Effective Date: 1/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance And The Maryland Children�s Health Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0416.pdf

The 2002 Farm Bill allows states to simplify the treatment of some income and resource types by making food stamp policy match Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) and Medical Assistance policy. Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Family Investment Administration staff have met over the past several months to discuss changes that we can make to simplify policy by making the treatment of income and resources the same for all programs wherever possible.

This action transmittal describes new policy for excluding additional income and resource types.

Issue Date: 12/23/2003
Control #: 04-18
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) And SSI Cost-Of-Living Increase And Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0418.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 12/23/2003
Control #: 03-33
Subject: Purchase Of Child Care Waiting List
Effective Date: 1/15/2003
Program(s) Affected: Purchase Of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0333.pdf

Due to recent increases in caseload and a lack of available funding, the Purchase of Child Care program is wait-listing Priority 3 applicants, as of January 15, 2003. Priority 1 and 2 applicants, as well as Priority 3 applicants with an SSI child or parent, are not wait-listed. Active customers will be given a 60-day grace period to reapply for services if the case closes at reconsideration. CCAMIS has been enhanced to assist with the process. Letters and reports are available to facilitate the process.

Issue Date: 12/24/2003
Control #: 04-17
Subject: Tips For Food Stamp Shoppers Fact Sheet
Effective Date: 12/24/2003
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0417.pdf

Attached is a fact sheet that may answer the questions new customers may have about using their food stamps. Local departments should give all new customers a fact sheet when they come in to get an Independence Card.

Issue Date: 1/6/2004
Control #: 04-19
Subject: Allowable Medical Expenses
Effective Date: 1/6/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0419.pdf

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently advised us that allowable medical deductions for food stamps include the postage that an individual pays for mail order prescriptions. Although the policy and procedure for calculating the medical deduction has not changed, we are taking this opportunity to remind staff about the possible medical deductions. The policy is covered in Food Stamp Manual Sections 212 and 213.

Issue Date: 1/7/2004
Control #: 04-20
Subject: Purchase Of Child Care Child Support Cooperation
Effective Date: 2/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0420.pdf

Effective February 1, 2004 the Child Support Enforcement Administration is no longer responsible for determining child support cooperation in a POC case. The final decision will now be the responsibility of the POC case manager.

Issue Date: 1/8/2004
Control #: 04-21
Subject: Purchase of Care (POC) Changes In Customer Co-Payments
Effective Date: 2/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Care (POC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0421.pdf

Effective February 1, 2004, the Child Care Administration is increasing non-TCA customer co-payments for formal and informal child care. The total payment to the provider is not changing. The customer will pay an increased co-payment and the State will pay a reduced portion of the cost of care.

Issue Date: 1/8/2004
Control #: 04-21 Attachment
Subject: Copay
Effective Date: 2/1/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0421attach.pdf

Copay

Issue Date: 1/8/2004
Control #: 04-21 Attachment 2
Subject: Formal Copay
Effective Date: 2/1/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0421attach2.pdf

Formal Copay

Issue Date: 1/8/2004
Control #: 04-21 Attachment 3
Subject: Informal Copay
Effective Date: 2/1/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0421attach3.pdf

Informal Copay

Issue Date: 1/9/2004
Control #: 04-22 Revised
Subject: TEMHA Payment Freeze For New Applications
Effective Date: 1/12/2004
Program(s) Affected: Transitional, Emergency, Medical, And Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0422rev.pdf

The Secretary has determined that Maryland will have a budget shortfall in the Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) Program. Unless the Department takes action swiftly, our current projections show that there will be a deficit in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2004 and a continuing deficit in SFY 2005.

TEMHA is a capped entitlement. Regulations at COMAR 07.06.05.04E allow the Secretary of Human Resources, when the TEMHA caseload will exhaust the appropriation, to have local departments continue to process applications and if they determine them eligible to place them in an �active, no-pay� status. The effect of this action and continuing to implement the program integrity initiatives begun in June 2003 should allow us to stay within budget for SFY 2004.

Issue Date: 2/6/2004
Control #: 04-23
Subject: Shelter Deduction When Rent Is Paid In Advance
Effective Date: 2/6/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0423.pdf

Sometimes households receive large sums of money and use it to pay their rent in advance. Recently, we received a policy clarification from the Food and Nutrition Service about how to treat shelter costs in this situation.

Allowable expenses are taken into consideration when they are due. When a household is billed monthly for rent, the case manager will use the monthly rental amount that is due, regardless of when the household pays it.

