M E M O R A N D U M

IM-28  03/31/99  ADDITIONAL NON-WORK MONTHS FOR ABAWDS


SUBJECT:
CHANGE IN THE NUMBER OF MONTHS OF ELIGIBILITY FOR ABLE-BODIED ADULTS AGE 18 TO 50 WHO DO NOT MEET THE WORK REQUIREMENT
 
DISCUSSION:
Effective immediately, the number of months able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) age 18 to 50 may receive food stamp benefits without meeting the work requirement has been increased from 3 non-work months to 5 non-work months in a 36-month period.  The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 permits states to exempt up to 15% of their unwaived, unemployed, ABAWD population from the 3-month time limit.  Missouri has chosen to implement this exemption by giving a participant subject to the work requirement a longer period of time to complete a training program or find employment.  IMNL changes are included in a separate memorandum.

An able-bodied adult without dependents (ABAWD) is an individual who:

  • is a member of a food stamp household with no members under the age of 18;

    •  
  • is mentally and physically able to work;

    •  
  • is not pregnant; and

    •  
  • does not meet a work registration exemption.
An ABAWD meets the work requirement by participating in ABE, JTPA, MJET (in some counties) or working an average of 20 hours or more per week.  A month in which an ABAWD does not meet the work requirement is considered a non-work month.  After an accumulation of five non-work months, the individual is no longer eligible for benefits unless s/he regains eligibility.

The non-work months must be tracked on an ongoing basis.  FTWR is used to capture and track data for ABAWDs to determine that the work requirements are being met.  FTWR will allow the entry of five non-work months before blocking the recertification of ABAWDs.  The procedure for regaining eligibility after receiving benefits in five non-work months has not changed.

Able-bodied adults without dependents residing in waived counties are not required to meet the work requirement.

ACTIVE CASES

A listing of active cases with an individual disqualified due to not meeting the work requirement in three non-work months will be attached to this memorandum and sent to the county director (not all counties will receive a listing).  Contact the head of household to determine the disqualified individual*s current circumstances and eligibility.  If the disqualified individual meets all eligibility requirements and has not used five non-work months, approve the individual for any additional non-work months in which s/he may be entitled to receive benefits.

Attached is a copy of a letter to be used to contact the head of household to determine the eligibility of disqualified individuals.  Make copies of the letter as needed.  Send an IM-145 (Change Report Form) with the letter.  If the completed IM-145 is not received or the household does not contact the county office within 10 days, send an IM-32A (Notice of Expiration) shortening the certification period.

CLOSED CASES

Any currently disqualified individual who makes application and is eligible for benefits may receive benefits up to a total of five non-work months.  The previous non-work months continue to be counted as a part of the total of five non-work months.  Staff is reminded to evaluate previous non-work months to determine if the individual met the work requirement during any of those months.     

A flyer notifying able-bodied adults without dependents they may be eligible for benefits in two additional non-work months will be sent with a separate memorandum.
 
NECESSARY ACTION:
  • Discuss this memorandum with all appropriate staff.

    •  
  • Implement new policy immediately.

    •  
  • Upon receipt of the listing of active cases with a disqualified individual, contact the head of household.
JKW
Distribution #3
[ 1999 Memorandums ]