Category: Food Stamp Home

IM-149 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) SHELTER EXPENSE CHANGES NOT REPORTED WITH ADDRESS CHANGE MANUAL UPDATE

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) SHELTER EXPENSE CHANGES NOT REPORTED WITH ADDRESS CHANGE MANUAL UPDATE

MANUAL REVISION #
1105.005.00
1115.035.25.20

 

 

DISCUSSION:

When a SNAP household reports a new address, if the new shelter expense information was not reported with the address change the agency must investigate changes in the shelter costs. Manual Section 1115.035.25.20 Utility Decision Period has been updated to reflect this requirement.

Manual section 1140.005.50 Address Changes was previously updated in regards to this as announced in memo IM-64 dated May 24, 2022. Refer to that memo for the steps that are to be taken when new shelter expense information was not provided with the new address.

NOTE: A change of address is not required to be reported by the household.

Manual section 1105.005.00 Residency has been updated to remove the reference to the FAMIS User Guide, updated terminology, and removed FAMIS specific references.

See manual sections 1115.035.25.20 Utility Decision Period and 1140.005.50 Address Changes for more information.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Send questions through normal supervisory channels.

 

 

 

KE/lb

IM-143 JANUARY 2023 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI)

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: JANUARY 2023 COLA ADJUSTMENT OF SSA/SSI/VA/RR INCOME FOR ALL INCOME MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS EXCEPT FAMILY MO HEALTHNET (MAGI)

MANUAL REVISION #

0410.010.15 APPENDIX B
0805.020.15 APPENDIX D
0865.010.15 APPENDIX E
1030.010.05 APPENDIX J
1030.035.10 APPENDIX K
1030.035.20  
1030.035.25  

 

 

DISCUSSION:

In January 2023, all Social Security Administration (SSA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Administration (VA), and Railroad Retirement (RR) participants will receive an 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

The weekend of December 10, 2022, a mass adjustment will be completed in the eligibility system for Child Care (CC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance (TA), and MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD) cases. Income increases for SSA, SSI, VA, and/or RR and other adjustments will be completed. Medicare Premium amounts and federal eligibility standards will also be updated.

Note: The 2023 COLA will have the following effect on SNAP cases:

  • Increase in SNAP benefit reductions for January 2023
  • Increase in SNAP closures for December 2022

SSI Increases

SSI TABLE 2022 AMOUNT 2023 AMOUNT INCREASE
SSI Individual maximum (in own household) $841 $914 $73
SSI Couple maximum (in own household) $1,261 $1,371 $110
SSI Individual in household of another $561 $609 $48
SSI Couple in household of another $841 $914 $73
SSI Essential person/own home $421 $458 $37

 

MHABD Standards Adjustments

NEW MHABD STANDARDS 2022 AMOUNT 2023 AMOUNT
Maximum Allotment of Community Spouse $3,435 $3,716
Minimum Maintenance Standard for Allotments $2,289 $2,289
Maximum Allocation to a child $420 $457
Maximum Allotment to a child $726 $763
Minimum Spousal Share $27,480 $29,724
Maximum Spousal Share $137,400 $148,620
Maximum Home Equity $636,000 $688,000
HCB Maximum $1,470 $1,598
SAB Standard $908 $987

 

Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Premium Adjustment

The standard SMI, commonly known as Medicare Part B, premium will decrease for 2023 to $164.90. The SMI premium for those who begin receiving Medicare in 2023 will be $164.90. Premiums for Medicare participants who pay less than the standard premium amount will not have an increase of more than the amount of the increase in Social Security benefit the individual received.

 

Additional MHABD Program Increases

Resource Limits for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI-1)
For a single individual, the resource limit increases to $9,090 for a married couple, the resource limit increases to $13,630. There is no change in policy regarding how to determine available resources.

Vendor Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard
The 2023 Maximum Monthly Maintenance Standard is $3,716.

Minimum and Maximum Spousal Share
The 2023 minimum spousal share is $29,724. The new maximum spousal share is $148,620. Both amounts become effective for any assessment completed on or after January 1, 2023.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The SGA monthly amounts increase and are as follows:

  • $2,460 for statutorily blind individuals
  • $1,470 for non-blind individuals

 

Policy and Appendices Updates
The following appendices were updated to show the new amounts:

Manual sections 0410.010.15, 0865.010.15, 1030.010.05 and 1030.035.10 are revised to remove outdated information and reference Appendix J for current information.
Manual sections 0805.020.15, 1030.035.20 and 1030.035.25 are updated to specify that data contained in examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not contain current numbers.

 

Adjustments by Program and Mass Adjustment Process
All programs will be adjusted according to program. Review FAMIS Resources for further information about the mass adjustment process.

