MEMORANDUM

DISCUSSION:

Effective December 12, 2011, due to clarification received from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) all expedited Food Stamp applications received after the 15th of the month are eligible to receive prorated benefits for the month of application and a full month's benefits for the next month in one issuance.

This memorandum addresses the following revisions/clarifications associated with this change:

• FAMIS Screens;
• Notices:
• Shelters for Battered Women and Children;
• Expedited with Postponed Verification; and
• Residents of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers.

 

When an EU is eligible for expedited services, benefits must be issued and available to the EU within seven days.

EXAMPLE:  Mrs. A applies for Food Stamp benefits on December 18, 2011 and is determined eligible for expedited benefits.  The interview is completed and an eligibility determination is entered.  FAMIS will issue expedited benefits for December 18th to December 31th along with benefits for the month of January, 2012 on December 19, 2011.  Mrs. A's next Food Stamp issuance will be in February, 2012 on regular payroll.

FAMIS Screens

The Payment History (FM5F) screen will show the individual benefit months with the same availability date.

Benefit Month	Avail/Iss Date	Issuance Number	Status	Payroll Type	Gross Amount	Recoup Amount	Net Amount
012012	12192011	G00736604	ISS	EXP	200.00		200.00
122011	12192011	G00736603	ISS	EXP	86.00		86.00

The Select Authorization (FM3G) screen will show APEX (approval for expedited) for the first and second month for expedited applications taken after the 15th of the month.  FAMIS continues to authorize the APEX action during the overnight batch process if the worker does not authorize the APEX action and the controlled flow is complete with identity verified.

EU	Benefit Month	Action	Date	Status	Authorization Restriction
FS0000000000FSP001	122011	APEX	12182011	AUC	Authorized
FS0000000000FSP001	012012	APEX	12182011	AUC	Authorized
FS0000000000FSP001	022012	NOCH	12182011	AUC	Authorized

Notices

The FA-110 Expedited Service Notice and the FA-150 Action Notice are updated to include language regarding expedited eligible applications taken after the 15th of the month and expedited benefits issued.

NOTE:  When explaining the FA-110 to an expedited eligible applicant emphasize they are getting prorated and a full month's benefits in one issuance and their next issuance will not be received until the 3rd month's regular payroll. 

Expedited with Postponed Verification

When an expedited Food Stamp application is made after the 15th day of the month and is approved with postponed verification, benefits are not released for the third month until verification is provided.  The applicant has until the last day of the second month to provide verification.  If the last day of the second month falls on a weekend or holiday the last day is the next working day.  Approved cases with postponed verification will close the 30th day after the date of application.  If requested verification is provided prior to the last day of the second month cancel close the case, enter the verification and complete the authorization for Food Stamp benefits.

EXAMPLE:  Mrs. A applies for Food Stamp benefits on December 18, 2011 and is determined eligible for expedited benefits.  The interview is completed and an eligibility determination is entered with postponed verification.  FAMIS will issue expedited benefits for December 18th to December 31th along with benefits for the month of January, 2012 on December 19, 2011.  Mrs. A's February, 2012 benefits will not be released until requested verification is provided.  Verification is not provided prior to January 17, 2012 and the case is closed.  Mrs. A brings in requested verification on January 30, 2012.  Cancel close the case, enter the verification and complete authorization of the Food Stamp benefits for February, 2012.

Shelters for Battered Women and Children

Many residents in battered women's and children's shelters recently left an EU containing the person who abused them. Their former EU may be receiving food stamp benefits, and its certification may be based on an EU size that includes the woman and children who left.

When shelter residents apply after the 15th of the month and are expedited, if otherwise eligible, they may be certified for food stamp benefits as a separate EU in the first and second month only one time if the previously certified EU included the person who subjected them to abuse.

Residents of Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers

Residents of drug and alcohol treatment centers that apply for Food Stamps after the 15th day of the month and are eligible for expedited benefits will receive the month of application and the next month's benefits in one allotment.  Ongoing benefits will be received in two equal amounts, on the 1st and 15th of the month.

NECESSARY ACTION:

• Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

AC/cb