Category: Food Stamp Home

IM-55 ONLINE EBT PURCHASING

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FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  ONLINE EBT PURCHASING         

MANUAL REVISION #24

0150.035.00

0150.035.10

0150.035.20

0150.035.30

0150.035.40

0150.035.50

DISCUSSION:

Effective May 14, 2020, Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards can be used to make qualifying purchases with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved online retailers.

Currently Missouri has two retailers, Walmart and Amazon approved to accept online EBT Food Stamp purchases.

NOTE: Amazon is unable to accept Temporary Assistance transactions at this time.

Participants will need to visit the retailer website for information about signing up for online purchases, fees (if applicable) and shipping or delivery options.

NOTE: USDA requirements prohibit using Food Stamp funds to cover shipping or delivery fees.

The EBT manual section 0150.035.00 TRANSACTING THE EBT CARD is updated for clarity and to include online purchasing.

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

KE/mks/mm/ks

IM-54 FOOD STAMP MANUAL CLARIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT EXCLUSION TERMINOLOGY

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FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  FOOD STAMP MANUAL CLARIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT EXCLUSION TERMINOLOGY

MANUAL REVISION #23

1115.035.20

1115.035.35

1115.095.10

1115.035.20.15

1115.035.20.05

1115.035.20.20

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is clarify child support payments as an exclusion from the gross income calculation, instead of a deduction as it was previously referenced. This clarification is made for terminology only and no system changes or changes to budgeting calculations were required.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

RM/ja

IM-50 FOOD STAMP MANUAL UPDATE FOR CLAIMS PROCESS

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FROM:  KIM R. EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  FOOD STAMP MANUAL UPDATE FOR CLAIMS PROCESS

MANUAL REVISION #20       

1142.010.00 CLAIMS PROCESS

1142.020.00 CLAIMS REFERRAL PROCEDURES AND DETERMINATION OF DATE OF DISCOVERY

1142.025.00 PROCESSING TIME/MONITORING

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to inform staff of the updates made to the Food Stamp policies 1142.010.00 CLAIMS PROCESS, 1142.020.00 CLAIMS REFERRAL PROCEDURES AND DETERMINATION OF DATE OF DISCOVERY, and 1142.025.00 PROCESSING TIME/MONITORING. These updates include raising the thresholds for establishing claims and updating the claims process.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/cs

IM-49 INDIVIDUAL FOOD STAMP SANCTIONS FOR REFUSING AN OFFER OF SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT

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FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  INDIVIDUAL FOOD STAMP SANCTIONS FOR REFUSING AN OFFER OF SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to remind staff that Food Stamp participants who are not exempt from the work requirements must accept a bona fide offer of suitable employment. If an active EU member refuses an offer of suitable employment without good cause that member is subject to sanctioning.

Refer to the FAMIS User Guide Entering a Sanction or Disqualification for more information.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/ja

 

IM-46 COVID-19 PANDEMIC SNAP REPLACEMENT BENEFIT POLICY

Posted on

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  COVID-19 PANDEMIC SNAP REPLACEMENT BENEFIT POLICY

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to inform staff how to replace COVID-19 Pandemic SNAP benefits due ­­­­­to­­­­­ a household misfortune. COVID-19 P-SNAP benefit have been issued statewide. Most households have received additional benefits taking them to the maximum for their household size. FAMIS limits replacements to one month’s normal allotment of benefits

The additional P-SNAP benefits are also eligible for replacement due to household misfortune. To issue replacement benefits in addition to the normal monthly allotment, it will be necessary to issue a separate issuance. FAMIS only allows one replacement issuance per day, the additional P-SNAP replacement­ must be issued the following day.

NOTE: In some cases, it may take more than two issuances due to the normal monthly allotment and amount of replacement request.

For example, client normally receives $90 and received an additional $104 P-SNAP benefit (displaying as DSU) bringing them to the maximum of $194. There was a power outage destroying $194 worth of food purchased with benefits. Client completes a Request for Replacement for $194. Issuing the replacements will require a replacement issuance of the $90, the usual issuance, and the next day issue another $90, then the next day issue the remaining $14 to replace the lost $194.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

KE/cs

IM-44 EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING RESOURCES

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FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING RESOURCES

DISCUSSION:

The Missouri Department of Social Services sponsors Workforce Development programs to help low-income Missourians – youth and adult – achieve long-term employment success. This memo provides Family Support Division (FSD) employees with resources they can share to help parents connect with resources.

Programs are free to participants and offer case management/job coaching services, employability plans and assistance with other work and training costs.

 

DSS YOUTH PROGRAMS

Jobs League

  • Helps interested 14- to 24-year-olds learn job skills, identify career goals and training needs, and provides paid employment with local businesses.
  • It can be the first connection to a job and potentially a first paycheck.
  • For more information: https://jobs.mo.gov/summerjobs.

