| Food stamp policy is changed/clarified
for a comparable disqualification because of failure to take a required
action in another public assistance program. In addition to prohibiting
an increase in food stamp benefits, the individual who did not take a required
action is disqualified for the Food Stamp Program. For these disqualified
individuals, count all of the resources and all but a pro rata share of
the income.
Clarifications/changes to this policy are:
-
DO NOT disqualify a household member
for failure to comply with a procedural requirement that would not trigger
a food stamp sanction. For example, failure to provide requested
verification of a change in circumstances is a procedural requirement and
wouldnot
cause the individual to be disqualified for food stamp benefits.
The reduced amount of grant would be budgeted for food stamp benefits.
-
Disqualify a household member for failure
to take a required behavioral action designed to improve the well being
of the family. For example, failure to participate in job search
activities is a behavioral requirement and would cause the individual
to be disqualified for food stamp benefits. The food stamp household
does not benefit by budgeting a reduced amount of grant.
-
End the disqualification if the individual
becomes ineligible for the assistance program due to a reason other than
failure to take a required behavioral action designed to improve the well
being of the family or the assistance case is closed.
-
Disqualifications by the other program continued
beyond 12 months must be reviewed at least annually for food stamps to
determine if the continued food stamp disqualification is appropriate.
-
If the disqualified individual moves into
another food stamp household within the state, apply the prohibition on
increasing food stamp benefits to the gaining household. Do not disqualify
the individual moving into another household if that individual is ineligible
for some other reason in the other assistance program, i.e. is not eligible
for Temporary Assistance because a child is not in the home.
-
Restore lost benefits when necessary if it
is later determined the reduction in the public assistance grant or the
disqualification was not appropriate.
The policy prohibiting an increase in food
stamp benefits due to fraud has not changed. See Food Stamp Manual
Section 1115.082.00.
The Food Stamp Manual is revised to reflect
the clarifications/changes contained in this memorandum and handling income/resources
for 18 to 50 year olds not meeting the work requirement as discussed in
Memorandum
IM-#194, dated October 25, 2001. |