Senate Bill 577 (2007) authorized the disregard for Social Security COLA increases for certain MO HealthNet (MHN) programs with income eligibility based on federal poverty level (FPL) until the next FPL adjustment in April. All SSA, SSI, VA, and RR income sources will be updated with the new income amount and verification code “CO” for COLA adjustment.

Note: For budget months prior to January 2023, do not use the “CO” – COLA verification code.

Note: The Families First Coronavirus Response Action of 2020 (FFCRA) requires that MO HealthNet (MHN) coverage for individuals be maintained at the same level or better for the duration of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). There will be no adverse action to reduce or end MHN coverage due to COLA changes until the end of the PHE.

 

Reports with Actions Needed
Reports with action needed will be distributed to the SNAP, TA/CC, and MHN Program Managers for assignment. Follow the instructions in FAMIS Resources on how to process each type of report.

 

Request for Hearing/Continued Benefits
When a fair hearing is requested, follow current fair hearing request procedures.

 

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Search “COLA” or “Adjustment” in FAMIS Resources for processing guidance.
  • State Office will provide the SSA/SSI/VA/RR Needing Review report to designated staff.
  • Allow MHN Policy for “CO” income verification to disregard SSA and SSI COLA Adjustments until the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) Adjustment in April.

 

 

KE/mc

IM-140 SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE MANUAL SECTION UPDATED

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE MANUAL SECTION UPDATED

MANUAL REVISION #
1120.025.05

 

DISCUSSION:

The 1120.025.05 Authorized Representative section of the SNAP manual was updated with current terms and to remove references to FAMIS. Obsolete instructions concerning entering information on the Representative (FMMP) screen were removed. The FMMP screen is no longer used to record authorized representative information.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/vb

IM-139 CRYPTOCURRENCY AND DIGITAL CURRENCIES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) AND MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD)

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: CRYPTOCURRENCY AND DIGITAL CURRENCIES FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) AND MO HEALTHNET FOR THE AGED, BLIND, AND DISABLED (MHABD)

MANUAL REVISION #
1030.015.10
1110.000.00
1110.025.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Policy for cryptocurrency and digital currencies has been added to the SNAP and December 1973 Eligibility Requirements Manuals. These currencies should always be explored when discussing income and/or liquid resources. A Request for Clearance (IM-14) should be submitted for case-specific clarification for Temporary Assistance and/or other combination cases.

Cryptocurrencies and digital currencies should be valued using the U.S. Dollars (USD) price listed on the exchange where the currency is stored or traded. The rate listed on the exchange is for one unit of crypto currency/digital currency and will need to be multiplied by the total units held.

  • If Bitcoin (or any other digital currency) is purchased or held on the “Coinbase” exchange, use the rate listed on that exchange provided by the participant.
  • If the digital currency is not held on an exchange, staff should utilize Coinranking.com and use the 30 day average of the currency’s value for the resource amount.

 

 

Example: Hillari owns 10 units of XRP digital currency. The above screen from Coinranking.com gives the USD conversion over a 30 day time period for one unit of XRP as $0.3910, making the calculations as follows:

    • 10 XRP units x $.03910/unit = $0.39 total units held value

 

When verifying these liquid resources:

  • Document the website used to determine the value of the cryptocurrency/digital currency;
  • Note the exact exchange rate at the time of the interview or the calculations used to get a 30 day average;
  • Document the amount of cryptocurrency and/or digital currency the household owns; and
  • If obtainable, submit a screenshot of the exchange site the participant is using to the Electronic Content Management (ECM) system.

If the participant is able to show digital currency amounts through a digital currency ledger, submit a copy (if able) to the (ECM. Self-attestation may be permitted if unable to show an account ledger.

When entering in the eligibility system, code as a liquid resource on the Select Financial Resource (SELFRES/FMWB) screen. Use savings as the type and add a comment explaining the findings.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

KE/se

IM-134 APPEAL TO FAIR HEARING DECISION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CLAIMS

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: APPEAL TO FAIR HEARING DECISION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CLAIMS

MANUAL REVISIONS #
1142.050.00

 

DISCUSSION:

When a fair hearing is requested timely for a claim that has been established, there is no recoupment of SNAP benefits until a hearing decision is made.

