SAB AND BP ADJUSTMENT

The weekend of June 1, 2002, State Office will automatically adjust food stamp cases receiving SAB and Blind Pension.  All active and suspended cases on the July payroll as of June 1, 2002, will be adjusted.  Local office staff must budget the new SAB or BP grant for cases approved after June 1, 2002, with SAB or BP income.  When releasing benefits after June 2, 2002, on an expedited SAB or BP case, use the new grant amount. 

After the adjustment, Fields 12 and 13 of FCAS will contain the new SAB or BP grant amount.  FCAS and FPAR will reflect a reason code of 66, Computer Budget Adjustment, with an action date of June 1st or 2nd, 2002.  Counties will receive a listing of cases adjusted and closed. 

Households will receive notification of the change in allotment or closing.  Following are sample notices sent to food stamp households.

Effective July 2002, your household will receive an increase in Supplemental Aid to the Blind or Blind Pension cash grant.  The increase in the cash grant may decrease your food stamp benefits. 

You have a right to a fair hearing about this reduction in your food stamp benefits.  If you feel the reduction is wrong, you may ask that your benefits not be reduced until the hearing is held.  However, if the hearing is not in your favor, you will have to repay the amount of the food stamp benefits you received while the hearing was pending.  To request a hearing, contact your local Division of Family Services office within 10 days of this notice.

Effective July 2002, your household will receive an increase in Supplemental Aid to the Blind or Blind Pension cash grant.  The increase in the cash grant caused your income to exceed the maximum income limit for food stamp eligibility.  Your food stamp case is closed effective June 30, 2002. 

You have a right to a fair hearing about the closing of your food stamp case.  If you feel the closing is wrong, you may ask that your food stamp case not be closed until the hearing is held.  However, if the hearing is not in your favor, you will have to repay the amount of food stamp benefits you received while the hearing was pending.  To request a hearing, contact your local Division of Family Services office within 10 days of this notice.

• Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

• Review the adjustment listings upon receipt.