Category: 2023

IM-46 END OF TEMPORARY SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) STUDENT EXEMPTIONS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: END OF TEMPORARY SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) STUDENT EXEMPTIONS

 

DISCUSSION:

The 2021 CONSOLIDATED APPROPRIATIONS ACT (CAA) temporarily expanded SNAP eligibility for students of higher education as introduced in EMAIL memo IM-14 dated April 13, 2021. A FA-601 notice will be sent on May 9, 2023 to households who have an individual currently coded as an eligible student.

The temporary exemptions are as follows:

  1. The individual is eligible to participate in a State or Federally financed work study program during the regular school year, as determined by the institution of higher
    education; or,
  2. The individual has an expected family contribution (EFC) of 0 in the current
    academic year.

Treatment of Initial Applications

The Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) ends on May 11, 2023. The treatment of initial applications will be as follows:

  • Family Support Division (FSD) will continue to apply the temporary exemptions to initial applications filed on or before June 9, 2023.
  • FSD will process initial applications filed on or after June 10, 2023, under only the student exemptions as allowed prior to the CAA, 2021.

Treatment of Recertification Applications

For processing recertification applications received on or before June 30, 2023 continue to apply the temporary student exemptions from the CAA.

Note: FSD must base eligibility for the temporary student exemptions on the household application filing date or recertification application filing date, not the date of processing.

Mid-Certification Changes/Reported Changes

  • Households are not required to report if a student loses eligibility for the temporary exemptions.
  • If a household does report information indicating that a student is no longer eligible for a temporary exemption, FSD must act on the change if the impact on the case is clear.
  • If the household’s report does not provide sufficient information for FSD to determine if the temporary exemption still applies, the report is considered unclear and staff need to review the manual section 1141.000.00 Unclear Information.

Staff must screen for other student exemptions allowed prior to the CAA, before determining the student ineligible.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

 

 

 

KE/ch

IM-45 UPDATING LANGUAGE TO CURRENT MO HEALTHNET (MHN) TERMINOLOGY

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATING LANGUAGE TO CURRENT MO HEALTHNET (MHN) TERMINOLOGY

MANUAL REVISION #

0110.025.00 0840.015.05
0130.005.10.10 0855.005.10
0430.010.20 0855.005.15
0610.010.00  0860.005.30
0745.030.00 1700.010.05
0745.030.05 1840.020.20
0815.030.10.10.25 1870.030.00
0840.015.00  

 

DISCUSSION:

The MAGI, Non-MAGI and Legal Aspects manual sections listed above are revised to reflect current MHN terminology, to correct broken links and for easier readability and understanding. The revised sections replace previous manual sections.

 

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/vh

IM-44 UPDATE TO NON-EXEMPT RESOURCES IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATE TO NON-EXEMPT RESOURCES IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
(SNAP) MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION:

1110.025.00

 

DISCUSSION:

1110.025.00 Non-Exempt Resources policy in the SNAP manual has been updated to include crowdfunding accounts. These accounts meet the definition of a liquid resource once the funds are accessible to the household. Staff should count the actual value of funds accessible to the household.

  • Crowdfunding accounts created specifically for expenses such as medical or shelter costs are not exempt from this policy. However, staff should apply qualified expenses when funds are used for that purpose.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/ch

IM-43 CHANGES MADE TO CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CHANGES MADE TO CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective May 1, 2023, the following changes to the Child Care (CC) policy will take effect:

  • Job search is a valid need at application.
  • CC interviews can be waived in most circumstances.
  • Participant’s statement is acceptable for units of care unless questionable.
  • Only the needs of the applicant must be verified when determining eligibility for two-parent households.

Note: These changes are not retroactive and only apply to change in circumstance or applications processed on or after May 1, 2023.