Issue Date: 2/24/2004
Control #: 04-24
Subject: Aligning Certification/Eligibility Periods
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0424.pdf

...

The Food and Nutrition Service recently approved a waiver request that allows us to recertify a food stamp case before the end of the assigned certification period during an application for a medical or cash assistance program. This also includes reapplication or redetermination for MA or cash assistance. This waiver will allow us to better align the certification/eligibility periods for all programs.

...

Issue Date: 2/25/2004
Control #: 04-25
Subject: Expedited Food Stamps
Effective Date: 2/25/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0425.pdf

There are no changes in the expedited food stamp policy. This informational memo contains reminders and suggestions to ensure that all food stamp households who are eligible for expedited food stamps receive them as soon as possible. Case managers should make every effort to process expedited food stamps to eligible households the same day the application is filed.

Issue Date: 3/2/2004
Control #: 04-26
Subject: TEMHA Program Integrity Actions
Effective Date: 3/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: Transitional, Emergency, Medical, And Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0426.pdf

Based on recent system-generated reports there is evidence that indicates some TEMHA customers may be receiving benefits in error. Since TEMHA is a capped entitlement, cases receiving benefits in error use money that should be used to fund benefits for eligible customers. It is important to continue our aggressive efforts to limit TEMHA to eligible customers. Beginning in June 2003, the Bureau of System Development and Management ran queries of active TEMHA cases and sent them to local departments. This was done to assist the local departments to remove ineligible cases from their TEMHA caseload. We will continue to produce updated reports for local department action. These actions should be taken with regard to each set of reports as they are received. The reports identified three categories of potentially ineligible TEMHA recipients. These are: ...

Issue Date: 3/9/2004
Control #: 04-27
Subject: 2004 Federal Poverty Levels And FIP Schedule Update
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0427.pdf

The Federal Poverty Income guidelines increased on March 1, 2004. The new poverty levels will be on CARES effective April 1, 2004. For your convenience, a chart with the new poverty levels is attached (Attachment 1).

In addition, a copy of the updated FIP Schedule is attached (Attachment 2). This Information Memo updates Column C- 50% Poverty Level - of the FIP Schedule. The amounts in Columns A and B did not change from October 2003. The new amounts are used when determining eligibility for Temporary Cash Assistance applications and recertifications completed on or after April 1, 2004.

Issue Date: 3/10/2004
Control #: 04-28
Subject: Failure To Comply With Temporary Cash Assistance Or Unemployment Insurance Work Requirements
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0428.pdf

Currently, when a Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) customer fails to comply with a work requirement that is comparable to a food stamp work requirement, the customer is considered to have failed to comply with food stamp work requirements. This has been expanded. Under the new policy the TCA work component does not have to be comparable to a food stamp work requirement to cause a disqualification. Additionally, the rule now applies to an individual�s failure to comply with an unemployment insurance work requirement.

Issue Date: 3/17/2004
Control #: 04-29
Subject: The Earned Income Tax Credit Campaign And Financial Literacy
Effective Date: 3/17/2004
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0429.pdf

As we enter tax season, it is again our goal to help low-income working families understand the advantages of filing for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits. EITC helps reduce the tax burden and increase income for working families. It can also be used as an incentive to encourage unemployed customers to find and keep a job. Helping our customers understand the benefits of EITC is a step toward their achieving self-sufficiency.

...This memo provides information about the EITC and other tax reduction programs for 2003 to help local department staff encourage customers to file for EITC to be included in their pay. In addition, it contains information about financial literacy and provides contact information for local departments wanting to receive additional information and training in these areas. ...

Issue Date: 3/26/2004
Control #: 04-31 Revised
Subject: TEMHA Payment Freeze For New Applications Lifted
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Transitional, Emergency, Medical, And Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0431rev.pdf

The Secretary has determined that the TEMHA program will resume cash payments to new applicants beginning in April, ending a three-month suspension. Applicants approved during the suspension will begin receiving $185 a month, beginning April 1, 2004.

Issue Date: 3/26/2004
Control #: 04-30
Subject: Loss Of Cecil County Waiver To The Work Requirement For Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD)
Effective Date: 7/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0430.pdf

Each year the State submits a new ABAWD waiver to the Food and Nutrition Service for approval. We base the waiver request on data from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Based on current data for 2004, the exempt jurisdictions are Allegany County, Dorchester County, Garrett County, Somerset County, Worcester County and Baltimore City.

Cecil County is no longer exempt from the special work requirements for ABAWDS.