 

Jobs for America’s Graduates – Missouri (JAG-Missouri)

  • Currently, 59 schools participate in JAG by offering 82 programs to middle school, high school, and alternative schools students. This program will continue to rapidly expand to new schools.
  • JAG provides extra guidance, help for classroom success, and work-based learning to help youth overcome challenges to graduate high school and transition into employment or training.
  • For more information: https://jag-missouri.org.
    • There are contact links available at the Internet site, or parents can contact school counselors regarding program availability and participation.
  • Note: DSS only provides a portion of the funding for JAG.

 

DSS YOUTH AND ADULT PROGRAMS

Healthcare Industry Training Education

  • Helps qualified persons 18 and older train in one of 19 high-demand health industry career fields.
  • Available in the Kansas City, St. Louis metro areas, and Central Missouri.
  • For more information: https://mydss.mo.gov/hpog-hite.

 

SkillUP

  • Food Stamp (SNAP) recipients 16 and older receive assistance from coaches to find career paths, create resumes, learn interviewing and interpersonal skills and, in many cases, participate in paid training.
  • Can receive help with transportation, work, and child care expenses.
  • For more information: https://mydss.mo.gov/skillup-program.

 

Missouri Work Assistance

 

OFFICE OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARDS

Job Centers

 

DSS AVAILABLE TRAINING

Staff interested in obtaining more information can visit the DSS Learning Center and take the following course selections:

  • FS000473 – Workforce Development Unit Overview: HITE program
  • FS000472 – Workforce Development Unit: MWA
  • FS000471 – Workforce Development Unit: SkillUP

To access these selections:

  1. Go to: https://pathlore.state.mo.us/stc/student1/psciis.dll?mainmenu=student1
  2. Choose Family Support Division and Enter the Course Code into “Search For”

ELC Screenshot

 

TRAINING AVAILABLE ON THE SKILLUP PORTAL

Some trainings on the SkillUP portal (https://dss.mo.gov/skillup-provider-portal) that FSD staff may find useful include:

  • Below the Line – Understanding Poverty.
  • Dealing with Mental Anxiety
  • Domestic Violence Training
  • Executive Function
  • Executive Function Skills and Stress
  • Introduction to Mental Health First Aid
  • Overcoming Barriers

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you are working with a SNAP recipient, complete the SkillUP Referral Form and email it to SkillUP.Missouri@dss.mo.gov. Fill in all known information about the individual on the referral form so the Workforce Development Unit can refer the client to the appropriate provider. If you are employed in the FSD Information Center, continue to use the referral process and disregard the referral form.

FSD Staff who want additional information can call the DSS Workforce Development Unit at (573) 751-6975 to request additional information or discuss possible referrals to specific programs.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Complete the Referral Form when necessary

 

 

KE/df

IM-40 COVID-19 EXTENSION OF STATEWIDE FOOD STAMP RE-CERTIFICATION WAIVER

Posted on

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  COVID-19 EXTENSION OF STATEWIDE FOOD STAMP RE-CERTIFICATION WAIVER

DISCUSSION:

The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has granted Missouri an extension to the Statewide Food Stamp Re-certification Waiver discussed in 2020 IM Memo #17 dated 3/23/2020. This extension affects households that are required to recertify in June 2020.

To prevent Food Stamp benefits from ending during the COVID-19 health crisis, a 6 month extension will be added to the current 12 month certification period for non-elderly and non-disabled households required to recertify during June 2020. A 6 month extension will be added to the current 24 month certification period for elderly and disabled households required to recertify in June 2020. The certification period will be extended beyond their currently scheduled expiration date by 6 months.

Periodic reporting requirements of the Mid Certification Review (MCR) are also adjusted for households with a reporting period of March through June 2020.

Example: The Allen family is due to recertify for Food Stamp benefits in June 2020. The eligibility system will use current case information and extend certification to December 2020. The Allen family will continue to receive Food Stamp benefits with no benefit interruption.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/rw

IM-39 MANDATORY EXPEDITE SCREENING QUESTION ADDED TO FSINTRVW (FM1B) SCREEN FOR FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS

Posted on

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  MANDATORY EXPEDITE SCREENING QUESTION ADDED TO FSINTRVW (FM1B) SCREEN FOR FOOD STAMP APPLICATIONS        

MANUAL REVISION #16

1120.01500

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to introduce a new mandatory field on the FSINTRVW (FM1B) screen. Staff who register initial or late non-timely recertification Food Stamp applications in FAMIS, will need to determine if a participant is potentially expedite eligible.

If a participant answers “YES” to any of the below three questions on the Food Stamp application, this indicates the participant has been screened as potential expedite eligible. If the questions are left blank, enter an “N” as the Food Stamp application has been screened but not potential expedite eligible.

Section 2 Key Questions

The FSINTRVW (FM1B) screen has been updated to include a new question that staff must answer when registering a Food Stamp application.