 

Job Search will be considered as a valid need at application:

At the time of application, job search can be used if the applicant has no other qualifying activity. Use the new code JSP (Job Search at application) on the Child Care Needs (CCNEED/FMAC) in FAMIS. JSP can only be used for a part-time authorization, and is only allowed for a maximum of 90 days and cannot be used for consecutive applications (see examples in chart below). Collateral Contact must be used to verify CCNEED or the application will pend incorrectly.

End date the JSP need on the last day of the month in which the ninetieth (90)-calendar day falls. If the applicant has not found another qualifying activity by the end of 90 days, the child care subsidy will be closed. Eligibility based on job search at application can be regained 14 months from the start date of the last certification period claiming job search as the need.

Application date Start date End date  Regains Eligibility
January 13 January 13 April 30 March 1 of the next calendar year
April 24 April 24 July 31 June 1 of the next calendar year
September 18 September 18 December 31 November 1 of the next calendar year

 

Child Care interviews are waived in most circumstances:

Most households are not required to have an interview. An interview is only required if there is not enough information received to take an application through the FAMIS flow or if the information received is questionable and cannot be acquired or verified utilizing other resources.

Other resources may include:

  • Verification received for other programs and consistent with the participant’s statement,
  • Information in the case record that is consistent with the participant’s statement,
  • Equifax, also known as The Work Number (TWN),
    • Please follow all applicable rules regarding access for CC only applications prior to accessing TWN.
  • IIVE, or
  • IMES.

When taking the application through the FAMIS flow staff must make every effort to review the household’s circumstances through available electronic resources prior to contacting the household. After all efforts to get or clarify information have been used, a Request for Contact (FA-331) is sent to the household and comments made in FAMIS supporting the decision to require an interview. Staff should continue to request verification necessary to support their eligibility decision.

Participant’s statement for units of care is accepted unless questionable:

When income verification and/or other supporting documents provided are consistent, participant’s statement is acceptable to authorize units of care. A schedule only needs to be requested when staff have information that is questionable. Contact the participant to clarify units of care when necessary.

Note: Do not delay approving a CC case if verification is needed for units of care. Units of care authorizations are separate from eligibility determination.

Two-parent households:

The applicant must be engaged in a qualifying activity but the existence and/or verification of a valid need for the second parent is not required. The same qualifying activity verified for the applicant is entered into FAMIS for the second parent. A comment is made on the second parent’s CCNEED screen noting the entries are the same as the applying parent’s since verification of need is not required for the second parent.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/sf

IM-42 ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION SYSTEM (EVS) MANUAL UPDATES

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: ELECTRONIC VERIFICATION SYSTEM (EVS) MANUAL UPDATES

MANUAL REVISION #

0110.060.00 0110.060.15.15 obsolete
0110.060.05 0110.060.15.20 obsolete
0110.060.10 0110.060.15.25
0110.060.15 0110.060.20
0110.060.15.05 0110.060.40 obsolete
0110.060.15.10  

 

DISCUSSION:

The EVS portion of the General Information Manual is updated.

Updates made to:

  • simplify the EVS manual,
  • reflect current data sources used by the Family Support Division (FSD),
  • general terminology, and
  • document FSD’s updated interpretation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements.
    •  Authorization to use EVS, including sources that have FCRA requirements, is received when a valid application is received.
    • The authorization to review EVS data sources remains valid until:
      • FSD rejects the application;
      • Benefits are terminated; or
      • FSD receives a written and signed revocation.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum and manual section updates with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/rnr

IM-41 REVISED INFORMATIONAL FLYERS AND BROCHURES FOR DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: REVISED INFORMATIONAL FLYERS AND BROCHURES FOR DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES (DSS) PROGRAMS

 

DISCUSSION:

DSS has revised flyers and brochures for numerous programs that are administered by Family Support Division (FSD) or are available to and may be beneficial for FSD participants.

The flyers and brochures now have easier to read information, how to get more information, and updated program policies. The USDA non-discrimination statement has been updated on each flyer and brochure.

Team members should utilize and distribute the revised flyers and brochures. Flyers and brochures can be found in the public and internal Forms Manuals.