Issue Date: 4/12/2004
Control #: 04-33
Subject: Medicare Pharmacy Discount Program
Effective Date: 4/12/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0433.pdf

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 authorizes the implementation of the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program. The drug discount card program is effective June 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005. The program is designed to help Medicare recipients with the cost of prescription drugs.

Issue Date: 4/19/2004
Control #: 04-32
Subject: Welfare Avoidance Grants (WAGS)
Effective Date: 4/19/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0432.pdf

Recently we received several questions about Welfare Avoidance Grants. As a result, we have updated WAG policy and strengthened accountability.

...

This action transmittal reviews the policy and strengthens accountability for issuing WAGs to eligible families and provides guidance to case managers in assessing the use of a WAG. To strengthen accountability the local department director or the director�s designee must approve each WAG before issuance. Used appropriately, a WAG should help the family become self-sufficient and stay off TCA.

Issue Date: 4/30/2004
Control #: 04-34
Subject: The New Save Verification System
Effective Date: 4/30/2004
Program(s) Affected: All
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0434.pdf

The Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement (SAVE) Program is an intergovernmental information sharing partnership developed to help case managers determine an applicant/recipient�s immigration status. Beginning in March 2004 SAVE, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now administers, provides authorized users with on-line access to immigrant status verification information rather than the telephone access previously available.

Remember: SAVE does not determine immigrant eligibility; it just verifies immigration status.

Issue Date: 4/30/2004
Control #: 04-34 Attachment
Subject: The New Save Verification System
Effective Date: 4/30/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0434attach.pdf

WEB-1 Access Method Reference

Issue Date: 5/3/2004
Control #: 04-35
Subject: Residents Of Certain Institutions
Effective Date: 5/3/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0435.pdf

Recently we became aware of a change in federal regulations that we have not implemented. Section 100.7 of the Food Stamp Manual lists residents of housing for the elderly built under Section 202 of the housing Act of 1959 or Section 236 of the National Housing Act as eligible even when the institution provides a majority of the meals. The policy was changed to include federally subsidized housing for the elderly as an exception to the rule about institutions.

We are also providing information as reminders about the special eligibility rules for residents of some institutions and where to locate detailed information about the policy in the Food Stamp Manual.

Issue Date: 5/15/2004
Control #: 04-28 Revised
Subject: Failure To Comply With Temporary Cash Assistance Or Unemployment Insurance Work Requirements
Effective Date: 4/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0428rev.pdf

Revised Action Transmittal 04-28 includes corrected CARES procedures. It does not change policy. Please destroy copies of the original action transmittal.

Issue Date: 5/15/2004
Control #: 04-36
Subject: Medicare Prescription Drug Card Program
Effective Date: 6/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0436.pdf

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 authorizes the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card Program. This program will help people who receive Medicare with the cost of prescription drugs. This action transmittal provides information about the program and how it will affect food stamps.

Issue Date: 6/8/2004
Control #: 04-37
Subject: Work Requirements � Reduction In Work Effort
Effective Date: 7/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0437.pdf

In 1996, welfare reform legislation added a work requirement that makes individuals who voluntarily and without good cause reduce their work effort to less than 30 hours per week ineligible for food stamps. Current policy states that the minimum wage equivalency does not apply when determining reduction of work effort. A recent clarification changes this policy.

Issue Date: 7/1/2004
Control #: 04-38
Subject: Exclusion Of Income Tax Refunds As Income Or A Resource
Effective Date: 7/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0438.pdf

Recently, we have received several questions from local departments regarding income tax refunds. TCA policy does not specifically address income tax refunds. It does however exclude the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as income. This includes EITC payments calculated with an individual�s wages and the EITC portion of an income tax refund.

Current policy gives instructions to apply lump sum policy to the income tax refund, excluding any EITC. In an effort to match programs, simplify policy and avoid the possible double counting of income, we are revising the income tax refund policy to match Medical Assistance policy.

Issue Date: 7/6/2004
Control #: 04-39
Subject: Waiver Case Redeterminations
Effective Date: 7/6/2004
Program(s) Affected: MA Waiver
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0439.pdf

Recently DHR became aware of an issue with regard to associated H-track waiver redeterminations. The redetermination information packet (9702) for these waiver cases are not being forwarded to the Division of Eligibility Waiver Services in a timely manner. The Waiver Division is responsible for all eligibility, interim change and maintenance decisions with regard to all H-track Waiver AUs. If a waiver recipient in the H-track is included on an active associated AU at the LDSS (i.e. Food Stamps, TCA, FAC MA etc) or LHD (i.e. MCHP) the following instructions will ensure that H-track AU�s are redetermined timely. This process is necessary to ensure that the MA waiver case is properly evaluated using manual processing, as all eligibility for waiver recipients is completed off-line. CARES is the mechanism used once eligibility has been determined to deliver the Waiver Medical Assistance benefits.

