| TO: | ALL COUNTY OFFICES |
| FROM: | JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: | CHILD SUPPORT GARNISHMENT FROM SSA |
DISCUSSION:
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented a new Garnishment Case Control System (COGS) which affects certain data displayed on the BENDEX report and IIVE.
Effective Immediately SSA benefits with child support garnishment displays the Gross Amount Payable of the SSA on the BENDEX report, and in the IIVE system. The Net Monthly Benefit reflects the garnishment. The amount of the garnishment and/or the reason for the garnishment is not displayed at this time. This information will be added to the BENDEX and IIVE when it is available from SSA.
When the Net Monthly Benefit displayed is less than the Gross Amount Payable, and the reason for the difference is not displayed on the report, discuss the deduction with the Eligibility Unit (EU)/assistance group. If the EU/assistance group states there is a garnishment for child support take the following actions:
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For the Food Stamp Program the child support deduction is allowed as described in 1102.015.40 Legal Obligation and Actual Child Support Payments. Continue to exclude monies withheld from SSA benefits for recoupment as described in 1115.015.80 Recoupment Payments.
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For Temporary Assistance the child support deduction is allowed as described in 0210.005.45 Stepparent Cases and 0210.005.30 Minor Parent Lives with Parent(s).
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For Medical Assistance for Families (MAF) the child support deduction is allowed as described in 0905.012.20 Deeming Income From A Minor Parent's Parent (MAF), and 0905.012.35 Stepparent cases (MAF).
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For MC+ for Children the child support deduction is allowed in the same manner as described for MAF. Refer to 0920.010.35 Need MC+ and 0905.012.20 Deeming Income From A Minor Parent's Parent (MAF).
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For MC+ for Pregnant Women the child support deduction is allowed in the same manner as described for MAF. Refer to 0925.010.25 Need (MPW) and 0905.012.20 Deeming Income From A Minor Parent's Parent (MAF).
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For Vendor Assistance use child support payments to increase the personal needs allowance as described in Income Maintenance Memorandum IM-#68 dated July 14, 2004.
- For Child Care the court ordered obligation and/or child support deductions are not allowable deductions. Consider the gross income.
NOTE: For food stamps and all Medicaid and Cash Assistance programs, continue to exclude monies withheld from SSA benefits for recoupment.
To enter the Social Security income and child support deduction in FAMIS:
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Verify the court ordered obligation,
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enter the Gross SSA Amount payable on the Income Screen in FAMIS as type UI UNEARNED INCOME, source SS SOCIAL SECURITY.
- enter the court ordered Child Support deduction and amount paid on the Court Ordered expense screen (FMXL) in FAMIS as type CS CHILD SUPPORT COURT ORDERED. The Child support deduction will be allowed as appropriate for the Food Stamp Program and for Stepparent and Minor Parent cases for TA.
For additional information regarding budgeting Social Security unearned income refer to:
- Food Stamps: 1115.010.00 Unearned Income.
- Temporary Assistance: 0210.015.05 Sources of Earned and Unearned Income.
- Medical Assistance: 0805.015.30 Non-Earned Income.
- Supplemental Nursing Care: 0610.005.00 Determination of Gross Income.
- Supplemental Aid to the Blind: 0410.015.10 Unearned Income.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.