Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: MANDI ADAMS, INTERIM DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: INTRODUCING THE COMBINED INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) POLICY MANUAL
DISCUSSION:
The Family Support Division has launched a new Combined IM Policy Manual, containing policies for all IM programs:
- MO HealthNet Programs
- Temporary Assistance
- SNAP
- Aged, Blind, & Disabled Cash Programs
No changes to program policy were made with the transition to the Combined Manual, but the policy wording was re-written with plainer, less-technical language.
Shared policy sections were created for topics that have similar eligibility factors for all IM programs, such as Applications, Non-Financial Eligibility, Financial Eligibility, and Hearings, with program-specific differences noted throughout the sections. Program-specific eligibility factors can be found in separate policy sections for MO HealthNet, Temporary Assistance, and SNAP.
The integrated search function allows users to search by keyword or topic and see how that item is treated by each program. Policy is further streamlined by utilizing charts to organize details, such as types of income and resources or income limits, where possible.
A total of 16 individual manuals have been combined into the new manual, with SuN Bucks set to be added in the future. The current manuals will all be archived April 23, 2025. Memos, e-mail memos, and Hot Tips from 2024 and prior will also be archived.
The Combined Manual can be accessed the same way as the prior manuals – a link to the Combined IM Policy Manual has been added to dssmanuals.mo.gov. The Forms Manual, National Voter Registration (NVR) Manual, and manuals for other DSS divisions remain here as well.
An introduction video with an overview of the layout of the manual as well as how to navigate and search the manual is available here.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Staff questions and concerns should be sent through normal supervisory channels.
MA/mn