Issue Date: 7/13/2004
Control #: 04-40
Subject: Changes To The Maryland Children�s Health Program (MCHP and MCHP Premium) Effective July 1, 2004
Effective Date: 7/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: MCHP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0440.pdf

Effective July 1, 2004, the following changes will occur for children whose family income is above 185 percent Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but at or below 200 percent FPL (coverage group P14):

...[five bullet points]...

These changes are the result of the sunset of changes in State law enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in the Budget Bill of 2003. The sunset of these 2003 provisions also affects the MCHP Premium Program effective July 1, 2004. Those changes are listed at the end of the Transmittal, for informational purposes only.

Issue Date: 7/29/2004
Control #: 05-01
Subject: Cares Data Corrections For Medical Assistance Overdue Redeterminations and MCHP AU Transfers to Local Health Departments
Effective Date: 7/29/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance, Maryland Children�s Health Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0501cb.pdf

This bulletin serves to advise you of two CARES data corrections that will be conducted in June 2004. They will address the following Medical Assistance related issues:

>Overdue Medical Assistance AU�s that are the result of case managers initiating but not completing the redetermination process.

A large number of Medical Assistance AU�s have remained active beyond their established eligibility certification period. Once a Medical Assistance redetermination is initiated, CARES allows the AU to remain active indefinitely.

Although this is the case, it is DHR FIA/DHMH�s expectation that case managers adhere to established redetermination requirements.

>Unassociated MCHP AU�s remaining in the Local Department of Social Services rather than being transferred to the Local Health Department.

Many Local Departments have experienced increased caseloads that may be attributed to unassociated MCHP AU�s not being properly transferred to their respective Local Health Department.

Issue Date: 8/5/2004
Control #: 05-02 CARES Bulletin
Subject: Case Information Form (CIF)
Effective Date: 8/5/2004
Program(s) Affected: All Programs In The Mail-In Redermination Cycle
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0502cb.pdf

As part of workload reduction, local departments have begun to rely more on the mail-in redetermination process. In an effort to streamline and further automate the redetermination process and reduce costs, a new abbreviated application form (Case Information Form � CIF) will be generated by CARES. The new CIF will be generated for all programs of assistance that are currently in the mail-in redetermination cycle except:

� the entire MA E-track, G-track, H-track, L-track, T-track, X-track, and

� MA Covererage groups P02, P03, P11, P12, S02, S99, and F99.

These programs will continue to receive the same applications currently in use at redetermination. Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) AU�s (F05, F98, F99) will continue to receive the DHR/DHMH 1158B when properly identified on the CARES ADDR screen. All other F-track AU�s will receive the CIF at redetermination.

Issue Date: 8/24/2004
Control #: 05-01
Subject: Application Processing - Verification
Effective Date: 8/24/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0501.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the application compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing. This action transmittal provides policy for verification at application in a question and answer format. This policy can also be found in Section 408 of the Food Stamp Manual.

Issue Date: 8/24/2004
Control #: 05-02
Subject: Aged And Abandoned EBT Benefits
Effective Date: 10/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance, Refugee Cash Assistance, And TEMHA/TDAP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0502.pdf

This action transmittal describes a change in how we handle aged and abandoned benefits on EBT. Currently CARES sends a Notice of Expiration - Aged or Abandoned Benefits notice to all households whose benefits have not been accessed for 35 days. If the household did not use the benefit CARES closed the case. The case manager received alerts 817 and 816.

Federal food stamp policy has changed. We can no longer shorten a food stamp certification period solely because a household does not use its EBT card. In order to make the policy match we are making this change for all programs with benefits issued through EBT.

Action transmittal 98-31- Aged Benefits on EBT and CARES Bulletin 01-01 � Electronic Benefit Transfer System Aged and Abandoned Benefit Process are obsolete.

Issue Date: 8/26/2004
Control #: 05-04
Subject: Medicare-Approved Prescription Drug Card - Revision
Effective Date: 10/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0504.pdf

Action Transmittal 04-36 Provided Information About The Medicare Drug Card Program And The Policy For How To Treat The Benefit For Food Stamps. The Policy Was Based On A Food And Nutrition Service Interpretation Of The Federal Legislation. This Action Transmittal Revises The Action Required For Food Stamps And Replaces 04-36.

Reminder: This Policy Will Not Affect Many Food Stamp Households.

