| TO: | ALL COUNTY OFFICES |
| FROM: | JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: | INCREASE IN VETERAN'S ADMINISTRATION (VA) BENEFITS |
DISCUSSION:
Effective December, 2006, the Veteran's Administration (VA) increased benefits by 3.3% to persons who receive widow, children, and veteran pension benefits and to persons who receive service connected compensation. The increase begins with the January 2007 checks. 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 to claimants reflecting these adjustments.
In January 2007, a MOBIUS report, “IM Individuals Identified as VA Benefit Recipients,” will be generated to MOBIUS. This report will include cases active in the system as of December 31, 2006 with income greater than zero in the “VA” field of IMU5. This report is sorted by county and caseload. Cases approved after this date will not appear on the listing.
Use the listing to identify VA benefit cases and obtain the necessary verification of the increase. Complete the adjustments as soon as possible for all Income Maintenance cases with VA income. Additionally, make necessary adjustments to cases with VA income as they are identified, regardless of whether they are listed on the report. Adjustments made due to increases in VA benefits are not considered mass adjustments. Therefore, a Notice of Adverse Action (IM-80) must be sent prior to reducing benefits or closing the case.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
- Identify and adjust all IM cases with an individual (s) receiving VA benefits.
- Use the “IM Individuals Identified as VA Benefit Recipients” report to identify and adjust all IM cases with individual(s) receiving VA benefits.
- Send a Notice of Adverse Action (IM-80) when reducing or closing cases.