IM-40      05/28/08

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES
FAMILY SUPPORT DIVISION
P.O. BOX 2320
JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI

TO:	ALL COUNTY OFFICES
FROM:	JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:	FOOD STAMP CLAIMS POLICY CHANGES FOOD STAMP MANUAL REVISION #16 1142.010.00 1142.015.05 1142.015.10 1142.015.10.05 1142.015.15 1142.035.10 1142.035.10.05

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this memo is to introduce changes to the Food Stamp claims policy for:

• thresholds and

• IMES.

CHANGES TO FOOD STAMP CLAIMS THRESHOLDS AMOUNTS

After reviewing the cost of establishing and collecting claims compared to the dollar amount collected, the following thresholds have been revised for establishing new claims. These thresholds are effective for June 1, 2008 for any Food Stamp discovery referral already registered in the discovery system, and for all future claim referrals.

Thresholds for Establishing Claims
Participating EUs			Non-participating EUs
AE	IHE	SPV/IPV	AE	IHE	SPV/IPV
$70	$70	$0	$400	$400	$0

POLICY CHANGE FOR USE OF IMES FOR FOOD STAMP CLAIMS DETERMINATION

Actual income verification is obtained to determine an over-issuance for Food Stamp claims. Sometimes it is difficult to obtain verification due to client's failure to provide, client's inability to provide, etc. Effective June 1, 2008 IMES may be used if:

• All efforts to obtain actual income have failed,
• The claim period covers the entire quarter, and
• The income information is consistent on IMES.

Documentation of all efforts to obtain actual income verification must be contained in the claims file and a comment entered on the OVNA (note add) screen.

Food Stamp Manual sections 1142.000.00, 1142.015.00 and 1142.035.00 are revised to include the changes. Food Stamp Claims Frequently Asked Questions, number 14 is also revised.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.