Issue Date: 8/26/2004
Control #: 05-03
Subject: Application Processing � Delays In Processing
Effective Date: 8/26/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0503.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the application compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing and provides policy and CARES procedures in a question and answer format. This policy was included in Action Transmittal 02-67 Denying Applications and Delays in Processing. It can also be found in Section 406 of the Food Stamp Manual and in Section 15 of the Food Stamp Desk Guide.

Issue Date: 8/27/2004
Control #: 05-05 IM
Subject: Application for The Maryland Energy Assistance Program (Meap) and The Electric Universal Service Program (Eusp)
Effective Date: 8/27/2004
Program(s) Affected: MEAP and EUSP
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0505im.pdf

On July 1, 2004 the Community Services Administration, Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) began its new program year. Eligible families across Maryland may now apply for energy related programs and services.

The OHEP state office wishes to strongly encourage our partners within the local departments and other community agencies across the state to refer their customers to the local OHEP office. For your convenience, a list of the local OHEP office telephone numbers is attached. As an additional reference for your use, the �Income Eligibility Standards� for fiscal year 2005 is likewise attached.

The OHEP state office strongly encourages customer referrals to our local offices. MEAP and EUSP are both valuable programs which can greatly assist Maryland�s most vulnerable populations in maintaining their independence and self-sufficiency.

Issue Date: 8/27/2004
Control #: 05-05 Attachment 2
Subject: Local OfFfice of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) Telephone Numbers
Effective Date: 8/27/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0505attach2.pdf

Issue Date: 8/27/2004
Control #: 05-05 Attachment
Subject: Office of Homes Energy Programs - Income Eligibility Limits
Effective Date: 8/27/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0505attach.pdf

Issue Date: 9/1/2004
Control #: 05-06
Subject: Intentional Program Violation Policy
Effective Date: 9/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0506.pdf

A recent Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) review noted that some states are not following the intentional program violation (IPV) rules. Although we do not believe there is a problem in Maryland, we are issuing clarification of the fraud rules. We are also including a reminder about the importance of reporting fraud cases to the National Disqualified Recipient Subsystem and the impact of simplified reporting on IPV decisions and overpayments.

Issue Date: 9/3/2004
Control #: 05-03 Cares Bulletin
Subject: Households That Share Utilities
Effective Date: 9/3/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0503cb.pdf

AT 04-08 simplified the policy for prorating the utility allowances when households share utility expenses by informing Case Managers not to prorate the SUA or LUA. Effective September 1, 2004 CARES will support the new policy by setting the �No. of HHS Sharing Utilities� field to �1� and hiding the field on the SHEL screen.

Issue Date: 9/16/2004
Control #: 05-07
Subject: Food Stamp and Temporary Cash Assistance Mass Changes - October 2004
Effective Date: 10/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamps and TCA
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0507.pdf

TCA grants will also increase effective October 1, 2004. This year, the General Assembly set aside $1 million to be used for a TCA grant increase. Attached are schedules and tables for the increases that are effective October first for Food Stamps and TCA. Updated Food Stamp manual pages are also attached.

Issue Date: 9/20/2004
Control #: 05-04 CARES Bulletin
Subject: Notices � Long Term Care Approval, Redetermination, Change, and Budget Trailer (Non-Spenddown)
Effective Date: 9/20/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance � Long Term Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0504cb.pdf

CARES Bulletin 04-11 notified Case Managers to stop following CARES Bulletin 02-29 until potential problems with the LTC notices were researched. After monitoring the LTC notices, it was discovered the CARES generated notices were correct.

Issue Date: 9/24/2004
Control #: 05-08
Subject: Fair Labor Standards Act (Flsa) And Work Activity Guidelines
Effective Date: 9/24/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0508.pdf

Action Transmittal (AT) 98-18, Issued November 5, 1997, Provided Criteria Needed To Determine Whether An Individual Meets The Definition Of An Employee Or Trainee Under The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). We Are Providing A Reminder Of The Provisions Of That Law. Local Departments Are Encouraged To Use The Criteria Outlined In This Updated Transmittal And In The Work And Education Section Of The TCA Manual To Clarify Which Programs Are Considered Training And Which Are Considered Employment. In Addition, Activities Considered To Be Employment Are Not Subject To The Ninety (90) Day Time Limit As Are Trainee And Internship Programs.