If a Food Stamp application has been screened as a potential expedite application, staff must mark “Y” to indicate the application was screened and found potentially expedite eligible and make a comment to reflect why the “Y” indicator was used.

NOTE: No benefits are issued until an interview has been completed and the participant deemed eligible for Food Stamp benefits.

If the Food Stamp application was screened and not found a potential expedite application, staff must mark “N” and make a comment to reflect why the “N” indicator was used.

Screen capture of Food Stamp Interniew

NECESSARY ACTION:

1120.045.05 Is Obsolete

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/am

IM-37 COVID-19: NEW TYPES OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS RESULTING FROM THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT FOR THE MO HEALTHNET, FOOD STAMP, CHILD CARE, AND TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Posted on

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  COVID-19: NEW TYPES OF UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFITS RESULTING FROM THE CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF, AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT FOR THE MO HEALTHNET, FOOD STAMP, CHILD CARE, AND TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

DISCUSSION:

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law. This act contains changes that affect the Food Stamp (FS, also known as SNAP) Program, Temporary Assistance (TA) Program, Child Care Program, and MO HealthNet (MHN) Programs.

In Missouri, the Missouri Department of Labor administers Unemployment Compensation funds created by the CARES Act. Those funds are:

  • The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) fund (Section 2104 of the act), provides a $600 federal supplement to individuals eligible to receive a regular weekly Unemployment Compensation payment.
  • The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) fund (Section 2102 of the act) provides benefits for eligible individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who would not otherwise qualify for Unemployment Compensation.
  • The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) fund (Section 2107 of the act), provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits to those that have exhausted benefits under regular Unemployment Compensation.

IMES

The Missouri Department of Labor will update IMES with changes due to the new types of Unemployment Compensation. Once changes are complete, staff will be notified with additional information.

 

MO HealthNet Programs

Exclude Unemployment Compensation income received from FPUC funds for most MO HealthNet programs.

EXCEPTION: Include Unemployment Compensation income received from FPUC funds for the sighted spouses of Blind Pension participants in Blind Pension determinations.

Include Unemployment Compensation income received from PEUC and PUA funds for all MO HealthNet programs.

Prior Quarter: Payments from FPUC, PEUC, and PUA funds were not made prior to 4/2020. Do not budget income from FPUC, PEUC, or PUA for months prior to 4/2020.

NOTE: Continue to include income from regular Unemployment Compensation for MO HealthNet programs.

 

Food Stamps

Include Unemployment Compensation income received from FPUC, PUA, and PEUC funds for Food Stamp eligibility determinations.

 

Temporary Assistance

Include Unemployment Compensation income received from FPUC, PUA, and PEUC funds for Temporary Assistance eligibility determinations.

 

Child Care

Include Unemployment Compensation income received from FPUC, PUA, and PEUC funds for Child Care eligibility determinations.

 

FAMIS Entries

Enter the gross amount of Unemployment Compensation. Make appropriate entries on the Court Ordered Expense (FMXL/SUPEXP) screen to indicate child support expenses. Use the selections below to add Unemployment Compensation fund types to the Select Income (FMX2/SELINC) screen:

  • US Unemployment Compensation COVID19 FPUC–To indicate FPUC
  • UA Unemployment Compensation PUA-To indicate PUA
  • UE Unemployment Compensation PEUC-To indicate PEUC.

NOTE: FAMIS was updated with the additional Unemployment Codes effective 4/29/2020.

 

MEDES Entries

Enter the gross amount of Unemployment Compensation. Use the income type selections below to add Unemployment Compensation fund types to MEDES:

  • Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 FPUC
  • Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 PUA
  • Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 PEUC.

NOTE: Currently, MEDES is updated with an income type selection for Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 FPUC. Selections for Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 PUA and Unemployment Compensation COVID-19 PEUC will be added at a later date and staff will be notified of the change.

Do not use the income type selection Unemployment Compensation Stimulus Increase.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/ers/rr/hp/rw/sb

IM-36 COVID-19 EXTENSION OF PANDEMIC SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (P-SNAP) EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS

Posted on

FROM:  KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:  COVID-19 EXTENSION OF PANDEMIC SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (P-SNAP) EMERGENCY ALLOTMENTS

DISCUSSION:

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) allows for Emergency Allotments (EA) of supplemental benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps) to be issued to eligible SNAP households. The P-SNAP program raises a household’s Food Stamp allotment to the maximum amount for the household size.

Supplemental benefits have been issued by the Family Support Division (FSD) for March and April 2020 as part of the P-SNAP program. P-SNAP has been extended through May 2020. Beyond May 2020, participation in P-SNAP will be decided on a month to month basis during the COVID-19 health crisis.

SNAP households do not need to apply for P-SNAP. The supplemental benefit will be automatically added to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card.

Note: Households that already receive the maximum allotment for their household size will not have a benefit increase.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

KE/rw