Department of Social Services
Family Support Division
PO Box 2320
Jefferson City, Missouri
TO: ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: BLIND PENSION (BP) DRIVER LICENSE OR PERMIT AND OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE DISQUALIFICATIONS
MANUAL REVISION #05
0505.025.05
0505.025.10
DISCUSSION:
House Bill 2171 (2018) revised Sections 209.030 and 209.040 RSMo and updated several eligibility factors for the Blind Pension (BP) program; see IM Memorandum #58 (2018) and IM Memorandum IM-09 January 25, 2019 for further details.
This memorandum introduces further clarification for the effects on eligibility when a participant obtains a driver license, driver permit, or is determined to have operated a motor vehicle while receiving Blind Pension (BP).
Obtaining a Missouri driver license is verified by the Department of Revenue (DOR) through MODL interface. The exchange between DOR and FAMIS is done nightly for all active BP individuals. Licenses or permits obtained from another state or territory may be reported from other sources, and must be verified prior to imposing a disqualification.
When/if a report is received that a BP participant has been operating a motor vehicle, send the information to the BP Unit located in Lincoln County. The BP Unit will review Case.net to confirm the issuance of a moving violation and a guilty plea or conviction. If there is no moving violation, the BP Unit will make a referral to the Welfare Investigation Unit (WIU) to determine if there is sufficient evidence to impose a disqualification.
When an active BP participant obtains a driver license, driver permit, or is determined to have operated a motor vehicle, s/he is no longer eligible for BP and the case will be closed. In addition the individual will be subject to progressively more severe disqualifications for each subsequent offense.
- First offense will result in 2 year disqualification.
- Second offense will result in 4 year disqualification.
- Third offense will result in permanent disqualification.
NOTE: Disqualifications for obtaining a driver license or permit are sequenced separately from disqualifications for operating a motor vehicle.
EXAMPLE: Fred receives BP. MODL interface shows he has obtained a driver license and a disqualification is imposed for his first offense for 2 years. After serving the 2 year disqualification, Fred reapplies and is approved. Later the BP unit receives an anonymous report that Fred has been driving around town. A check of Case.net verified he has received a moving violation for operating without a license, and has pled guilty. The BP Unit will impose a disqualification for operating a motor vehicle. This will be his first offense of this type and will last for 2 years.
Disqualifications will be imposed and tracked manually pending coding changes to FAMIS. ONLY the BP Unit located in Lincoln County and WIU are authorized to impose a BP disqualification. When/if another office receives a report that indicates a disqualification may be necessary, send the report to the BP Unit.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- When it is discovered that a BP participant has obtained a driver license, driver permit, or operated a motor vehicle, notify the BP Unit: Lincoln.CODFS@dss.mo.gov
- Other staff are not to enter BP disqualifications.
KE/vb