Issue Date: 9/30/2004
Control #: 05-09
Subject: APPLICATION PROCESSING � EXPEDITED SERVICE
Effective Date: 9/30/2004
Program(s) Affected: FOOD STAMP PROGRAM
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0509.pdf

Recently we have received inquiries about application processing and the compliance report. Compliance with application processing requirements is a top priority and is essential for good public service. This is one of three action transmittals about application processing. This action transmittal provides current policy and CARES procedures for processing expedited applications in a question and answer format. The policy can also be found in Section 401 of the Food Stamp Manual and Section 14 of the Desk Guide.

Issue Date: 10/1/2004
Control #: 05-10
Subject: Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP)
Effective Date: 10/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0510.pdf

During FY 2004, the Transitional Emergency, Medical and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) program experienced a budget shortfall. To address the crisis the Department took a number of steps that included promulgating regulatory changes to ensure that this important program is strengthened and to keep it financially solvent.

The Secretary of Human Resources repealed regulations under the Community Services Administration�s COMAR 07.06.05 for Transitional Emergency, Medical, and Housing Assistance (TEMHA) and adopted new regulations under the Family Investment Administration�s COMAR 07.03.05 for the Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP). The new regulation changes the name of the program to more accurately reflect its purpose, limits the period of eligibility for individuals with a short-term disability, and describes how countable income will reduce the allowable benefit amount. The regulation is effective August 1, 2004. We will implement TDAP in three phases.

Issue Date: 10/21/2004
Control #: 05-11 Attachment
Subject: Mail-In Application for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Programs
Effective Date: 11/1/2004
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0511attach.pdf

Issue Date: 10/21/2004
Control #: 05-11
Subject: Implementation of QMB/SLMB Mail-In Application
Effective Date: 11/1/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0511.pdf

Over the past few years, the Maryland Departments of Aging (MDOA), Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Human Resources (DHR) have conducted outreach to increase enrollment into the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Programs. This collaboration resulted in the statewide implementation of a streamlined mail-in application, a surrogate interview process, a simplified redetermination application for QMB/SLMB customers, and a positive impact on enrollment.

To further enhance program enrollment and reduce the burden on our seniors and the disabled population, DHR and DHMH have developed a mail-in application titled, �Department of Human Resources Mail-In Application for Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) Programs�. The form number is DHR/FIA 9705. The application is white with black ink, (See attachment 1). It includes one insert, a yellow documentation checklist.

Issue Date: 10/26/2004
Control #: 05-12
Subject: Children With Disabilities In Voluntary Placement
Effective Date: 10/26/2004
Program(s) Affected: Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0512.pdf

Last year the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 458, The Children with Disabilities � Voluntary Placement Act of 2003. Provisions of this bill permit parents/legal guardians to request a voluntary placement without relinquishing legal custody of a child if the child has a developmental disability or mental illness. The purpose of an out-of-home placement is to provide treatment or care for the child�s disability that the parent or legal guardian is unable to provide. Please refer to the Social Services Administration (SSA) Circular Letter #04-10 for additional information on children with disabilities in voluntary placement.

Issue Date: 11/8/2004
Control #: 05-05 CARES Bulletin
Subject: RCA Calculations for Unearned Income and
Effective Date: 11/8/2004
Program(s) Affected: Refugee Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0505cb.pdf

CARES currently calculates Refugee Cash Assistance unearned income and child care deductions based on frequency factors of 4.3 and 2.15. In order to arrive at the correct calculation, Case Managers complete the calculations off-line prior to entering the information on CARES. CARES has been modified to calculate unearned income and child care deductions based on frequency factors of 4 and 2.

Issue Date: 11/10/2004
Control #: 05-13
Subject: Authorized Representative
Effective Date: 11/10/2004
Program(s) Affected: Rare and Expensive Case Management Program (REM)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0513.pdf

The Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) is a voluntary program within the Maryland HealthChoice Program for Medicaid recipients with certain very rare and expensive conditions. In this program, participants have a case manager who helps coordinate their health care services.

Customers enrolled in the REM program are removed from their Managed Care Organization (MCO) and receive Maryland Medicaid fee-for-service benefits and a REM case manager. Attachment I lists the REM Case Management Agencies. One of the contractual obligations of REM case management is to assist REM program participants to maintain their Medicaid eligibility. This is critical to ensure the participant continues to receive medically necessary services. With the customer�s consent, Local Departments of Social Services (LDSS) will annotate CARES to send all Medicaid case information notifications to the customer and their REM case manager.

