Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: MANUAL UPDATE AND IMES CLARIFICATION FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) PROGRAMS
MANUAL REVISION #29
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify when to utilize Income Maintenance and Employment Security interface (IMES) information and to inform staff of an update to the General Info Manual. In section 0110.025.05 Earned Income the age to utilize IMES has been updated to age 16 for MO HealthNet and Cash Assistance Programs.
IMES is a tool that can be used to give an indication of income and income changes. It is only necessary to view and scan IMES to the Virtual File Room (VFR) once during the application, recertification, mid-certification (MCR) or annual review process. An exception can be made for cases in which IMES shows potential Unemployment Compensation (UC), Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) or Trade Readjustment Assistance (TRA) approval.
When IMES has been scanned to the VFR during the application process and subsequent views show no changes, record a comment in the eligibility system regarding IMES.
If IMES shows employment during the previous work quarter, make a comment about all conversations with the participant regarding previous employment in the eligibility system.
NOTE: For MAGI cases, refer to Reasonable Compatibility guidelines. For all other IM programs, pursue verification of income when required by policy.
Refer to the Comment Quick Reference Guide for specific instructions for recording comments.
During the Application and Recertification process: View, scan to the VFR and comment/record regarding IMES on each eligibility unit (EU) member/household member age 16 and over. If an interview is required, use the information on IMES to review past and present employment history with the EU/household during the interactive interview. Discuss any new or questionable IMES information with the applicant and comment/record.
NOTE: For MO HealthNet applications in which prior quarter (PQ) was requested, make a note in the eligibility system of any income received in the PQ. Reference the date(s) the IMES indicates the income was received.
During the MCR and Annual Review/Renewal process: View and scan IMES to the VFR for any individual age 16 or over. Comment/record regarding IMES information in the eligibility system.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/rw/cs/ers/hrp