M E M O R A N D U M

IM-44  03/10/00  BUDGETING SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT INCOME FOR SNC


SUBJECT:
BUDGETING SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT INCOME FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING CARE
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective immediately the budgeting procedure for Supplemental Nursing Care (SNC) is changed to allow a disregard of a portion of earnings from Supported Employment.  This change continues our efforts to assist individuals achieve their potential by allowing the SNC recipient to benefit more directly from their employment.

The Supported Employment Program is administered by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).  Notification of the claimant's participation in Supported Employment may come from the individual, a Supported Employment Service Provider, or DVR.  There are no changes in reporting requirements or verification procedures.

SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT BUDGETING FOR SUPPLEMENTAL NURSING CARE

The amount of Supported Employment income disregarded in the SNC grant determination is the same as the earned income disregard for Medical Assistance.  From the gross Supported Employment earnings exclude the first sixty-five ($65) and one-half (1/2) of the remainder.  This income exclusion applies only to wages earned through Supported Employment. NOTE:  Continue to disregard income received from employment in a sheltered workshop and income received from employment as a patient worker at subminimum wages in an institution.

To accommodate this budgeting change we will revise the SURPLUS COMPUTATION FORM, SP, SNC (IM-30B).  Until receipt of the revised form, utilize the current IM-30B and MA SPENDDOWN WORKSHEET (IM- 30A) to determine the SNC grant of a Supported Employment participant.

I. Complete lines 1 through 5 of the IM-30A. 

  • Line 1--enter the monthly gross Supported Employment income.
  • Complete lines 2a, b, and d, disregard line 2c  (AB student exemption does not apply).
  • Complete lines 3 through 5.  On line 4 include the claimant's unearned income and any earned income from non-supported employment.  The amount shown on line 5 is the total countable income.
    • II. Complete Section III (SNC) of the IM-30B.
    • Line 1--enter the verified Residential Care Facility base rate charged to the claimant. 
    • Enter the amount from line 5 of the IM-30A.
    • Line 3--subtract the countable income from the base rate to determine the deficit.
    • Line 4--enter the amount of the SNC payment.  The SNC grant is the lesser of the deficit or the appropriate SNC maximum payment.


    SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

    Supported Employment places the most severely disabled in competitive employment with non-disabled employees.  Participant's wages are consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act.  Participation in Supported Employment lasts nine months, unless DVR determines special circumstances exist. 

    DVR contracts with service agencies to provide Supported Employment Services.  These agencies provide supportive services, teaching the participant job duties and related employment responsibilities.  This form of job coaching helps ensure the participant's job retention.  The goal is the participant's continued employment in an integrated setting.
     
    NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.

    •  
  • Exclude $65 and 1/2 of the remainder of Supported Employment earned income

    •  
  • Until receipt of the revised IM-30B, use the IM-30A and IM- 30B to determine SNC grant.
    • AM
    Distribution #6
    [ Memorandum Table of Contents ]