Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: COVID-19 HAZARD PAY FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) PROGRAMS
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to discuss hazard pay for the Food Stamp (FS), Temporary Assistance (TA), Child Care (CC), and MO HealthNet (MHN) programs.
Hazard pay is additional pay for performing hazardous duty or work involving physical hardship. If the participant receives hazard pay that is expected to be ongoing, even temporarily such as during an emergency period, it is included as part of their regular gross wages and not excluded as income or budgeted separately. Hazard pay may also be shown as incentive pay on pay stubs.
Example: Ms. Teel’s pay stubs for 4/30/2020 and 5/15/2020 verify gross wages in the amount of $550. Her pay stubs also show she is paid $100 for hazard pay. Ms. Teel’s gross wages for each pay period would be budgeted as $650.
Staff must enter detailed comments/notes in the eligibility system regarding the portion of wages that are hazard pay. If the participant or employer indicates that hazard pay will only be received for a specific timeframe, comments/notes must include any information regarding the anticipated end date.
NOTE: In MEDES comments must be included on the evidence and person pages.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
KE/rw/hrp/sb/rr/ams