The highest correctly computed supplemental payment that occurred within EIL limitations is known as the HIGHEST VALID SUPPLEMENTAL PAYMENT. Once this highest valid payment is correctly established, it must be maintained, even if this causes the total income to exceed the December 1973 EIL.
EXAMPLE: An AB claimant, who had a December 1973 EIL of $610 ($110 AB grant and $500 earned income) began receiving a $12 SSI payment in January 1974 because SSI disregarded the following amounts of income: $292 (i.e. the 65 and ½ disregard) and $60 (AB work expense) and $20 (personal income exemption) – $372 total exemptions. The countable income was $128 ($500-$372). The SSI payment was, therefore $12 ($140 – $128). This gives the claimant income of $512 which was $98 less than the claimant’s December 1973 EIL ($610). The claimant was converted to SSI-SP with a supplemental payment of $98. In July 1976 the claimant lost his job. The claimant’s only income was a $167.80 SSI payment. Because the claimant’s December 73 EIL ($610) must be maintained, the claimant’s SP grant was increased to $442. Several months later the claimant returned to work and the claimant’s SSI payment was reduced to $39.80 ($167.80 – $128). The claimant’s SP grant continues at $442 as the highest valid payment level.
The non-reduction provision must be followed unless:
- the highest valid payment is incorrect due to a computation error;
- the prior payment was based on erroneous income information;
- the claimant was totally ineligible for OAA, PTD, or AB during the month of December, 1973;
- the claimant was a December 1973 General Relief recipient; or
- the claimant transfers to another type of assistance.