QUESTION #1
Is there a difference in the grant amount between Option #2 (Grandparent at least age 50 or other relative at least age 50) and Option #3 (Grandparent under 50 or Grandparent over 50 who refuses Foster Parent Training)?

ANSWER:  No.  The grant amount remains the same.  The differences are in eligibility requirements and benefits received.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS for GAFP caretakers who refuse to cooperate with Foster Parent Training.

5 year maximum time limit for GAFP
Work participation by GAFP caretaker is required

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE for GAFP caretakers who refuse to cooperate with Foster Parent Training.

All assistance and services under Option #2 except:
Respite Care
Clothing Allowance
Transportation

QUESTION #2
If a GAFP caretaker refuses to cooperate with Foster Parent Training, do we close the GAFP case and reopen the NPCR case?

ANSWER:  Grandparents under the age of 50 are required to cooperate with work participation.  Foster Parent Training is encouraged and will be allowed to count as a work activity.  If the grandparent under 50 refuses to cooperate with work participation, they are not eligible for a GAFP grant.  Explore eligibility for NPCR.

NOTE:  The GAFP caretaker may cooperate with any work activity offered to Temporary Assistance participants.  Exemptions and exclusions should be explored.

QUESTION #3
Does the GAFP caretaker who is not cooperating with Foster Care Training have to cooperate with work participation?

ANSWER:  Yes. Grandparents over 50 who refuse Foster Parent Training will now be receiving at Option #3.  They are required to cooperate with work participation.  A GAFP grandparent over 50 years of age who refuses to cooperate with Foster Parent Training and work activities is not eligible for a GAFP grant.  Explore eligibility for NPCR.

NOTE:  The GAFP caretaker may cooperate with any work activity offered to Temporary Assistance participants.  Exemptions and exclusions should be explored.

QUESTION #4
If work participation is required, do we pay transportation related expenses?

ANSWER:  No.  The GAFP caretaker is not offered transportation in Option #3.

QUESTION #5
What do we need to do in a case where the child turns 2 years old?

ANSWER:  Staff will receive three notices that a child is about to turn 2.  The notices are sent two months prior to the child turning 2, one month prior to the child turning 2 and the month in which the child turns 2.

An Adverse Action Notice (IM-80) needs to be sent notifying the GAFP caretaker that the grant will be reduced.  After the Adverse Action Notice (IM-80) expires, staff need to update the IMU5 system.  To complete this update staff will need to enter 35 in Case Action (Field 5) and then enter the first month the new check amount is to be received in First Month Check Received (Field 37).

QUESTION #6
Is the 5-year maximum time limit the same as the 60-month lifetime limit on Temporary Assistance?

ANSWER:  No. This time limit relates to the receipt of GAFP by the caretaker for the children.  It is not a lifetime limit for the GAFP caretaker who is not receiving a cash grant.

QUESTION #7
If child(ren) are removed from the home of a GAFP caretaker by Juvenile Court action, and they are receiving a GAFP payment, can they be eligible for a Families Together Payment?  If so, would the amount be the Alternative Care payment or Temporary Assistance cash benefit?

ANSWER:  Yes, they may be eligible for Families Together.  The cash benefit would be the grant amount received from GAFP.

QUESTION #8
I have a GAFP caretaker who sends the child support checks to Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) every month.  DCSE sends them back to her.  What is the policy?

ANSWER:  The GAFP caretaker does not have to send the child support checks to DCSE as outlined in IM Memorandum #130 dated September 01, 2000.  DCSE is not able to collect child support payments as the MACSS database in unable to pick up the grant amount information on GAFP cases.  When the new changes coming up on the MACSS database and additional programming have been completed, DCSE will begin retaining child support collected. 

QUESTION #9
How do we budget income received by the child in a GAFP case?  Do we subtract the child's income from the GAFP grant?

ANSWER:  To budget the child's income, you have to compare it to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).  If the child is eligible, issue a full GAFP grant.  Do not subtract the child's income from the GAFP grant.

QUESTION #10
On applications for GAFP from individuals who have never received before, do we issue a full grant for the month of application?

ANSWER:  No.  Prorate the grant.  The proration tables are the same in GAFP as they are for Alternative Care.

QUESTION #11
Do we seek restitution for claims against a GAFP caretaker on GAFP cases?

ANSWER:  No.  This grant is for the children.  The GAFP caretaker's income and resources are not considered.

QUESTION #12
Do we count Temporary Assistance income in a GAFP budget?

ANSWER:  No.  If there was an NPCR case opened and you approve for GAFP, subtract the NPCR grant amount for that month from the GAFP grant amount.  The balance will be the GAFP grant amount for that month.

EXAMPLE:  Mary applied for GAFP on her 14 year old grandson on May 15.  She received $136 grant for NPCR case in May.  They are eligible for a GAFP grant of $307. $307 - $136 = $171.  Mary is eligible to receive an additional $171 for the month of May.

QUESTION #13
If the parent is in the home, is there GAFP eligibility?

ANSWER:  No.  The caretaker cannot receive GAFP if a parent is in the home.

QUESTION #14
What is the mandatory assistance group for GAFP?

ANSWER:  There is no mandatory assistance group, only relationship.  Each child is considered their own case, but all children may go on the same IMU5.

QUESTION #15
The court system is taking so long to grant guardianship/ custody.  Our GAFP caretakers have applied, but still haven't received a decision.  It is now 9 months into the program.  Do we take any action?

ANSWER:  No.  If a GAFP caretaker met the requirement to apply, no action will be taken against the benefits.  This situation is out of their control.

QUESTION #16
How do we pay clothing expenses for GAFP cases?

ANSWER:  Payments such as clothing, travel, respite care, etc, are to be paid on a DBF-14.  Children's Services will be responsible for negotiating and authorizing any special expense payments.  The completed DBF-14 should be sent to the Children's Services payment unit to the attention of Leann Leeson.

QUESTION #17
Are GAFP children eligible to receive free school lunches?

ANSWER:  Yes.  Children that are receiving GAFP assistance are eligible for free lunches.

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.