Fiscal Year 2002: DHR Documents by Subject

Subject: 2001 First, Second and Third Quarterly Briefing Questions and Answers
Control #: 02-35
Issue Date: 12/7/2001
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.

Subject: 2002 Federal Poverty Levels and RP Schedule Update
Control #: 02-52
Issue Date: 4/1/2002
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).

Subject: Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) - Final Rule
Control #: 02-09
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
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.

Subject: Absence of Household Members Due to Military Obligations
Control #: 02-40
Issue Date: 12/12/2001
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.

Subject: ACTION TRANSMITTALS AND INFORMATION MEMOS FOR 2001
Control #: 02-01
Issue Date: 7/17/2001
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).

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

TABLE

Subject: Additional Excluded Unearned Income
Control #: 02-41
Issue Date: 12/12/2001
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.

Subject: Applicants/Recipients Filing for Potential Resources
Control #: 02-31
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0231.pdf

Subject: Applicants/Recipients Quitting a Job Without Good Cause
Control #: 02-27
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0227.pdf

Subject: Application Processing - Scheduling Interviews
Control #: 02-51
Issue Date: 3/12/2002
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.

Subject: Applications For SSI And SSDI
Control #: 02-83
Issue Date: 6/14/2002
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).

Subject: Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance Initial Payment Or Posteligibility Payment
Control #: 02-78 Form
Issue Date: 10/1/2001
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

Subject: Authorization to Release Information Personal Physician, Hospital or Clinic
Control #: 02-88 Attachment
Issue Date: 6/19/2002
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

Subject: Baltimore City's New SSI Unit Office
Control #: 02-60
Issue Date: 3/28/2002
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).

Subject: CARES 2002 Production Operations Schedule
Control #: 02-46
Issue Date: 2/2/2002
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.

Subject: CARES Narration Desk Guide
Control #: 02-55
Issue Date: 3/22/2002
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.

Subject: Certification Periods at Application and Recertification
Control #: 02-33
Issue Date: 11/30/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0233.pdf

Subject: Change Of Address For The Immigration And Naturalization Service
Control #: 02-76
Issue Date: 5/15/2002
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.

Subject: Change Reporting Requirements
Control #: 02-38
Issue Date: 12/14/2001
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.

Subject: Change to Automatic Re-Enrollment for Healthchoice Recipients
Control #: 02-30
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
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.

Subject: Changes In Claims/Overpayment Policy
Control #: 02-21
Issue Date: 10/12/2001
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.

Subject: Changes In FIA Substance Abuse Treatment And Services (SATS) Program: Sanctioning Policy, Employment Notification Procedures, And Referral Process To Family Services
Control #: 02-73
Issue Date: 5/11/2002
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).

Subject: Child from a SanctionedAssistance Unit Living with Another Caretaker Relative
Control #: 02-28
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
Effective Date: 1/1/2002
Program(s) Affected: Temporary Cash Assistance
Link to Document: http://www.law.umaryland.edu/marshall/dhr/0228.pdf

Subject: Child Support Collections
Control #: 02-63
Issue Date: 4/9/2002
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.

Subject: CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRANT STATUS AND SPONSORED IMMIGRANTS
Control #: 02-02
Issue Date: 7/23/2001
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.

Subject: Clarification of Fleeing Felon and Parole Violators Policy
Control #: 02-48
Issue Date: 2/18/2002
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.

Subject: Computer Based Enhancements
Control #: 02-77
Issue Date: 5/22/2002
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.

Subject: Conciliation and Sanction Policy and Procedures Guide Update - January 2002
Control #: 02-47
Issue Date: 2/3/2002
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).

Subject: Counting the Income and Resources of an Able-Bodied Adult Without Dependents (ABAWD)
Control #: 02-50
Issue Date: 3/3/2002
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.

Subject: CSB Child Living With Another Caretaker Relative
Control #: 02-56
Issue Date: 3/26/2002
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.

Subject: CUSTODIAL PARENTS CONVICTED OF A DRUG-RELATED FELONY
Control #: 02-05
Issue Date: 8/10/2001
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.

Subject: Customer�s Right To Refuse To Work With A Religious Organization
Control #: 02-07
Issue Date: 8/17/2001
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.

