M E M O R A N D U M

IM-24  03/04/02  COMPARABLE DISQUALIFICATION FOR AN INDIVIDUAL
DISQUALIFIED IN ANOTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #9


SUBJECT:
COMPARABLE DISQUALIFICATION FOR AN INDIVIDUAL DISQUALIFIED IN ANOTHER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #9
SECTION 1105.015.10
SECTION 1105.015.10.55
SECTION 1115.070.00
SECTION 1115.080.00
SECTION 1115.082.00

DISCUSSION:
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.

NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff. 
HJK
Distribution #6

IM-23
[ 2002 Memorandums ]
 IM-25