- TO:
- ALL FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICES
- FROM:
- PATRICK LUEBBERING, ACTING DIRECTOR
- SUBJECT:
-
BLIND PENSION PARTICIPANT DIES BEFORE RECEIPT OF BLIND PENSION GRANT MANUAL UPDATE # 51
0510.005.00
DISCUSSION:
This memorandum will update and clarify when the next of kin or a creditor may claim the Blind Pension (BP) grant of a deceased participant.
When a BP participant dies on or after the date their BP grant is due to him/her, their next of kin or a creditor may claim that monthly benefit. If the participant dies before the grant is due, the next of kin or a creditor may not claim it.
BP grants are due the 10th of each month, whether mailed or direct deposited.
EXAMPLE 1: Mr. A receives BP and died on June 3, 2016. He died before the 10th of the month and his next of kin or creditor may not claim his June BP grant.
EXAMPLE 2: Mr. B receives BP and died on June 10, 2016. He died on the date his BP was due and payable. His next of kin or creditor may claim his June BP grant.
To claim the grant issued prior to, or on the date of the participant’s death the next of kin or a creditor must file an affidavit in Probate Court, stating whether the deceased participant left any estate other than the unpaid BP check, and, if so, the value of such estate as provided in 208.180 RSMo. An IM-208A (Introductory Letter to Probate Division of Circuit Court) and an IM-208B (Circuit Court, Probate Division: Authorization for release of a check) must be given to and completed by the next of kin and the circuit judge in order for the check to be released.
When the next of kin or creditor contacts the Family Support Division (FSD) to state he/she would like to claim a check take the following steps:
- Provide the person seeking to claim the check with an IM-208A and 2 copies of the IM-208B, the top portion of each form is to be completed by FSD staff. (scan copies of IM-208A and IM-208B into ECM)
- Instruct them to complete the IM-208A and have it notarized.
- They will need to file the IM-208A with the Circuit Court request the Circuit Court judge complete the IM-208B to order the release of the check in question.
- When the IM-208B is returned to FSD with the signature of the Circuit Court judge, notify MO HealthNet Program & Policy by emailing: Cole.MHNPolicy@dss.mo.gov
- The email must include:
- SUBJECT: REISSUE CHECK TO HEIR OR CREDITOR
- Name, dcn, date of death of the participant
- Attachment with copy of IM-208A and IM-208B
NOTE: It will no longer be necessary to send the IM208 to advise state office to reissue the claimed check.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.
ATTACHMENTS:
PL/vb