- TO:
- ALL COUNTY OFFICES
- FROM:
- JANEL R. LUCK, DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
- HURRICANE GUSTAV POLICY AND LIVING ARRANGEMENT CODE IN FAMIS
DISCUSSION:
Effective immediately, the living arrangement code NG (Natural Disaster – Gustav) is added to FAMIS for evacuees of Hurricane Gustav. This memorandum addresses the following:
FAMIS Entry
Enter the living arrangement code of “NG” (Natural disaster – Gustav) on the Supercase Member Clearance (FM0E) screen to create a separate supercase for Hurricane Gustav evacuees. Code NG can be used in conjunction with other living arrangement codes at the same residential address and allow multiple supercases at that address.
For pending applications update the living arrangement code to NG prior to approval. Change the living arrangement code by taking the following steps:
- Go to the Supercase Address/Supercase Transfer (FM0A) screen,
- type A on the Command line,
- prompt for or enter Living Arrangement Code NG, and
- press enter.
FOOD STAMP POLICY
There are no changes to policy for the Food Stamp Program. Follow normal program rules if the evacuees wish to apply for the Food Stamp Program in Missouri.
If the evacuees purchase and prepare food with the individuals with whom they are residing, this is not considered a separate EU and the supercase would not be coded NG for Hurricane Gustav status. If the evacuees purchase and prepare food separately, or are residing in a shelter, the NG code would be used to identify the evacuees as a separate supercase/EU.
If the applicant states they cannot obtain verification, send the information to Central Office via the IM-14 process for clarification.
If the evacuee states s/he received benefits in a state affected by Hurricane Gustav and has lost food purchased with those benefits, complete the IM-110 and send to the Food Stamp Program and Policy Unit following normal procedures.
CHILD CARE POLICY
Families displaced by Hurricane Gustav may file an application for Child Care Assistance through the Family Support Division or the Children’s Division (for Protective Services Child Care). All eligibility factors for Child Care Assistance are to be followed, including need for care, with the exception that staff is instructed to use flexibility when asking for verification of residency, relationship, and income. Although the timeframe for processing applications will not be changed, staff should make applications for assistance to families affected by Hurricane Gustav a priority.
Residency
Section 1210.010.00 of the Child Care Assistance policy manual requires applicants of Child Care Assistance be Missouri residents or declare an intent to remain in Missouri. Gustav victims may receive Child Care Assistance as residents of Missouri, as long as there is an indication that they intend to remain in Missouri. The applicant’s statement is acceptable verification of residency unless it is questionable.
Relationship
Relationship may be difficult to establish because of the loss of personal documents. If a family can not provide the appropriate verification of relationship, it must be established through collateral contacts. The family must provide the name and contact information of an individual who has knowledge of the family and can verify relationship.
Income
Household income is verified through normal verification processes. If the income being verified is from a previous employment or source, and hard copy verification can not be obtained, staff may accept the client’s statement. If the income is from a new source or employment since arriving in Missouri, appropriate verification of the new income must be provided.
Child Care Resource and Referral
The Missouri Child Care Resource and Referral Network (MOCCRRN) is a network of agencies that provide referral services to families seeking child care arrangements. They have prepared to assist displaced families by providing referral lists and contacting providers to ensure that there are child care openings.
Because families displaced by Gustav will not be familiar with the different categories of legal care in Missouri, it is important that staff refer interested families to the MOCCRRN agency in their area. The eight MOCCRRN agencies may be located on the internet at www.moccrrn.org or by telephone at 1-800- 200-9017.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.