 

Form Name Spanish Form Name
Child Support (CS-5) Manutencion Infantil (CS-5)
Alternatives to Abortion (IM-4A2A) Alternativas al aborto (IM-4A2A)
MO HealthNet Adult Expansion (IM-4AEG) Expansion de MO HealthNet para Adultos (IM-4AEG)
Child Care Subsidy Program (IM-4CC) Programa de Subsidio para Cuidados Infantiles (IM-4CC)
How Employment Impacts Your Benefits (IM-4Employment Impacts Benefits) Como repercute el empleo en su beneficios (IM-4Employment Impacts Benefits)
Hearings Information (IM-4Hearings) Información sobre audiencias (IM-4Hearings)
Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP) Know Your Rights (IM-4Know Your Rights) Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) Conozca sus derechos (IM-4Know Your Rights)
How to use your MO HealthNet Benefit (IM-4MHN How to Use) Como usar sus beneficios de MO HealthNet (IM-4 MHN How to Use)
MO HealthNet Report a Change (IM-4MHN Report a Change)  
Reporting Changes for SNAP Participants (IM-4Reporting Changes for SNAP) Dar a conocer cambios de participantes del SNAP (IM-4Reporting Changes for SNAP)
SkillUP (IM-4 SkillUP brochure) SkillUP (IM-4 SkillUP brochure)
SkillUP (IM-4 SkillUP flyer) SkillUP (IM-4 SkillUP flyer)
SkillUP – Able-Bodied Adults without Dependents (IM-4SkillUP/ABAWD) SkillUP – Adulto Físicamente Capaz sin Dependientes (IM-4SkillUP/ABAWD)
SNAP – Medical deductions for elderly & disabled Missourians (IM-4SMD) SNAP – Deducciones de gastos medicos para adultos mayors y discapacitados de Missouri (IM-4SMD)
Show-Me Healthy Babies (IM-4SMHB)  
Ticket to Work Health Assurance (IM-4TWHA) Programa de seguros de salud (IM-4TWHA)
Finding Help (IM-4Finding Help) Conseguir Ayuda (IM-4Finding Help)
Food Assistance (IM-4Food Assistance) Ayuda Alimentaria (IM-4Food Assistance)
Health Care (IM-4Health Care) Atención Medica (IM-4Health Care)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (IM-4LIHEAP flyer) Programa de Asistencia de Energía para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIHEAP) (IM-4LIHEAP flyer)
Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) (IM-4LIHWAP) Programa de Asistencia Hídrica para Hogares de Bajos Ingresos (LIWAP) (IM-4LIHWAP)
Temporary Assistance (IM-4TA) Asistencia Temporal (IM-4TA)
Employment & Training Support for Temporary Assistance Participants (IM-4MWA flyer) Apoyo al empleo y la capacitación para participantes de Asistencia Temporal (IM-4MWA flyer)
Rehabilitation Services for the Blind (RSB-1) Servicios de Rehabilitación para Invidentes (RSB-1)

 

Note: Previously SkillUP sent the SkillUP ABAWD flyer to eligible participants, but it is now available for staff and participants in the public and internal Forms Manuals.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Begin using the new flyers immediately.
  • Remove any obsolete flyers from participant resources.

 

 

 

KE/cj

 

IM-40 RETURNED MAIL REQUIREMENTS DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD FOR ALL MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: RETURNED MAIL REQUIREMENTS DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD FOR ALL MO HEALTHNET (MHN) PROGRAMS

MANUAL REVISION #
0890.010.00
1885.020.00
1895.010.00

 

DISCUSSION:

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 (CAA, 2023) outlines temporary, required conditions for MO HealthNet (MHN) returned mail. Family Support Division (FSD) is required to use available resources to obtain up-to-date mailing addresses and contact information both prior to and during the transition period. The first step is for MO HealthNet cases to run against the National Change of Address (NCOA) Database at the beginning of the annual renewal process.