Issue Date: 11/15/2004
Control #: 05-06
Subject: NOTICES � LONG TERM CARE APPROVAL, REDETERMINATION, CHANGE, AND BUDGET TRAILER (NON-SPENDDOWN, NON-RETROACTIVE)
Effective Date: 11/15/2004
Program(s) Affected: MEDICAL ASSISTANCE � LONG TERM CARE
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0506cb.pdf

CARES Bulletin 05-04 instructed Case Managers to resume issuing system generated CARES notices to Long Term Care customers. Some Local Departments have requested clarification as to the effect on retroactive notices.

Issue Date: 11/22/2004
Control #: 05-14
Subject: Increase in Utility Allowances
Effective Date: 1/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0514.pdf

Issue Date: 12/2/2004
Control #: 05-15
Subject: Out of State Contacts for Information On Customers Who Moved From Another State
Effective Date: 12/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0515.pdf

Action Transmittal #02-53 contained a TANF Information Contact List. This AT provides an updated contact list and additional instruction for handling information received from other states. All other procedures remain the same. Local departments must continue to count any months that TANF benefits were received in other states, as well as in Maryland, toward the sixty-month time limit on all TCA cases.

Issue Date: 12/2/2004
Control #: 05-16
Subject: Eligibility for Family Members of Victims of Severe Trafficking In Persons
Effective Date: 12/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program, Temporary Cash Assistance, Refugee Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0516.pdf

� The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) makes non-citizens classified as victims of severe trafficking in persons eligible for federally funded or administered benefits and services to the same extent as refugees.

Eligibility was originally limited to the victims themselves. The TVPA was amended and reauthorized by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 (TVPRA). As a result, certain family members of victims of trafficking are now eligible for benefits to the same extent as refugees.

The US Immigration and Citizenship Services issues T visas to victims of trafficking. Under TVPRA, eligible relatives of trafficking victims are entitled to visas designated as T-2, T-3, T-4 or T-5 (collectively referred to as �Derivative T Visas�). After the issuance of the visas they are eligible for federally funded or administered benefits to the same

extent as direct victims of severe trafficking, provided that they meet the other eligibility criteria for the programs. Under TVPRA, the relatives of victims of trafficking are entitled to Derivative T visas under the following conditions . . .

Issue Date: 12/2/2004
Control #: 05-17
Subject: Coding Primary Language in CARES
Effective Date: 12/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0517.pdf

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services� Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has recommended that we remind all staff that the CARES system has a code to identify a customer�s primary language and a code to identify whether the customer needs an interpreter. When data entering information for customers, make sure to code the CARES ADDR screen properly to indicate what the customer�s primary language is and whether they need an interpreter. The correct CARES procedures are listed below.

FIA is developing a one-page flyer for you to give to customers who do not speak English, which tells them in many languages: �You will get notices about your case in English from our agency. If you need help translating them, please call your case worker. Leave your name, social security number, language and your telephone number on your worker's voicemail. Your worker will return your call with an interpreter on the line.�

Issue Date: 12/2/2004
Control #: 05-18
Subject: Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP) Referral Batch Sheet
Effective Date: 12/2/2004
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) Public Assistance to Adults (PAA) Foster Care (FC)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0518.pdf

The Disability Entitlement Advocacy Program (DEAP) many times does not receive complete referral packets from the local department. The local department many times, as well, does not receive acknowledgment of acceptance or rejection of referral packets from DEAP.

The DEAP Referral Batch Sheet becomes a reliable tool for tracking the status of referrals between offices by providing a written record of the date information is submitted, received, returned (including the reason for rejection) and resubmitted.

The DEAP Referral Batch Sheet will help to ensure accountability by both the local department and DEAP during the referral process. The form will also ensure consistency in the flow of work.

Issue Date: 12/3/2004
Control #: 05-17 Revision
Subject: Revised � Coding Primary Language in CARES and How to Ask For an Interpreter Brochure
Effective Date: 12/3/2004
Program(s) Affected: All Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0517rev.pdf

FIA has developed a brochure for you to give to customers who do not speak English, which tells them in many languages: �We will mail you important notices about your case in English. If you need help understanding them, please call the telephone number below. Tell the worker or voicemail your name, your language, your social security number or date of birth, and your telephone number. Say: �I need an interpreter.� Your worker will return your call with an interpreter on the line.� The brochure is form number DHR/FIA 676 �How to Ask for an Interpreter.� Supplies will be delivered to local offices about March 15, 2005. Please give a copy of the brochure at application and redetermination to applicants and customers, when you note that they have limited English proficiency.

Issue Date: 12/3/2004
Control #: 05-19
Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-Of-Living Increase And Related Increases
Effective Date: 1/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Cash Assistance, Food Stamps, Medical Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0519.pdf

Historically, Social Security Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits have increased each year. This is usually true for Railroad Retirement and Veterans Benefits also. The mass change process to take these changes into account for cash assistance, food stamps and medical assistance purposes is described in this transmittal.

