| TO: | ALL COUNTY OFFICES |
| FROM: | JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR |
| SUBJECT: | CLARIFICATION OF FOOD STAMP BUDGETING PROCEDURES DURING TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE SANCTION FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #15 |
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this memorandum is to clarify food stamp budgeting procedures during the time an EU member has a Temporary Assistance sanction for failure to comply with required actions of the program, and additional changes are made on the case.
When an EU is sanctioned for Temporary Assistance for failure to comply with DWD or Child Support Enforcement, the EU cannot receive an increase in food stamp benefits. For EUs where a food stamp sanction is not applicable, the “RP - Reduction - refusal to comply with program requirements” code is used.
Attribute the RP amount determined to be appropriate the first month that the penalty is imposed throughout the length of the penalty. During the penalty period, act on changes that affect food stamps which are not related to the violation. For example, if the EU's earned income decreases and the Temporary Assistance grant increases because of this, the decrease in earned income and the increase in Temporary Assistance must be must be taken into account.
EXAMPLE: Sara M is sanctioned by Temporary Assistance for non-cooperation with Child Support. Her Temporary Assistance grant is reduced from $216 to $162. The reduction in Sara's Temporary Assistance grant causes her food stamp benefit amount to increase. Therefore, $54 is budgeted as RP income. During Sara's sanction, her employer reduces the number of hours she works. Because the change in Sara's earned income is not a violation of the Temporary Assistance Program, a budget adjustment is completed using the change in Sara's earned income, Temporary Assistance grant, and continuing to budget the $54 RP income.
The Food Stamp Manual Section 1115.080.00 Prohibition in Increasing Food Stamp Benefits is revised adding clarification of the budgeting procedures during the time an EU member is sanctioned due to penalties imposed by Temporary Assistance.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.