Similarly, when an appeal is filed to the Circuit Court for the fair hearing decision, SNAP benefits are not recouped until the Circuit Court renders a judgment.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/se

IM-132 ELIMINATION OF COMMON PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FOR EBT CARD HOLDERS

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: ELIMINATION OF COMMON PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS FOR EBT CARD HOLDERS

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective 10/16/2022, ebtEDGE will no longer accept common Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) for Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The system will not allow a common PIN, examples include but are not limited to:

1234, 0000, 0852, 1010, 1111, 1212, 2000, 2222, 2345, 2580,
3333, 3456, 4444, 4567, 5555, 5678, 6666, 7777, 8888, 9999

Participants will receive an error message when they attempt to enter a restricted number.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  •  Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/mks

IM-131 MID-CERTIFICATION REVIEWS POLICY UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: MID-CERTIFICATION REVIEWS POLICY UPDATED IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MANUAL

MANUAL REVISION #
1140.020.00

 

DISCUSSION:

Effective 10/17/2022, 1140.020.00 Mid-Certification Reviews policy was updated in the SNAP manual to remove the use or acceptance of any other application or form in place of the Mid-Certification Review/Report Form (FA-546, MCR). Staff can also no longer accept a MCR for use as a new application when a participant’s case has been closed and cannot be reopened.

By removing other forms for use in place of the MCR, it will:

  • Ensure all required information is provided to households in order to complete the MCR,
  • Remove confusion as to what forms are acceptable for participants,
  • Streamline MCR processing for Staff,
  • Better align Missouri with Federal SNAP Regulations, and
  • Improve the overall error rate with Quality Control (QC) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Over 75% of QC errors with MCRs involve the agency failing to follow up on incomplete or inconsistent information received on the MCR. SNAP applications rely on an interview and submitting a new application does not provide all of the information requested on the MCR. Staff should no longer accept the FS-1 in place of the MCR.

If the MCR is due and an Application for SNAP (FS-1) is received, review 1120.035.00 Applications More Than 60 Days Prior to Last ATP for how to handle applications received outside of the 60 day timeframe prior to the recertification period. If the application should be rejected, a FA-546 should be reprinted and sent to the participant with the IM-2MCR Mid-Certification Review Request along with the IM-112 Action Taken on Your SNAP Case.

Example 1: Jesse C. submitted an FS-1 online on 10/10/2022. His case is active and the Eligibility Unity Summary (EUSUMM) screen shows his certification is active through 4/2023 with a Mid-Cert Review date of 10/1/2022. As it is not within 60 days of Jesse’s certification end date, his application is desk rejected. An IM-112 is generated with the proper rejection reason. With the IM-112, an IM-2MCR and FA-546 are sent. Upon review of the TA/MA/FS Review History (REINVEST) screen, the IM-2MCR gives Jesse until 10/31/2022 to return the MCR.

Example 2: Cassie S. calls the customer service center on 11/28/2022. She states she just opened her mail and had several notices regarding her SNAP case and the MCR. The automated system told her that her SNAP case is closed. She began filling out a new FS-1 online. Cassie’s SNAP case was closed and her last SNAP benefit was received in 11/2022. Advise Cassie that even though her case is closed, the case can be reopened if she turns in a new MCR before 11/30/2022. If she has her MCR, direct her to fill it out as soon as possible and provide Cassie with the options for returning the form. If Cassie does not have the MCR, a new copy should be generated and mailed to her. If she chooses to complete a new FS-1, it will be used for a new eligibility determination once her interview is completed. The options discussed with Cassie should be noted in the eligibility system.

If a SNAP case is closed due to the MCR not being received, the MCR should no longer be used to help a participant reapply for SNAP benefits if it is received after the timeframe to cancel close the SNAP case. The MCR form does not meet the definition of an application for SNAP benefits since the MCR does not inform participants of the rights they have when applying. Participants needing to reapply must submit a new FS-1.

Example: Pilot S’s SNAP case closed on 10/27/2022 due to failure to return the MCR (reason closing code REI). On 11/2/2022, a completed FA-546 is received. A review of Pilot’s Payment History (PAYHIST) screen shows his last SNAP benefit was issued 10/2022. His case cannot be cancel closed, and an FS-1 should be sent for him to reapply. Case notes should be made noting the receipt of the completed late FA-546 and the sending of a new FS-1.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Effective 10/17/2022, FS-1 and other program applications should no longer be used to complete the MCR, and the MCR should no longer be used to reapply for SNAP benefits.

 

 

 

KE/tl

 

IM-130 UPDATES TO DRUG CONVICTION EXCEPTION VERIFICATION FORMS IM-367 AND IM-368

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FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO DRUG CONVICTION EXCEPTION VERIFICATION FORMS IM-367 AND IM-368

FORM REVISION #
IM-367
IM-368

 

DISCUSSION:

The Current Probation and Parole/Court Compliance Drug Conviction Exception Verification (IM-367) has been updated with a corrected email address for the Missouri Division of Probation and Parole. The new email address will automatically populate when using the “Email Probation and Parole” button on the form through Adobe.