Note: Transition period refers to the conclusion of the Continuous Enrollment Condition and restart of annual renewals. Missouri’s transition period is from April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024.

Additionally, effective April 1, 2023 through May 31, 2024, follow the instructions below when mail is returned for MHN programs. The instructions given below temporarily replace existing returned mail policy during the transition period.

Screen All Mail
Screen all returned mail and check the eligibility systems to ensure the mailing address was correct. Make corrections to the address, such as adding an apartment number, and resend the mail to the corrected address. If the address is correct, determine if the mail is a renewal form or other returned mail.

Renewal Forms and Requests for Information related to an Annual Renewal
When a renewal form or Request for Information related to an Annual Renewal is returned by the post office, FSD is required to attempt to contact the participant using two methods, such as phone, text, mail, email, or updates to an online account.

If the address was correct or the mail was returned a second time:

  1. Look for a forwarding address. If the mail does not have a forwarding address, attempt to contact the participant using two additional methods.
  2. If the mail has a forwarding address, including out of state addresses, send the returned mail to the forwarding address and attempt to contact the participant to update the address using another method.

Note: When sending a Request for Information that is related to an Annual Renewal, staff must state on the Request for Information that the request is related to information needed for an Annual Renewal.

All Other Returned Mail
For returned mail that was not sent regarding a renewal of eligibility, attempt to contact the participant to obtain an updated address. If an address is not confirmed with the participant and:

  1. The returned mail has an in-state forwarding address, send notice (request for contact) to the participant at both the address on file and the forwarding address. Update the address to the forwarding address and do not close coverage, even if the participant does not respond.
  2. The returned mail has an out-of-state forwarding address, send notice to both the address on file and the forwarding address. If the participant does not respond or responds and confirms the out-of-state address, send an adverse action notice and after closing, a closing notice.
  3. The returned mail has no forwarding address, close the coverage. If the participant reports an in-state address after closing but prior to the end of the certification period, reopen the coverage back to the date of termination.

Note: These temporary returned mail requirements apply to MHN programs only.

Please refer to FAMIS Resources and MEDES Resources for returned mail processing information during the transition period.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/ers

IM-39 MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASE FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE INCREASE FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE (IM) PROGRAMS

FORM REVISION #
APPENDIX J

 

DISCUSSION:

The state mileage rate used to calculate expenses for all IM programs increased from 62 cents per mile to 65.5 cents per mile effective 04/1/2023. Use the rate of 65.5 cents per mile when calculating mileage expenses.

Effective 04/16/2023, the eligibility system is updated to reflect the rate increase. Appendix J of the MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled manual has been updated to reflect the change.

Note: Final approval for the increased rate was received after April benefits were created. Affected cases have been adjusted to reflect this change for April 2023 and notices will be generated.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/mc

IM-38 SPEND DOWN FLYER INTRODUCED

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: SPEND DOWN FLYER INTRODUCED

FORM REVISION #
IM-4 SPEND DOWN
IM-4 SPEND DOWN – SPANISH
Spend Down Frequently Asked Questions – Obsolete

 

DISCUSSION:

The English and Spanish versions of the IM-4 SPEND DOWN have been updated in the internal and public forms manuals. The format has changed from a brochure to a flyer.

The Spend Down Frequently Asked Questions document in the internal forms manual is now obsolete. The information has been updated and is available on the Income Maintenance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page. The FAQ document is titled Spend Down.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Discard any versions of the form with an earlier date than 01/2023 and begin using the new version (01/2023) immediately.

 

 

 

KE/rnr

IM-37 PROJECTING INCOME UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: PROJECTING INCOME UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION #
1115.020.05

 

DISCUSSION:

SNAP manual section 1115.020.05 Projecting Income was updated to remove references to the employment verification form. A clarification to the New Income and Contract/Self-Employment sections were added. Outdated terms such as EU, Food Stamps, and references to FAMIS have been updated.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/tl