Effective April 1, 2003, the General Relief grant is being increased to $70.00 per month retroactive to February 2003 (State Law 208.154 and State Regulation 13 CSR 40-2.130).

If you received a $9.00 check in February or March 2003, you will receive a retroactive payment of $61.00 for each month you were eligible.

If you are still receiving General Relief cash benefits your April check will be $70.00.

If you agree with the above decision, you do not have to request a hearing.

If you feel this action is wrong, you have the right to request a hearing within 90 days of the date of this letter.  You may request a hearing by mail, by telephone, or in person through your local Division of Family Services office.

At the hearing, you may present your information yourself or you may be represented by your own attorney or by other persons who know your situation.  If you do not have an attorney, or cannot afford one, you may be able to get help from Legal Aid or Legal Services in your area.  You have the right to bring witnesses to testify at the hearing and to question witnesses who appear at the request of the Division of Family Services.