M E M O R A N D U M

IM-77  05/16/00  EXCLUDE OUTSTANDING CHECKS FROM RESOURCES FOR FS


SUBJECT:
EXCLUDE OUTSTANDING CHECKS FROM RESOURCES FOR THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

MANUAL REVISION #17
SECTION 1110.000.00
 
DISCUSSION:
IMNL is revised to clarify the determination of the value of a checking account that should be counted as a resource for the Food Stamp Program.  This determination is a two step process.

Step 1:
Follow existing policy and do not count money as income and a resource in the same month.  Exclude any current month's income that is in the checking account.  If this step makes the participant resource eligible, no further action is needed.  If, however, the participant remains resource ineligible, go to step two.

Step 2:
Look at the participant's outstanding checks.  If a check has been written and sent to the payee, even if it has not yet been cashed, the money is not available for other purposes.  Therefore, it is not counted toward the resource limit.  Verification should be obtained when necessary.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

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  • Subtract the current month's income and any outstanding checks from the checking account balance when determining the value of a checking account for the Food Stamp Program.

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  • File the revised manual pages in the hard copy of the Food Stamp Manual.
    • MRT
    Distribution #3
    [ Memorandum Table of Contents ]