M E M O R A N D U M

IM-157  08/28/01  SSA REVIEW OF SSI CLAIMS UNDER TITLE II DISABILITY


SUBJECT:
SSA REVIEW OF SSI CLAIMS UNDER TITLE II DISABILITY
 
DISCUSSION:
In addition to the recent correction to COLA adjustments, the  Social Security Administration (SSA) is reviewing the claims of SSI recipients eligible for Title II disability.  Some of these individuals may be eligible for Social Security benefits.  These recipients may also be eligible to receive retroactive benefits.  SSA is not doing a mass adjustment of these cases.  As each case is reviewed and adjusted, SSA will send notification through BENDEX/SDX.  As action is taken on any case with an SSI recipient, verify the correct amount of SSI/SSA to be budgeted.  This applies to all programs. 

Active Food Stamp Households

Households other than earned income households are required to report when their income changes by more than $25.  If an "other" reporting household reports the change in SSA/SSI income, verify and budget the new income amount. 

Earned income households are not required to report unless their total gross income exceeds 130% of poverty.  Changes reported by SDX/BENDEX are considered verified upon receipt and must be acted upon.  If the change in income is reported by the household and results in total gross income of less than 130% of poverty for the household, take no action if the change would cause benefits to decrease.  Verify and budget the new SSA/SSI income amount at the next certification/recertification.

Staff must re-evaluate categorical eligibility for individuals who begin receiving SSA benefits.  If the SSI benefit ends, the individual may no longer be categorically eligible. 

Consider the one-time lump sum payment from SSA/SSI as a resource when received but do not consider the lump sum payment as income to the food stamp household. 

Income Maintenance Programs

If the change in income is reported via BENDEX/SDX or is found during an interim action, budget the new income and take appropriate action. 

Consider the one time lump sum payment as an available resource to the claimant or the claimant's household.
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff. 
  • Review all BENDEX/SDX printouts for possible adjustment to the SSA/SSI amounts. 
  • Budget the increased SSA/SSI income for food stamp certifications and recertifications.
  • Complete budget adjustments for food stamps according to appropriate policy. 
  • Re-evaluate eligibility for categorical eligibility for individuals with a change in income to Social Security benefits.
  • Complete budget adjustments for IM cases as changes are reported. 
HJK
Distribution #6
[ Memorandum Table of Contents ]
IM-156
IM-158