Issue Date: 1/7/2005
Control #: 05-20
Subject: Child Support Requirements for Refugees and Asylees
Effective Date: 1/7/2005
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA), Purchase of Child Care (POC), Medical Assistance (MA)
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0520.pdf

Civil war and political and religious persecutions continue in many countries of the world. The United States grants humanitarian status to some people whose countries are in turmoil. Some of these refugees, persons granted political asylum, and victims of trafficking are applying for assistance in Maryland�s local departments of social services. Many of these refugees and asylees fled for their lives. There is little or no knowledge about missing family members. There is little hope for the families to be reunited because many of the missing have been killed or fled to other countries.

The TCA, MA and POC programs all require a single parent applying for assistance for minor children to agree to file for child support against the absent parent and then cooperate with the Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) in attempting to obtain child support. This requirement causes unnecessary hardship on the refugee and asylee families and also results in increased financial expense for interpreters at the local departments and Child Support offices.

Issue Date: 1/8/2005
Control #: 05-21
Subject: Waiver Case Redeterminations
Effective Date: 1/8/2005
Program(s) Affected: MA Waiver
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0521.pdf

Recently DHR became aware of an issue concerning redeterminations for Home and Community Based Waiver cases (H-track) with associated cases. Not all local departments are forwarding the redetermination information packets (9702) for these waiver cases to the Division of Eligibility Waiver Services in a timely manner. The Waiver Division is responsible for all eligibility, interim change and maintenance decisions for all H-track Waiver AUs. If a waiver recipient in the H-track has an active associated AU at the LDSS (i.e. Food Stamps, TCA, FAC MA, etc.) or LHD (i.e. MCHP) the following instructions will ensure that H-track AU�s are redetermined timely. This process is necessary to make sure that the MA waiver case is properly evaluated using manual processing, as all eligibility for waiver recipients is completed off line. CARES is the mechanism used once eligibility has been determined to deliver the Waiver Medical Assistance benefits.

Issue Date: 1/8/2005
Control #: 05-22
Subject: Updated Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide
Effective Date: 1/8/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0522.pdf

Attached is an updated Food Stamp Change Reporting Guide that local departments may use to inform food stamp applicants and recipients about their reporting requirements.

The guide reflects the new 130 percent gross income limit. It also changes slightly the timeframe for when the household has to report when income exceeds the gross income limit.

Issue Date: 1/25/2005
Control #: 06-27
Subject: Supervisory Review System (SRS)
Effective Date: 1/25/2005
Program(s) Affected: All Family Investment Programs
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0627.pdf

To ensure consistency throughout the state for case review procedures and reporting statistical results the automated Supervisory Review System (SRS) was implemented on July 1, 2002 in all local departments of social services. The primary purpose of SRS is to ensure program accuracy by assessing case manager's adherence to laws and regulations through the identification and correction of errors. Additionally, the system provides an effective management tool for evaluation, performance appraisals, and determining training needs.

Issue Date: 1/25/2005
Control #: 06-27 Attachment
Subject: Attachment to SRS
Effective Date: 1/25/2005
Program(s) Affected:
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0627attach.pdf

Attachment to SRS

Issue Date: 1/26/2005
Control #: 05-23
Subject: Time Frame for Establishing A Claim And Calculating A Claim With An Associated TCA Payment
Effective Date: 1/26/2005
Program(s) Affected: Food Stamp Program
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0523.pdf

Timeframe for Establishing a Food Stamp Claim

The Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) recently informed us that administrative law judges are overturning food stamp claims when the local department does not establish a claim before the last day of the quarter following the quarter in which the agency discovered a claim. Apparently some hearing officers are interpreting the policy to mean that if we do not establish the claim within the required timeframe we cannot legally establish the claim. This is not correct.

The timeframe for establishing a claim is a claim management tool. States and FNS use this tool to monitor possible claims backlogs. The State is required to develop a corrective action plan if we do not establish 90 percent of the claims within the timeframe.

Issue Date: 2/1/2005
Control #: 05-24
Subject: Child Support Calculations
Effective Date: 2/1/2005
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0524.pdf

This action transmittal provides instructions for calculating the last 3 months of Child Support payments instead of the last 6 months in order to get a more accurate average.

Issue Date: 2/8/2005
Control #: 05-25
Subject: Informal Child Care Updates
Effective Date: 2/8/2005
Program(s) Affected: Purchase of Child Care