The amount of increased benefits is determined individually and is based upon the veteran's current income and resources.  The VA expects to send award letters reflecting these adjustments to claimants.

Currently, DFS is unable to automatically adjust Income Maintenance or Food Stamp cases with VA income because our system does not capture the specific amount of VA benefits.

In January, county offices will receive two listings, "Individuals Identified by Field 13U as VA Benefit Recipients" for IM cases, and "VA Benefits -- Food Stamp Households".  The IM listing includes each case active in the system as of December 31, 2001, with a code B in Field 13U of the IM-5/IMU5 system.  It is sorted by county and load.  Cases approved after this date do not appear on the listing.

The Food Stamp listing includes each household member with an Income Type code or 2, 3, 7 or 8 in Field 35 of IM-105/FSU5 as of the date of report.  Individuals approved or coded with these income types after December 31, 2001, do not appear on the listing.

Use the listings to identify VA benefit cases and obtain the necessary verification of the increase.  Complete the adjustments as soon as possible for all Income Maintenance and Food Stamp cases with VA income.  Additionally, make necessary adjustments as affected cases not on the listings are identified.

Adjustments made due to increases in VA benefits are not considered mass adjustments.  Therefore, use the Notice of Adverse Action (IM-80) when reducing or closing cases.

• Share this memorandum with appropriate staff.

• Identify and adjust all IM and FS cases with an individual(s) receiving VA benefits.

• Upon receipt, use listings "Individuals Identified by Field 13U as VA Benefit Recipients" and "VA Benefits -- Food Stamp Households" to make necessary adjustments.

• Enter the appropriate Income Type code in Field 13U of IM-5/IMU5 or Field 35 of IM-105/FSU5 when transmitting information regarding IM/FS cases with VA benefits.