Subject: Denying Applications and Delays in Application Processing
Control #: 02-67
Issue Date: 5/1/2002
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.

Subject: Directory of local health departments
Control #: 02-80 Excel
Issue Date: 5/9/2002
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

Subject: Earned Income Change Reporting for: 1. Migrants and Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents 2. A New Source of Earned Income
Control #: 02-25
Issue Date: 10/31/2001
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.

Subject: Elimination of Simplified Reporting For TCA
Control #: 02-84
Issue Date: 6/14/2002
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.

Subject: Ensuring Meaningful Access to TANF Funded Programs by People with Disabilities
Control #: 02-24
Issue Date: 10/31/2001
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.

Subject: Excluded Resources - Retirement/Pension Plans
Control #: 02-75
Issue Date: 5/14/2002
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.

Subject: Exclusion Of Vehicles
Control #: 02-16
Issue Date: 9/12/2001
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

Subject: Failure To Comply With A Requirement Of A Public Assistance Program
Control #: 02-15
Issue Date: 9/12/2001
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

Subject: Family Subsistence Supplemental Allowance For Members Of The Armed Forces
Control #: 02-12
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
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.

Subject: Immigrants Who Are Victims Of Severe Trafficking To Be Treated As Refugees
Control #: 02-17
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
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.

Subject: Income-Producing Property
Control #: 02-69
Issue Date: 5/3/2002
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

Subject: Increase in Eligibility Standards For RMA
Control #: 02-85
Issue Date: 6/14/2002
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).

Subject: Indigent Immigrants
Control #: 02-65
Issue Date: 4/15/2002
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.

Subject: Interpretation Services For Non-English Speaking Households
Control #: 02-06
Issue Date: 8/15/2001
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.

Subject: Lump Sum Shortened Period of Ineligibility
Control #: 02-26
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
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.

Subject: Maryland Primary Care Enrollment Cap
Control #: 02-37
Issue Date: 11/7/2001
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.

Subject: MCO/BHO Authorization/Notification Numbers for Substance Abuse Treatment Services
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 4
Issue Date: 12/20/2001
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

Subject: Medical Expense Deduction
Control #: 02-72
Issue Date: 5/11/2002
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.

Subject: Military Reenlistment Bonuses
Control #: 02-58
Issue Date: 3/26/2002
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.

Subject: MMIS II Interface for Medicare Claim Numbers Alphabetization of Cares UINC Screen
Control #: 02-66
Issue Date: 4/25/2002
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.

Subject: NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION ACT OF 1993
Control #: 02-04
Issue Date: 8/10/2001
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.

Subject: New Baltimore County Long Term Care District Office
Control #: 02-43
Issue Date: 12/27/2001
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.

Subject: New Information to Retrieve the Food Stamp and TCA Manuals from the FIPNet and Internet
Control #: 02-64 Revised
Issue Date: 5/3/2002
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.

Subject: New Medical Assistnace Waiver Unit Office
Control #: 02-36
Issue Date: 11/20/2001
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.

Subject: New Medical Assitance Waiver Unit
Control #: 02-59
Issue Date: 3/27/2002
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:

Subject: New Out-Of-Home Services Office
Control #: 02-19
Issue Date: 9/1/2001
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

Subject: Primary Prevention Initiative (PPI) Preschool Health And School Disallowances
Control #: 02-80
Issue Date: 5/30/2002
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.

Subject: Procedures to Retrieve the Food Stamp and TCA Manuals from the Internet
Control #: 02-64
Issue Date: 4/15/2002
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.

Subject: Prorating the Utility Allowance When a Household Member is Ineligible
Control #: 02-68
Issue Date: 5/2/2002
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.

Subject: Purchase of Care (POC) Changes in Income and Provider Payment Rates
Control #: 02-32
Issue Date: 11/23/2001
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.

Subject: Purchase Of Care Contact List
Control #: 02-70
Issue Date: 5/4/2002
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.

Subject: Purchase of Child Care Case Transfer Policy
Control #: 02-42
Issue Date: 12/26/2001
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.

Subject: Purchase of Childcare Income Calculations
Control #: 02-49
Issue Date: 2/27/2002
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.

