IM-045 – 2019 MAGI COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR SSA/SSI INCOME

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Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri

TO:  ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES

FROM:  PATRICK LUEBBERING, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  2019 MAGI COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT (COLA) FOR SSA/SSI INCOME                       

 

DISCUSSION:

Thi memorandum informs staff that Social Security Administration (SSA) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) participants will receive a 2.8% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for MAGI programs effective April 2019.

Cases Expected to Adjust

Cases that include MEDES income types of Social Security Adult (disability or received off disabled/deceased spouse), Social Security Adult (retirement), Social Security Child (disability or received off disabled/deceased parent), and Supplemental Security Income, will be subject to an automatic increase of 2.8% for those income types.  MEDES will end date the previous income and add a new piece of income evidence that reflects the adjusted income amount.

Cases Not Expected to Adjust

Some cases did not adjust during this COLA.  These cases will require manual intervention from staff to add the increased income amounts.  As cases are reviewed, check income on each case to determine if current income is entered.  Update and verify income as required using established procedures.

 

Notices

For case updates made as a result of COLA, MEDES will propose and finalize the decision(s) and send out the appropriate notices. The reasons and notices that will be sent are as follows:

  • Cases with no change will be sent the IM-33C.
  • Cases that result in benefit reduction will be sent an IM-80 allowing 10 days for the individual to respond to the proposed case action. After the IM-80 period expires, the IM-33C will be sent.
  • Cases that result in individuals who no longer qualify will be sent an IM-80 PRE allowing 10 days for the individual to respond to the proposed case action. After the IM-80 PRE expires, an IM-80 will be sent allowing an additional 10 days. After the IM-80 expires, the IM-33C will be sent.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

PL/ers