During the 2001 legislative session the General Assembly passed and Governor Holden signed into law, Senate Bill 236, changing the eligibility requirements for the GAFP program.  These changes become effective with September 2001 benefits. 

NEW ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 208 Section 029 (GAFP eligibility) has been repealed and is now Missouri Revised Statues Chapter 435 Section 320 and Chapter 435 Section 325.  Under this revised statute the following changes have been enacted.

The GAFP household must have a total household income of less than two hundred percent (200%) of the federal poverty level (FPL).  Staff will now have to verify household income including the grandparent's or specified relative and children and compare this total amount to 200% of FPL.  If the income is less than 200% of FPL the children are eligible for a GAFP cash grant (as long as all other eligibility factors have been met).  A chart breaking down the 200% of FPL into household size is attached.

NOTE:  Use the Intranet Temporary Assistance Manual sections 0210.005.05 and 0210.005.10 for persons included and excluded from the Temporary Assistance assistance group.  The same inclusions and exclusion will apply to the GAFP assistance group to determine household income.

Procedure for Implementation

For all applications taken from September 2001 and ongoing, verify the income of the entire GAFP household and compare this amount to the chart for 200% of FPL.

For all active GAFP cases staff will need to complete a reinvestigation to verify the income of the entire GAFP household. This reinvestigation process must be completed by August 31, 2001.  Those households ineligible on 200% of FPL will be closed by September 1, 2001.

If the household is ineligible for GAFP explore eligibility for Subsidized Guardianship (through Children's Services) and Non-Parent Caretaker Relative.

The GAFP program shall provide reimbursement up to seventy-five percent (75%) of the current foster care payment schedule to eligible grandparents.  The new grant rates are as follows:

Birth to 24 months   $207.00
25 months to 5 years  $170.00
6 years to 12 years   $207.00
13 years and older   $230.00

NOTE:  The system will continue to compute grants for this program.

Procedure for Implementation

On August 11, 2001 there will be a mass adjustment of GAFP cases to convert the grant amounts to 75% of the current foster care payment schedule.  This change will be effective with the September benefits.  Letters will be sent to the grandparents or specified relatives informing them of the change and the new grant amounts.  The letter will also contain hearing rights information.

The GAFP program shall establish criteria for the reduction in cash benefits received by any grandparent or specified relative providing care for three or more grandchildren.

GAFP grant amounts will continue to be computed by the system.  In households with 3 or more children the computer will follow these steps:

The 2 oldest children will receive grants at 75% of the current foster care payment schedule.  Each additional child in the GAFP household will receive a grant of $136.00.

Example:  A GAFP household with 5 children ages 13, 10, 7, 5 and 6 months will receive the following:

13 years old    $230.00
10 years old    $207.00
Child 3             $136.00
Child 4             $136.00
Child 5             $136.00

Total grant       $845.00 

Procedure for Implementation

The mass adjustment of GAFP cases to convert the grant amounts to 75% of the current foster care payment schedule will also include the change in grants for providing for 3 or more grandchildren.

The GAFP program may provide respite care, childcare, clothing allowance and transportation assistance. 

To clarify the appropriate use of the transportation assistance for staff, the following definition has been developed.  Transportation assistance is to be allowed for extraordinary medical/emergency situations only.  It must be in excess of 45 miles one way in "have to" situations, such as seeing a specialist. 

Example:  Grandmother takes grandchild 100 miles one way to visit the child's mother.  This is not allowed as an appropriate transportation expense.

Example:  Grandmother takes grandchild 100 miles to see the specialist her physician ordered to consult on the child's medical case.  This is allowed as an appropriate transportation expense. 

Ancillary expenses such as special educational needs, graduation needs etc., will not be allowable expenses in the GAFP program.  If staff is currently allowing these expenses, or have questions about any allowable expenses, contact Gail Zielonka for clarification. 

Procedure for Implementation

Beginning immediately, all DBF-14 requests for payments will need to be routed to Gail Zielonka PDS, Temporary Assistance Unit, 2nd floor of the Howerton Building. 

This includes any request for payment made in the GAFP program to include respite, childcare and clothing allowances.  Questions on allowable expenses need to be routed through Gail Zielonka at 573-751-9488.

• Review this memo with all appropriate staff.

• Begin the process of reinvestigations for ALL GAFP households to verify the household income.  Compare this amount to 200% of the FPL for eligibility for September 2001 and ongoing.

• Complete all reinvestigations by August 31, 2001 and enter closings if necessary by September 1, 2001.

• Discuss with applicants and recipients the new grant amounts for the GAFP program at next contact.