Subject: Questions And Answers From March Quarterly Briefing
Control #: 02-82
Issue Date: 6/13/2002
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.

Subject: Reconciliation of DEAP/TCA Cases on Cares with SSI Pending Applications and DEAP Referrals
Control #: 02-29
Issue Date: 11/17/2001
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.

Subject: Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers Not Active With SSA
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 3
Issue Date: 4/22/2002
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

Subject: Referral Process to SSA for TCA Customers with an Active SSA Case Application or Redetermination
Control #: 02-73 Attachment 2
Issue Date: 4/22/2002
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

Subject: Refugee Employment Services
Control #: 02-22
Issue Date: 10/15/2001
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.

Subject: Removal of Expiration Dates from Certification Letters for Victims of Severe Trafficking
Control #: 02-57
Issue Date: 3/26/2002
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.

Subject: Rent Subsidy
Control #: 02-13
Issue Date: 9/12/2001
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.

Subject: Reporting Changes In Unearned Income From A Private Source
Control #: 02-11
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
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.

Subject: Request For Contact-Intentional Program Violation (IPV)
Control #: 02-74
Issue Date: 5/1/2002
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.

Subject: Revised Authorization For Reimbursement Of Interim Assistance (DHR/FIA Form 340)
Control #: 02-78
Issue Date: 5/24/2002
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).

Subject: September 2001 Quarterly Briefing Questions and Answers
Control #: 02-45
Issue Date: 2/1/2002
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.

Subject: Services For Immigrant Survivors Of Domestic Violence
Control #: 02-08
Issue Date: 8/23/2001
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.

Subject: Signatures On Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Control #: 02-81
Issue Date: 6/8/2002
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.

Subject: Signatures On Purchase Of Child Care Vouchers
Control #: 02-81IM
Issue Date: 8/8/2002
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.

Subject: Simplified Redetermination Process for Combined QMB/SLMB and Food Stamp Households
Control #: 02-54
Issue Date: 3/15/2002
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.

Subject: Simplified Reporting Requirement
Control #: 02-18
Issue Date: 9/14/2001
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

Subject: Sixty-Month Time Limits Compliance for Customers from Out of State
Control #: 02-53
Issue Date: 3/14/2002
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.

Subject: SOCIAL SECURITY (RSDI) AND SSI COST-OF-LIVING CORRECTION
Control #: 02-03
Issue Date: 8/8/2001
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.

Subject: Social Security (RSDI) and SSI Cost-of-Living Increase and Related Increases
Control #: 02-34
Issue Date: 11/30/2001
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.

Subject: Social Security Disability/Supplemental Security Income Benefits
Control #: 02-39
Issue Date: 12/14/2001
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.

Subject: SSI/SSDI Application Requirement For DEAP/TCA
Control #: 02-87
Issue Date: 6/27/2002
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).

Subject: State Review Team DHR/FIA 161 Form (Authorization For Release Of Information)
Control #: 02-88
Issue Date: 6/19/2002
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).

Subject: Supervisory Review System
Control #: 02-86
Issue Date: 6/24/2002
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.

Subject: TCA 60-Month Time Limit Reports
Control #: 02-44
Issue Date: 1/28/2002
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.

Subject: Temporary Cash Assistance And Food Stamp Mass Change - October 2001
Control #: 02-20
Issue Date: 9/21/2001
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

Subject: Time Limit For Quitting A Job Without Good Cause For TCA Applicants
Control #: 02-79
Issue Date: 5/29/2002
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.

Subject: Treatment Of Funds In Individual Development Accounts
Control #: 02-14
Issue Date: 9/12/2001
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

Subject: Uncapped Shelter Deduction
Control #: 02-62
Issue Date: 4/9/2002
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.

Subject: Updated State-Funded TCA Chart
Control #: 02-89
Issue Date: 7/5/2002
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.

Subject: Use Of TCA Child Specific Benefit Third-Party Payments
Control #: 02-23
Issue Date: 10/15/2001
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.

Subject: Verification
Control #: 02-10
Issue Date: 9/11/2001
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.

Subject: Verification of Work Activities and Attendance
Control #: 02-61
Issue Date: 4/3/2002
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.

Subject: Waiver Of Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents Requirements
Control #: 02-71
Issue Date: 5/10/2002
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.