While no content changes have been made to the Discharged Parolee Drug Conviction Exception Verification (IM-368), the IM-367 and the IM-368 are now only available in the internal forms manual as both forms are only intended to be interagency communications.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Being using IM-367 (revised 9/2022) immediately.

 

 

 

KE/tl

IM-129 OCTOBER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MASS ADJUSTMENT FY2023

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: OCTOBER SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) MASS ADJUSTMENT FY2023

MANUAL REVISIONS #
0815.030.10.10.10
1105.015.04.05
1110.005.00
1115.035.05
1115.035.25
1115.035.25.15
1115.035.25.40
1115.099.00
1130.035.15
1135.010.07.05
1140.005.46
1140.020.00
Appendix B
Appendix J

 

DISCUSSION:

The SNAP Mass Adjustment will go into effect for all applicants and participants as of October 1, 2022.

During the SNAP Mass Adjustment income maximums, resource maximums, utility standards and deductions are updated to reflect changes based on the cost of living. Policy sections were updated along with the following documents:

 

Updates to the Maximums, Utility Standards and Deductions:

Allotment Types Allotment Amounts
Standard Deductions  1-4 Household Members          $193
 5 Household Members             $225
 6+ Household Members           $258
Utility Standards  SUA                                       $441
 NHCS                                     $347
 LUA                                       $142
 Telephone                              $71
Excess Shelter Deduction $624
Homeless Standard Deduction $166.81
Standard Medical Deduction $170
Gross (130%) Maximum Increased
Net (100%) Maximum Increased
FPL (165%) Maximum* Increased

Update to Threshold for Change Reporting: The threshold for reporting required changes for a SNAP household remains at $125.

Update to the Resource Limit: The resource limit changed from $3,750 to $4,250 for households with at least one elderly or disabled member and from $2,500 to $2,750 for all other households.

Update to the threshold for reporting substantial lottery or gambling winnings: Increased from $3,750 to $4,250.

Notices: All households with an allotment increase or decrease will be sent a FA-150 Action Notice dated September 27, 2022. The notice informs the household of the following:

  • The Standard Deduction and Excess Shelter Maximums have changed.
  • The Utility Standard Allowances have changed.
  • The household SNAP allotment for October has changed.

Fair Hearing Request: When a fair hearing is requested, follow current fair hearing request procedures.

Conflict of Actions: FAMIS will adjust active SNAP cases during the mass adjustment, even if the case has a pending adverse action. A conflict of action is created if there is a pending adverse action when the mass adjustment is completed. Staff should void the pending adverse action and process the mass adjustment adverse action following these steps:

  1. Void the first (pending) adverse action on the Action Resolution (FM50 or ACTRES) screen.
  2. Complete the eligibility determination on the Eligibility Determination Resolution screen (FM3Y or EDRES).
  3. Authorize the new action, even if the action is a benefit reduction or closing.

Cases Not Adjusted: Pending applications and cases with pending changes cannot be adjusted during the mass adjustment and require staff to take action. When staff complete the appropriate action, the case will be automatically adjusted.

The following are examples of cases not adjusted:

  • Expedited households that are active with postponed verification (APV status).
  • Any household with an incomplete eligibility determination, such as when there is insufficient data (ISD).
  • Any household in the controlled flow.
  • If an unacceptable or blank verification code is entered for a program element.
  • Any household with pending verification.

MO HealthNet for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (MHABD):
The SUA or the telephone standard is used in calculating the Community Spouse (CS) allotment for vendor cases. This calculation is completed by the eligibility system based on the shelter expenses and utility standards entered by staff. The MHABD manual has been updated to reflect the new standards in Appendix B, Appendix J, and 0815.030.10.10.10 Determining Allotment to the Community Spouse.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

 

 

 

KE/ks

IM-122 UPDATES TO IM-112 ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CASE FORM

Posted on

FROM: KIM EVANS, DIRECTOR

SUBJECT: UPDATES TO IM-112 ACTION TAKEN ON YOUR SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) CASE FORM

FORM REVISION #
IM-112
IM-112 (Spanish)

 

DISCUSSION:

The Action Taken on Your SNAP Case (IM-112) form has been updated with the action/reason: “Your application has been rejected because you are not a Missouri resident. CFR 273.3(a)”. The “From” field where the agency/office information was previously entered at the top of the form has been removed.

A Spanish version of the form has been created. The form name and number have not changed. The IM-112 can be found in the internal forms manual.

 

NECESSARY ACTION:

  •  Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
  • Discard any old versions of the form (3/2022 or earlier) and begin using the new version (7/2022) immediately.

 

 

 

KE/tl